Communications Specialist

Job Description Title: Communications Specialist

Supervisor: Diane Kelly, Communications Director

Classification: Full Time | Non-Exempt

Relates closely to: Communications Team and Production Team

Purpose: To support the Communications Department under the direction and guidance of the Communications Director in the areas of photography, editing, general graphics, purchasing, Cedar Valley App, eNews, and more.

Roles 1. Writing & Editing

Purpose: To review and revise pre-written content to ensure voice, accuracy, clarity, and quality. Correct errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. include, but are not limited to, website, social media, email marketing, advertising campaigns, interoffice documents, and curriculum. Write content as needed.

Responsibilities  Creating bi-weekly eNews  Editing/updating weekly bulletin and slides  Editing weekly Teaching Discussion Questions  Editing as needed for all departments

2. Communications Photography

Purpose: Oversee and produce photography for the Communications Department which includes, but is not limited to, the church’s main social media platforms, eNews, website, and digital and printed material.

Responsibilities  Capturing, editing, and processing high-quality images  Organizing and managing Adobe Lightroom - Communications area  Creating a filing system (department, subject, year, etc.)  Creating guidelines for what's good and what's not and what gets uploaded  Directing the look, feel, and quality of photography. Including East Side Eddie, multigenerational, diverse, etc.  Putting together, directing, and leading a team of volunteer photographers  Taking photos as needed  Scheduling photo opts with departments as we need shots from services, events, groups, etc.  Checking out volunteer cameras for self and volunteers from the Production Department

3. Purchasing

Purpose: Purchase printing and promotional needs for the church. Keep track of purchases and handle inquiries about orders. Communicate with internal departments keeping them up to date. Handle returns and press checks.

Responsibilities:  Product selection: Work with the Communications Director, select job specifications, including material, colors, paperweight, etc.  Setting up Jobs: Getting quotes and working with vendors. Communicating deadlines and specs to vendors.  Approving proofs, press checks: Ensuring products are free from errors and high quality. Reviewing and revising products as needed.  Managing orders: Submitting, tracking, and receiving orders. Keeping on deadlines and working with the Communications Director to stay on budget.  Tracking product records & reorders: Organizing and keeping records of products ordered.  Ensuring delivery of products by deadline: Arranging pickups and pickup up products as necessary.  Handling returns, errors, refunds & misprints: Communicating to departments and vendors to ensure quality products and refunds where appropriate and flexing with last-minute changes.  Communicating with departments: Communicating order status, including new orders, deliveries, and any errors or refunds.

4. Graphic Creator

Purpose: To create/update simple graphics for print and digital use. Simple graphics are basic graphics with a background with lettering over the top.

Responsibilities:  Creating and/or updating simple graphics  Organizing graphics: Keeping records of all graphics produced in SharePoint in an organized, accessible system.

5. Main eNews Support

Purpose: Prep bi-weekly eNews for Communications Director, which includes layout and content.

6. Cedar Valley App (MyCVC) Support

Purpose: Working with the Communications Director, supply support as needed.

7. Marketing & Graphic Order Processor

Purpose: To process all incoming marketing and graphic orders by prepping them for the Communications Director.

8. Volunteer Leader

Purpose: To grow godly leaders and to train and equip volunteers to be effective in their role. Teams:  Photography

9. Website

Purpose: Working alongside the Communications Director to provide and upload graphics to the website and assist as needed.

10. Communications Team

Purpose: To assist in brainstorming and execution of communication campaigns. Examples include but are not limited to Christmas or Easter.  Attending Meetings: Actively participating during milestone meetings, including contributing ideas and providing insight and support.  Assisting campaigns: Supporting the Communications Team with communication displays, setup, and participating as needed. Examples: delivering EDDM to Post Office(s), setting up banners or yard signs, etc.

11. Environments

Purpose: Working alongside the Communications Director to help visualize and implement branded environments to enhance the experience of our staff, church, and guests.  Installation: Working with the Facilities Director and Communication Director to install decals, signs, window decals, and carpet decals. Setting up various displays and photo booths and painting walls as needed.  Purchasing miscellaneous. pieces: Working with the Communications Director to purchase necessary products like plants, holders, and other items to create functional, pleasant, stylish, and inviting branded environments.

Qualifications

 Authentic relationship with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.  One who exhibits a growing relationship with God, a teachable spirit, and a healthy family life.  A vision and passion for the community in which Cedar Valley is located.  Works in coordination and harmony with other church ministries and staff.  Committed to the church's vision, leadership, and people.  Is gifted in interpersonal and written communication.  Strong eye for composition, lighting, and visual storytelling.  Can lead others and develop leaders.  Dependable, responsible, organized, self-motivated.  Teachable, eager to learn, can pick up and learn easily.  Multitasker  Soft Skills: Creativity, critical thinking, time management, ability to handle deadlines, flexibility, and work at fast paces when needed.

Education, Training, Experience Requirements

 High School Diploma.  Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Microsoft Publisher a plus).  Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or Marketing preferred but not required; relevant experience considered.  Writing & Editing | Must have strong writing/grammar skills. Ability to spot errors in large amounts of text. Strong interpersonal skills for feedback and team collaboration.  Photography | Must have a technical understanding of photography, including how to use digital cameras and photo editing. Preferred but not required: Adobe Lightroom experience.  Graphics | User of one or more graphic software: Canva, Adobe Illustrator, Microsoft Publisher, or related software or willing to learn.

Other Requirements  Be or become a Cedar Valley Church Member  The Job Description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice

Work Hours  Full-time; In-office  Church Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Position Office hours: Monday–Friday | Open for discussion  Due to the nature of our work and the need to coordinate our working hours with weekend and weekday services and activities, changes in work schedules may be necessary.  This position may require additional hours for other work events.

Pay range is $20.00- $21.00 per hour.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $39,500.00 - $43,680.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Commuter assistance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $39,500 - $43,680