Director of Communications

Job Overview
The Kentucky Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church is seeking to fill the position of Director of Communications. The Director of Communications is responsible for the planning, implementing, and evaluation of the overall communications efforts of the Kentucky Annual Conference. Additionally, the director oversees conference social media strategy, web presence, public relations, promotion, advertising, media relations, as well as conference news and information as a means of relating the Kentucky Annual Conference’s mission.

The mission of the Kentucky Annual Conference is to discover, develop, and send passionate spiritual leaders and resources to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. The Kentucky Annual Conference is one of 53 regional bodies of The United Methodist Church, comprised of over 300 churches, and organized into nine regional districts. The Kentucky Annual Conference is overseen by a Bishop and fulfills its mission by connecting and equipping local United Methodist churches, appointing clergy to lead its churches, and coordinating broader ministries such as camp and retreat centers, campus ministries, and supporting discipleship ministries.

Essential Functions of the Position

• Act as the primary strategist for communications and communications marketing efforts for the Kentucky Conference. Develop inspiring and effective communication strategies to facilitate connection among the churches, districts, and Conference ministries.
• Work with key leaders to identify priorities and set direction for communications efforts on behalf of the Kentucky Conference.
• Collaborate across departments and teams to produce the best possible communications vehicles (distribution methods), content and communications support our missional priorities.
• Coordinate the Kentucky Conference use of web-based media, social media, print media, and videography to develop and deliver a unified message/brand that reflects our mission and connects our ministries at conference, district, and local church levels
• Create and manage content of the Kentucky Conference website.
• Take the lead in social media and website strategy development and implementation, assist with content.
• Write, aggregate, and share news stories and features relevant to Kentucky clergy and lay leadership.
• Publish Conference-wide e-newsletters and support other departments and producers of other ministry e-newsletters.
• Oversee the circulation function and database support for marketing communications in the Kentucky Conference, including media lists, advertising contacts, clergy and laity lists for uploading to the website directories, etc.
• Keep an editorial calendar based on priorities of the Kentucky Conference, liturgical season, and denominational communication needs.
• Work closely with United Methodist Communications to network and capitalize on global resources, including grants, training, etc.
• Maintain the public relations function of the organization. Establish and maintain active relationships with secular, denominational and interfaith media. Serve as a spokesperson for the Kentucky Conference to news media outlets. Take the lead in crisis communications situations, working with the Bishop and appropriate designates to relate and manage the media.
• Be accountable and responsive to the needs of staff, clergy, churches, and communities, including providing advice to individual groups and/or congregations on the use of communications.
• Maintain relationships with outside vendors including: printers, videographers, writers, designers, and other freelancers.
• Develop and implement communications office operations and budgets.

Annual Conference Session Responsibilities

Work with Conference Secretary to:

• Develop and compile Pre-Conference Report Book.
• Develop an event logo based on the theme.
• Coordinate Audio Visual material from all presenters.
• Design and oversee printing of bulletins and other material.
• Communicate pre-conference information to Annual Conference members.
• Manage external media including pitching stories to local media, serving as spokesperson, and prepping others for media interviews.
• Oversee live streaming of the event.
• Produce a daily news wrap up for AC members and subscribers at Annual Conference.
• Write Annual Conference report for UMC.org.
• Serve as associate editor of the Annual Conference Journal (including layout, prepress, managing, printing and distribution).

Core Competencies of the position

Public Relations and Journalism Skills: Proficient in content creation and management. Ability to create, edit, and produce print, digital, and video materials in a proactive and timely manner. Commitment to quality assurance and brand standards. Readiness to improve existing communications and create new methods, when necessary.

Communication Skills: Possess the ability to express thoughts and feelings clearly, openly, and authentically. Communicate appropriately according to the situation at hand. Work well with Conference staff, local church leadership, and volunteers.

Technology: Competent with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Proficient with communications-related technology such as the Adobe software suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, etc.) and other relevant software and hardware. Willing to learn and engage any unfamiliar technologies.

Interpersonal Skills: Possess the ability to identify and solve problems, handle conflict, and engage in honest conversation. Amenable to supervision.

Hospitality: Generate a sense of hospitality and accessibility by his or her very presence. Communicate a sense of availability, warmth, openness and approachability. Support a culture of welcoming and servanthood for the Conference.

Integrity and Trust: Is seen as trustworthy by others. Practice direct, honest, and transparent communication. Keep confidences. Maintain professionalism in all conduct. Respond to situations with constancy and reliability.

Theological Understandings: Ability to contribute positively and to support the ministry of The United Methodist Church as well as the policies of the Kentucky Conference. Knowledge of, or ability to learn the structure of The United Methodist Church.

Goals of the position

The Kentucky Conference understands that this job description provides the essential functions and core competencies of the Director of Communications. This document does not offer an exact list of events, schedule, and programs for the Director to maintain. Instead, the Director of Communications – in conversation with Conference staff and leadership teams – will establish specific plans and goals. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Work Environment

The Kentucky Conference is an extension of a church and will have frequent contact with clergy and church employees. This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely involves standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, etc.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Role includes work that is both sedentary for periods of time as well as requires standing for periods at length. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to lift or move up to 25 pounds.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position requiring 40 hours a week. There are peak seasons that may require more than 40 hours a week. This position may require long hours or weekend work. Occasional travel will be required to denominational and conference meetings with spontaneous travel from time-to-time throughout the bounds of the conference.

Education and Background

· Bachelors’ degree in communication or related field, preferred, and

· Minimum of 3 years in journalism, public relations, or mass media field

· Portfolio of materials may be requested

Equal Employer Opportunity Statement

The Kentucky Conference expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of the Kentucky Conference’s employees to perform their job duties may result in discipline up to and including discharge.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $70,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Crestwood, KY 40014

Salary : $70,000 - $75,000