Director, Strategic Communications – Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) – Chicago, IL

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) seeks a seasoned professional to serve as its next Director, Strategic Communications.

The Director will manage and oversee planning and implementation of strategies that support overall churchwide organization communications needs. This includes the development and continuing enhancement of a wide range of communications channels, vehicles and products that:

strengthen members’ identity and engagement with the mission, teachings and work of the entire church;
share stories and voices that inform, inspire and create connection;
encourage financial and other support of churchwide ministries;
support the ELCA’s public advocacy and interpret to the wider public the church’s distinctive witness to the Gospel of Christ .

The Director supervises and leads teams and managers in publications (print and online), public relations, marketing, web-based platforms and video products

Job Responsibilities:

Manage communications planning and development of channels and products. Lead in the development, cohesion and integrated collaboration of Strategic Communications staff and work groups.
Develop messaging strategies and support for the Presiding Bishop.
Develop, implement and ensure compliance with communications policies and procedures (in consultation and collaboration with the Mission Advancement Executive Director and the Policy Review Committee). Includes integrity of the ELCA’s brand identity and standards.
Report on Strategic Communications team’s impact and progress on Operational Plan goals; assist with compiling and editing the churchwide organization’s annual report to Church Council on Operational Plan progress and impact.
Assist in managing crisis/issues communications, in close collaboration with ELCA office and unit leaders and staff legal counsel, and with the PR staff.
Lead in the development, promotion and growth of an ELCA-wide interactive online community.

Qualifications:

Experience in leading, developing and managing teams that carry out multiple facets of strategic communications and marketing.
Ability to develop annual and long-range communication plans in support of an organization’s strategic direction and objectives.
Ability to manage high-level, large-scale communications and marketing projects from concept to completion.
Strong interpersonal, teamwork, verbal and written communications skills to be able to plan and strategize with program leaders and churchwide executives.
Experience in and knowledge of publications production (both print and online); marketing principles and practice; supervising online platforms and video projects; and managing public relations, crisis communications and issues/reputation management for a large organization.
Familiarity with mainline denominational structure and related communications strategies preferred

How to apply

To view the full job description and/or to apply visit: https:rn11.ultipro.com/EVA1000/jobboard/JobDetails.aspx?ID=*09B282326CC07FBFit:

You can also email letty.villalon@elca.org

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