Director of Communications

Director of Communications 

 This is a full time position that provides a salary commensurate with experience and outstanding benefits in a truth and grace filled work environment.

The Director of Communications oversees the development, execution, and delivery of all creative assets, and church communication. The Director will be responsible for keeping the balance of priorities and projects. He/she also oversees the development of HPUMC’s communication strategy. He/She should be able to bring the best work out in others while inspiring breakthrough creative concepts and ideas. 

The Director will lead the Communications team to deliver memorable and engaging products for our ministries, congregants, and community. He/She is responsible for leading HPUMC’s online strategy and content and will act as a liaison between the media and leadership when necessary, coordinating interview requests and managing any media personnel on HPUMC’s campus. 

The Director of Communications is responsible for creating and maintaining the brand standards of HPUMC and ensuring they align with the goals and mission of the church and its ministries.

Reports To: Executive Director, Operations and CFO

FLSA Status:  Exempt 

Campus:  Mockingbird

Working Hours: This is an on-site full-time position working at least 36 hours per week.

Anticipated Schedule:  Monday- Thursday 8:30 am – 5 pm (includes a 30 min unpaid lunch); Fridays or Sundays  8 am-Noon.  

During certain times of the year, additional hours may be necessary to meet the demands of the job. All church staff will be asked to support and serve during religious holidays and worship services, including Christmas Eve and Easter.

Job Responsibilities and Duties:

• Utilize all resources to promote HPUMC messages(s) and brand.
• Supervise and manage the Communications team, proactively allocate resources, manage the team's workload, and ensure deadlines are met. 
• Present creative concepts to internal stakeholders in persuasive, articulate, and compelling ways.
• Proactively allocate resources, manage the Communications team workload, and ensure deadlines are met. 
• Work with staff and leadership of HPUMC to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
• Work with the staff and leadership of HPUMC to ensure positive and active communication of the core priorities, events, fundraising efforts, serving initiatives, and celebratory moments/ministry stories.
• Work with leadership team and staff to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions and define and execute appropriate strategies to support them.
• Discern and prioritize media opportunities, while preparing necessary talking points and supporting material, as needed.
• Oversee the strategy and content of the website, social media pages, and email campaigns.
• Works with all available media to promote HPUMC message(s) and brand.
• Identify opportunities to evolve internal and external brand storytelling elements that will resonate with church members and employees, while building the HPUMC brand and brand advocacy over time.
• Supervise production of all brand messaging and marketing materials, including print and digital advertising, church event materials, photography, videos, and other collateral.
• Create workflows to ensure deliverables are of the highest quality and have been through the proper proofing and approvals channels, as well as user testing and quality assurance. 
• Coach/mentor individuals on the Communications team to build team unity and facilitate professional development.
• Manages vendor relationships (outside agencies, web development, printers, etc.) to ensure the church receives the best pricing for quality services.
• Ensure the HPUMC brand voice is consistent with standards and guides, as well as AP Style. Create and maintain any guides if needed.
• Manage individual departmental authors to assist, provide editorial direction, and coordinate their updates on the website.
• Supports, upholds, and demonstrates HPUMC’s cultural values in internal and external communications and relationships.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by management. 

Duties may be changed and modified at any time.

Education and Desired Skills:

• Bachelor’s degree required in communications, marketing, journalism, design, or related field.
• Proven success in managing creative teams required.
• 10 years of experience in a creative and/or communications leadership role required.
• Ability to lead the creative process from ideation to the execution of creative deliverables.
• Understanding of content marketing tactics, digital advertising, and social media marketing.
• Portfolio of previous work that displays an ability to turn an idea into a finished product — written and/or creative, if applicable.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the marketplace our ministries operate in, strategy, and the competitive landscape.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; copywriting, and script writing a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work successfully in a team environment are required.
• Ability to manage the expectation of multiple stakeholders, while maintaining the priorities of the church.
• Knowledge of the creative design and video process.
• Strong problem-solving and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to make decisions in a changing environment and anticipate future needs.
• Must be a Christian who is comfortable working in a United Methodist Church.
• Ability to work nights and weekends as necessary.

Preferred Software Experience: 

• Adobe Creative Suite
• Google Office Suite & Microsoft Office Suite

Physical Demands:  

☒ Sitting      ☒ Standing        ☒ Walking         ☒ Seeing         ☒ Hearing              

☒ Speaking ☒ Lifting/carrying up to 10 pounds          ☒ Fine Motor Skills

Other Qualifications:  Must be a committed Christian, with a church home, who is comfortable working in a United Methodist Church and willing to spend occasional Sundays onsite in order to understand HPUMC firsthand. Our employees are called to lead a life that becomes the gospel, and we expect them to exhibit appropriate demeanor both on and off the job.

Revised October 2024.