Communications Director

Job Title: Communications Director, Pacifica Synod of the ELCA

Reports to: Bishop and Executive Committee of the Pacifica Synod Council

Location: Southern California/ Partially Remote*

Level/Salary Range: $75,000-$80,000

Type: Exempt

*The position offers partial remote flexibility, allowing most work offsite. In-person meetings at the Synod office in Santa Ana are once per week, and your presence is required at important Synod-wide events.

About the Pacifica Synod of the Evangelical Church in America

With nearly 10,000 congregations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, and almost 4 million members, the (ELCA) is a community of faith that shares a passion for making positive changes in the world. Our faith is built around a strong belief in God, as made known to us in Jesus Christ. Through worship, service, and education, we practice our faith, grow our relationship with God, and share and experience God’s grace in our lives. We also work hard to put our faith into action. In today’s complex world, we strive to make a difference in practical, realistic ways.

The ELCA is organized into 65 synods (64 geographical and one non-geographical) located in nine regions. A bishop leads each synod. The geographic area of the Pacifica Synod includes the state of Hawaii and portions of Southern California, including the counties of Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside, San Diego, Imperial, and part of Los Angeles County. The number of ELCA congregations in the Pacifica Synod is currently 100, comprising nearly 25,139 baptized members (2019 Synod totals based on congregational reports submitted).

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communications Director is a new full-time position in the Pacifica Synod, focused on strategic planning and leadership of all internal and external communications. This role will ensure that the Synod’s vision—to equip, accompany, and serve boldly in Christ so that all may experience God’s boundless grace—is effectively communicated and meaningfully engaged across diverse channels and audiences. As the role is new, the Communications Director will also have the opportunity to shape and evolve its scope and impact.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following roles and responsibilities are targeted toward two audiences: Those within the Synod and its congregations, and those within the Pacifica region, but not involved in any of the congregations. Simply, internal and external audiences.

• Internal communications: Provide the 100 congregations, leaders, and communities within the Pacifica Synod with up-to-date and timely information regarding the various resources available to them, and receive information from them to share through the Synod's communications channels.
• External communications: Provide awareness of and distinct knowledge of Lutheranism, the ELCA, and the activities/inspiration within the Pacifica Synod to media outlets and targeted communities that are not involved in the congregations or Synod.

STRATEGY - 15%

• Manage, execute, and update the Pacifica Synod’s communications strategy quarterly
• Assess existing activities and determine what is working and what needs to change; Able to develop plans for future needs.
• Initiate & manage grants and templates for congregations in the Synod who wish to implement deeper communications activities, adjusting and optimizing as needed.
• Establish effective reciprocal communications with current partners, including border, and anti-racism organizations. As well as spiritual collaborators (Episcopalians, UCC, etc.).
• Strategize and establish communications between the Synod and potential new partners (ex. Environmental organizations, Border organizations ).

LEADERSHIP - 20%

• Make data-driven decisions about how to spend time and resources.
• Research the demographics in the Pacifica Synod region and current events that impact internal and external communications. Use that knowledge to recommend and implement outreach strategies.
• Provide weekly reporting on communications goals, successes, challenges, and current events/research that may be helpful to Synod leadership or strategic planning.
• Manage Synod public relations, updating media regularly with inspirational or timely news (ex. Maui fire relief); and providing media relations by establishing relationships with editors of major newspapers in the Synod region (Orange County Register, San Diego Union-Tribune, Desert Sun, San Bernardino Sun, etc.). Engage with media that are spirituality-friendly, meaning, they do balanced and fair stories on churches, clergy, and religious news (ex. Lisa Ling and The State of Spirituality on CBS).
• Effectively assess internal vs. external communications needs; assess the effectiveness of tactics in attracting and engaging discussion in all communications activities.
• Support and creatively add to Bishop’s communication outreach efforts, including external speaking engagements like (TedX, interfaith panels, Op/eds, media relations)
• Develop goals and metrics to achieve goals (KPIs).
• Manage communications and outreach budget with finance committee/treasurer and Synod council, as appropriate.

ONGOING DAY-TO-DAY COMMUNICATIONS - 50%

• Connect and inform the Synod regularly about services available to them (coaching, workshops, etc.), official business, meetings, building or staff changes, and outreach initiatives.
• Manage communications with Deans, RABs, and leaders of congregations including receiving good news, photos, and inspirational stories that can be shared in Synod communications channels as positive examples of love in our communities.
• Includes reposting congregational news/announcements as appropriate and in line with Pacifica Synod guidelines
• Standardize messaging across all platforms: online, print, and in person, and consistently update and monitor communications channels, including the Synod’s website and social media accounts.
• Manage social media channels, provide engaging content, discern appropriate content, and post regularly throughout the week. Provide photography, videos, and design elements for all channels. Includes Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and may expand to include other platforms.
• Manage and distribute the weekly newsletter; Collect content from staff, deans, affiliates, and congregations to compile and send the newsletter once a week.
• Manage mailing lists; import/export mailing lists and data as needed.
• Design: Using Canva, or another appropriate content creative software, create graphics as needed to accompany website, social media, and newsletter content.
• Copywriting for website, newsletters, social media, announcements, blogs, etc.
• Manage/coordinate photography, videography, and digital content for all channels.
• Keep and update a published shared events calendar.

ATTENDING / PARTICIPATING IN EVENTS & MEETINGS - 10%

• Attend the staff meeting once a week and as needed.
• Attend RAB/Dean’s meetings as needed
• Attend and run communications for TheOasis – the annual conference
• Create social media posts to update Synod on pertinent information as it arises; provide a summary for the newsletter or other communications.
• Work with staff to inform on registration, nominations, resolutions, etc. through email communications and website
• Attend and run communications for Synod Assembly once per year
• Create social media posts to update Synod on pertinent information as it arises; provide a summary for the newsletter or other communications.
• Work with staff to inform on registration, nominations, resolutions, etc. through email communications and website

COMMUNICATIONS PROJECTS - 5%

• Lead the redesign of the Pacifica Synod website with an external contractor; with the new logo, look, and feel, optimizing the user experience, and simplifying information. Maintain and update the site regularly. Optimize SEO.
• Manage and lead creative directors or other contractors related to communications.

URGENT MATTERS / CRISIS COMMS (As needed)

• Establish communication plans/templates for sensitive issues like staff changes or deaths.
• Assist bishop and staff with rapid response for natural disasters, and local and Synod tragedies, especially when a media/news response is warranted.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or a relevant field.
• 5-7 years of experience in directing communications at a congregation, non-profit organization, or similar organization.
• Excellent oral and written communication
• Proficient in posting to, engaging in and reporting on social media platforms: Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
• Can create and manage a social media strategy and monthly content calendar.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to coordinate in-person and online events.
• Ability to meet deadlines, work under pressure, and preserve confidentiality.
• Ability to work and communicate with colleagues and partners in a collaborative style.
• Able to take initiative.

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Leadership skills: Motivated; flexible; generates new ideas; follows through; is self-motivated
• Should possess knowledge of the mission and structure of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and its local, synodical, regional, and churchwide expression.
• Listens and asks questions of leadership, attendees, and the community at large to inform ongoing communications strategy
• Capable of viewing limitations as opportunities
• Open to constructive feedback
• Knowledge of MailChimp or other newsletter platform
• Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for the need for discretion
• An ability to interact sensitively and with care in interpersonal relationships

TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS & REIMBURSEMENTS

Expenses include mileage (at the current IRS rate) or flight costs, per diem rates for meals, and hotel stays. Prior coordination and approval from the bishop are required for all scheduling of travel and reimbursable expenses

• Participate in a Synod event/assembly, or be with a congregation

WORK FROM HOME ACCOMMODATIONS/START-UP COSTS

• Work Equipment

• Laptop computer

• Subsidize a portion of cell phone usage

BENEFITS

• Paid time off
• Retirement benefits
• Health and dental insurance
• Spiritual development and mentorships
• Remote/flexible work
• Coffee and snacks are provided on-site at the office
• Full kitchen on-site at the office
• Friendly, professional, and relaxed work environment
• Dog-friendly office

If interested, send a resume and cover letter by February 21, 2025 to:
office@pacificasynod.org

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $75,000.00 - $80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Santa Ana, CA 92701

Salary : $75,000 - $80,000