Purpose of Position:
The Director of Communications leads the communications mission of the Diocese of Knoxville, in proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to the people of East Tennessee.
Essential Functions:
§ Supports the pastoral ministry of the Bishop, leading all internal and external communication efforts on behalf of the Diocese of Knoxville with creative use of communications and information technology including (but not limited to): print, broadcast, social media, web, and PR.
§ Serves as the primary contact and diocesan spokesperson for all media inquiries (with the exception of those the Bishop chooses to handle directly).
§ Advises the Bishop in matters related to communications and media relations.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
§ Lead the development and distribution of press releases, statements, fact sheets, talking points, media advisories, letters-to-the-editor, opinion editorials etc. to media outlets and content for online mediums (such as websites and social media sites) to communicate a faithful, positive public image for the diocese by highlighting key messages, programs, accomplishments, and/or points of view of the Diocese.
§ Lead all Diocesan PR efforts including those related to major initiatives (e.g. Diocesan Capital Campaign). Manage all major Diocesan media events.
§ Proactively establish and manage Diocesan "communications calendar" aiming to effectively plan for communication of major initiatives, taking into account relevant diocesan, local, national, and Vatican news and communication priorities.
§ Oversee the publication of the official diocesan newspaper, The East Tennessee Catholic; including editorial, advertising, circulation, production, and website content.
§ Lead the development of original content for various communication channels. Enlist and coordinate volunteer/ third party efforts in production of content.
§ Provide leadership over Diocesan website content, structure and administration.
§ Lead periodic (bi-weekly) communications meetings across chancery directors, actively soliciting information on current and upcoming actives from individual departments as well as disseminating information from Senior Leadership.
§ Establish and manage Diocesan Communication Advisory Board, which shall be responsible for providing multi-faceted communication perspectives.
§ Ensure coordination of all communication activities of the Diocese so that each entity achieves maximum results without hurting the efforts of another entity; ensure all entities communicate their efforts in a manner that promotes common understanding of Diocesan message.
§ Diocese of Knoxville, Chancery Position Description - page 2
§ Orient diocesan directors in how to interact with the media or other external inquiries in a manner that promotes the desired public profile for the Diocese and is within their role.
§ Establish and maintain effective working relationships with clergy, religious, diocesan employees, news media representatives, parish leadership, community organizations, and the general public.
§ Provide guidance and support for the communications efforts of parishes, schools, and other diocesan agencies.
§ Work with communications office staff/ 3rd parties to create promotional, marketing and informational materials to stimulate public interest and gain support for the diocese's programs.
§ Participate in professional associations and conferences to expand knowledge of national and international issues influencing the Church and to develop a network of useful contacts.
§ Participate in the diocesan strategic planning process to integrate internal and external communications plans and strategies within all projects and programs.
§ Propose and administer communication department budget. Identify and prioritize departmental objectives in order to produce the optimal outcome with the resources available.
§ Perform other tasks as required by the Bishop or Chief Operation Officer.
Qualifications:
• Knowledge of the mission, teachings, structures and issues relevant to the Roman Catholic Church and the Diocese of Knoxville.
• Active practicing Roman Catholic in full communion with the Church.
• Excellent communication skills, including writing, public speaking and presenting.
• Relevant online and social media proficiency.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively to achieve defined and measurable results
• Be able to travel and be available for evening and weekend work as necessary.
• Be a self-starter, well organized, and able to manage multiple tasks effectively.
• Flexibility in assessing needs and strategies and adapting appropriately in a ministerial environment.
• Administrative and supervisory skills to work in a senior management position.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and use good judgment, tact and discretion.
• Possess professionalism in presence and personal appearance.
• Able to successfully complete a criminal history and background check.
Education and Experience:
• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, mass media, marketing, journalism, or related field. Advanced degree is a plus.
• A minimum of five-years’ experience in one or combination of the following: broadcast public affairs; broadcast news; newspaper editing and reporting; nonprofit or government public information and community relations; private sector advertising and public relations; video production; desktop publishing; special event communication coordination and facilitation.
• Spanish language proficiency a plus.
