Managing Director, Church Communications

The Managing Director leads all work performed by the Church Communication Department in managing global, primarily external-facing communication strategies for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Managing Director also serves as a trusted communication advisor to the Church’s senior leadership in its efforts to help all of God’s children come to Jesus Christ, and bring the Church, “…out of obscurity and darkness.” (D&C 1:30)

• Leads the department in aligning with the General Authorities including reporting to the Department’s executive leadership and coordinating with other department heads under the direction of their executive leadership.
• Assists executive directors in defining the strategic direction of the department and creating a comprehensive communication plan which includes launching major campaigns related to core beliefs as well as global recognition and identity initiatives.
• Writes, produces, and verbally answers questions addressing multifaceted organizational and religious challenges.
• Oversees strategic planning and proper management of resources, including high-level executive decision-making with department senior staff.
• Manages senior staff in achieving department objectives and mission:
  • Increase understanding of the Church, its audiences, and its purposes.
  • Build relationships with key people and organizations to achieve the mission of the Church and protect religious freedom.
  • Extend the reach of Church communication channels to minister to the needs of all of God's children.
• Oversees and is conversant with all work performed by Church Communication Department, including but not limited to:
  • Media Relations
  • Government, Community, and Interfaith Relations
  • International Area Relations
  • Reputation Management
  • Channel Management
  • Messaging
• Prepares for and attends all department executive leadership councils.
  • Leads and directs these meetings as called upon, providing real time updates and pertinent information.
  • Prepares and delivers informative, persuasive and concise digital presentations articulating department initiatives.
  • Determines the priority of information originating in the department, providing insights and direction to allow Church leaders to make informed decisions.
• Leads by example in the implementation of the Department Guiding Principles.
• Works seamlessly with other Church departments and staff in a “one work” approach.
• Provides mentorship and training to staff.
• Oversees the organizational structure of the department and corresponding compensation decisions.
• Performs other duties as needed.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, Political Science, or related field.
• Multiple years of direct experience in several or all the following areas: media/journalism, public relations, communication, marketing, and government relations.
• Proven supervisory and managerial ability for a large, complex organization.
• Ability and passion for coordinating efforts of various teams to present a coherent message aligned with the gospel of Jesus Christ and mission of the Church.
• Ability to provide sound media relations advice to senior leaders.
• Demonstrated skill at working seamlessly with senior leadership, employees, media, VIP’s, and the broader community.
• Must be able to clearly communicate, both verbally and in writing, intricate issues, and problems, and make concise recommendations to Church leadership.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, executive ability to communicate and present to external groups and senior leaders of Church.
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple complexities simultaneously in real-time.

Preferred:

• Prior experience as the head of communication for a large organization.
• Experience running a major, global branding or identity campaign.
• Experience in government relations with a global/international perspective.

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