Director of Communications

Position Title: Director of Communications

Reports to: Director of Operations

Direct Reports: None

Provides work direction to: Volunteers

Receives work direction from: Director of Operations, Pastor

FLSA: Non-exempt

Date: December 2024

Schedule: 12 months, Full Time. 40 hours per week. The nature of the work and the Church’s schedule of activities requires scheduling flexibility, and this position will work with the Director of Operations to arrange a schedule that meets the needs of both the Parish and the individual.

Benefit Eligible: Yes

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PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: Develop and implement effective communication strategies for both internal and external operations of Parishes on the Prairie ACC. This person will be knowledgeable and creative in developing and advertising through all mediums of communication: print, video, audio, social media, websites, apps, etc. All functions of the job will be performed in adherence to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church and in such a way as to support and be consistent with the Parishes on the Prairie Playbook. Provide support to Pastor, Director of Operations, ACC staff, committees and others as needed including support materials and services for all areas of communications, marketing, fundraising, public relations, etc.

This position will be employed by St. Paul’s Catholic Church for payroll purposes. The Parishes on the Prairie Area Catholic Community consists of six parishes including: St. Donatus, Brooten; St. Alexius, West Union; St. Francis de Sales, Belgrade; Sts. Peter and Paul, Elrosa; Our Lady of the Angels, Sauk Centre; St. Paul’s, Sauk Centre.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES (*): Employment in and by the Church is substantially different from secular employment. Church employees must conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent with and supportive of the mission and purpose of the Church. Their public behavior must not violate the faith, morals or laws of the Church or the Diocese, such that it can embarrass the Church or give rise to scandal. It is expected that all employees respect Catholic doctrine and religious practices. It is required that this employee be an active, participating Catholic.

1) REPRESENTATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES (*):

A. To be present, on time and ready for work at all times that the position requires. Includes recognizing when situations require more efforts, seeking approval to put in more time if needed, satisfying responsibilities in a timely manner, providing an example of punctuality and attendance, and generally ensuring all is ready and taken care of.

B. Help create a productive environment, where there is harmony, good morale, and cooperative teamwork; evaluate and take corrective action as appropriate. Help to facilitate effective communication between employees and volunteers at the parish.

C. Perform the job in a manner consistent with moral, ethical, legal, and financial standards of civil and canon law, and Catholic Church teaching.

D. Maintain professional standards of confidentiality.

E. Recognize, foster and maintain appropriate boundaries with fellow employees, parishioners, visitors and vendors.

F. Other responsibilities identified as needed by the employee and approved and/or assigned by the supervisor.

1) communications responsibilities (*).

a. Branding – maintain branding tools throughout the ACC.

i. Coordinate and produce print and electronic materials such as letterhead, use of logo, brochures, banners, forms, etc.

b. Parishstaq – A Church Management System and an electronic communication software that offers texting and emailing

i. Update Parishstaq contact information.

ii. Create communication for current news, events, and updates for parishioners.

iii. Train staff on utilizing this tool to reach their respective groups.

iv. Create forms and online registration as needed.

v. Send out urgent messages/updates utilizing this tool (weather closures, event cancellations, etc.).

c. Pulpit announcements – weekly announcements verbally given at the end of Sunday Masses

i. Provide short, concise pulpit announcements regarding upcoming events/programs/ updates.

ii. Gather information/announcements from staff and format into pulpit announcement.

d. Bulletin – oversee weekly publication distributed to parishioners and visitors following Mass in collaboration with bulletin editor

i. Includes weekly calendar, Mass intentions, weekly readings, and any upcoming news or event highlight.

ii. Continually update and refresh the design to keep the format relevant, attractive, and eye-catching that brings unity to our ACC.

iii. Gather content from staff, parishioners, and others to include the most timely information.

iv. Proof read the bulletin for content.

v. Post on website.

e. ACC App – provided through Parishstaq

i. Manage our ACC app.

ii. Includes weekly calendar, Mass intentions, weekly readings, and any upcoming news or event highlight.

iii. Continually update and refresh the design to keep the format relevant, attractive, and eye-catching that brings unity to our ACC.

iv. Gather content from staff, parishioners, and others to include the most timely information.

e. Website – www.parishesontheprairie.org

i. Maintain, update, re-create and revitalizing our Parishes on the Prairie website to keep it current, relevant and fresh.

ii. Providing and posting relevant information, news worthy articles and current events on a timely basis.

iii. Ensure that the graphics, writing, and information is excellent and accurate.

iv. Liaison with parish staff and school staff to have schedules and activities listed for parishioners and visitors to our site on a timely basis.

v. Maintain and monitor security to the site and continuous operation of it.

vi. Stay up to date on emerging technology and implement as advisable and feasible.

vii. Assist and train staff as appropriate in accessing and utilizing this channel of communication.

f. Social Media-

i. Monitor daily and manage the activity on parish social media accounts.

ii. Post newsworthy and appropriate articles, bylines and/or responses.

iii. Be a resource to parish staff on techniques to utilize this communication tool.

f. Media Production – as needed for the publications above

i. Oversee weekly livestream Mass production and dissemination on website and social media.

ii. Organize a variety of photography, video and audio media.

iii. Maintain Communication equipment.

g. Newsletter – collaborate with Stewardship Coordinator and publishers

h. Administrative

i. Create and follow the communications budget.

ii. Work with volunteers to accomplish best communication practices.

iii. Includes other responsibilities identified as needed by the employee and/or employer and approved and/or assigned by the supervisor.

2) OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. Maintain and improve professional competence through staff development activities provided by the parish and self-selected professional growth activities.

B. Attend all required meetings including staff meetings, All-Staff days, staff retreats, trainings, in-services and any other meetings deemed necessary by the Pastor.

C. Comply with policies and procedures as outlined in the Personnel Policy Handbook. Assist and support the administration in implementing policies and rules governing employment law practices, conduct and behavior.

D. Meet all Safe Environment requirements.

E. Attend required workshops offered by the Diocese as requested. Maintain active membership in church business administration and other appropriate ministry and professional associations.

F. Recognize, understand and undertake all responsibilities listed above with a positive attitude that is consistent with the ACC Play Book. The ACC Play book guides the ACC and trust is foundational for any team.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $18 - $20