Director of Communication Services

SUMMARY

The Director of WELS Communication Services provides strategic leadership and oversight for all internal and external communications for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). This role is responsible for shaping and protecting the organization’s reputation; advancing its mission; and ensuring consistent, effective messaging across all channels. The Director leads a team of communication professionals and collaborates with senior leadership, commissions, and congregations to deliver impactful communication strategies and initiatives.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Strategic Leadership & Planning

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with WELS’ mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Advise the President, Conference of Presidents, and Synodical Council on communication opportunities, risks, and best practices.
• Serves as a senior advisor to synod leadership on matters of public perception, organizational messaging, and reputational risk.

Brand & Message Management

• Oversee the development, consistency, and integrity of WELS’ brand identity across all platforms.
• Ensure all communications reflect WELS’ values, priorities, and theological principles.

Content Development & Oversight

• Direct the creation, editing, and distribution of high-quality content for print, digital, video, and social media channels, including Forward in Christ, WELS Connection, wels.net, and other key publications.
• Explore and utilize emerging channels of communication to enhance engagement with our audience.  
• Oversee the production of newsletters, reports, presentations, and promotional materials.
• Ensure accessibility, accuracy, and relevance of all communication materials.

Internal Communications Within WELS 

• Foster effective communication within WELS, supporting leadership, staff, and congregations with timely updates, resources, and guidance.

• Promote awareness and use of communication tools and resources throughout the organization.

External Communication - Media Relations & Public Affairs

• Serve as the primary spokesperson for WELS, building and maintaining relationships with media, partners, and the public.
• Prepare and distribute press releases, statements, and media kits; coordinate interviews and media events.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, providing analysis and recommendations to leadership.
• Lead crisis communication planning and response, ensuring preparedness and effective management of sensitive issues.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Communications team, setting clear goals and expectations.
• Oversee recruitment, training, performance management, and professional development for staff.
• Cultivate a collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven team culture.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with district leaders, commissions, and subsidiary organizations to identify communication needs and deliver effective solutions.
• Support and advise on communication strategies for special initiatives, events, and campaigns.

Event Management

• Provides strategic oversight and leadership for WELS-sponsored events, ensuring they support the mission, priorities, and public witness of WELS.
• Collaborates with synod leadership, commissions, departments, and event planning teams to establish communication goals, messaging strategies, and audience engagement plans for major events.
• Oversees event-related communications, branding, marketing, and media coordination, including pre-event promotion, on-site communications, and post-event follow-up.
• Ensures consistent messaging, visual identity, and public presentation across all WELS events, conferences, conventions, and major gatherings.
• Advises and supports event planners in areas such as messaging strategy, program flow, speaker preparation, media readiness, and attendee experience.

Other Responsibilities

• Manage the Communications budget, ensuring effective allocation of resources.
• Stay current with trends, technologies, and best practices in communications, public relations, and digital media.

These requirements are representative, but not all-inclusive, of the knowledge, skill, and ability required to perform this job.  Other duties may be assigned.

Qualifications/Education

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• A good understanding of the WELS doctrine and practice and familiarity with the structure and mission of the synod.
• Significant progressive experience (10 years) in communications, with demonstrated leadership in a complex organization.
• Proven expertise in strategic communications, media relations, crisis management, and digital engagement.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills; strong editorial judgment.
• Proficiency with communication technologies, content management systems, and analytics tools.
• Experience working with faith-based or nonprofit organizations is highly desirable.
• Ability to work collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and adapt to changing needs.
• This position is available to qualified active voting members from congregations in WELS or ELS.