Director of Media and Communications

POSITION PURPOSE: Supporting the pastoral ministry of the Bishop, the Director of Media and Communications coordinates the development and implementation of the Diocese of Stockton’s communications strategies. As a ministry of evangelization, the position promotes the good work happening in the universal and local church among media outlets, parishes, and Pastoral Center offices through web and print materials and social media.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications/Media Contact:

·        Serve as the first point of primary contact and diocesan spokesperson for all media inquiries.  Process media requests promptly, notifying the pertinent Pastoral Center office and, where appropriate, legal counsel. Effectively lead all public affairs efforts, including media outreach, press relations, crisis communications, and public advocacy.

·        Prepare and distribute press releases and fact sheets to media outlets to communicate a faithful, positive public image for the Diocese of Stockton by highlighting events, programs, accomplishments, and/or points of view of the Church, the Bishop, and the Diocese.

·        Assist in preparation of the Diocese’s messaging and strategy on key topics and/or in response to media inquiries.

·        Monitor print, broadcast, and internet news outlets for stories or posts that involve the Diocese, issues of interest to the Diocese, or that mention diocesan leadership or services, sharing, as needed, a summary of each day’s news with the Management Team. Remain current on media issues, especially on religious and ethical topics.

·        Maintain a positive working relationship with local reporters and editors by being responsive and helpful wherever possible.

·        Develop and maintain relationships with communication organizations within the Church on the national and regional levels, including the USCCB, California Catholic Conference, and other Catholic groups.

·        Coordinate media relations for parishes and entities in the Diocese of Stockton, working with their communications personnel and other key departments to create promotional, marketing, and informational materials to stimulate public interest and gain support for the diocesan programs and communication channels, including press releases and newsletters, website and social media platforms, television and radio interviews, etc.

·        Manage and maintain all bankruptcy non-monetary compliance items as related to Communications.

Electronic Communications:

·        Prepare and distribute Weekly Update and other periodical communications as needed.

·        Work with Pastoral Center offices to edit message content, obtain required approvals, and maintain accurate and current databases/email lists.

·        Manage, maintain, and update the master calendar, ensuring that information provided is accurate to address conflicts in scheduling.

·        Co-manage third-party communication vendors such as Flocknote.

Website Maintenance:

·        Manage, maintain, and update regularly the diocesan website, ensuring that information provided is accurate, current, and interesting.

·        Work with the Pastoral Center offices to edit content, implement best practices for navigation, graphics, forms, and design. Implement new templates, as required.

·        Monitor and analyze website analytics, reporting monthly to the Management Team. and make recommendations where necessary.

·        Adhere to compliance and web visitor privacy policy.

Social Media:

·        Produce, edit, publish, and share engaging content on diocesan social media platforms, e.g., original text, photos, videos, resources, and news. Monitor social media analytics, reporting monthly to the Management Team.

·        Communicate with followers, respond to queries, and monitor comments.

·        Serve as social media advisor to the diocesan staff, parish leaders, and volunteers, implementing diocesan social media policies, best practices, and strategy.

·        Advise, train, and assist Pastoral Center offices, parishes, and diocesan entities in the use of technology to evangelize and communicate using social media and print material. Manage and support existing new media accounts, providing technical support when needed.

·        Design and implement social media strategy. Evaluate existing and emerging tools and push-technologies for various target audiences in the context of diocesan communication goals.

Parish Outreach:

·        Coordinate the dissemination of information to parish and diocesan entities for bulletins and social media to enhance parish ministry and communicate better with parishioners and the outside community.

·        Support parish efforts and offer training and consultative service to parishes, diocesan entities, and ministries in the use of social media, websites and the Internet, and technology.

·        Advise pastors, parishes, and other diocesan leaders on media relations and resources.

Diocesan Branding and Graphic Design:

·        Ensure that the design and preparation of original content—including flyers, brochures, posters and banners for various communication channels—are consistent with diocesan branding and graphic standards.

·        Manage or advise on all aspects of Diocese of Stockton design and brand.

Other:

·        Prepare and monitor the annual office budget, reporting discrepancies as appropriate.

·        Perform other related duties as assigned by the Bishop, Vicar General, or supervisor.

PREFERRED QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS:

·        Bachelor’s degree (minimally) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Theology, or related fields with 3 to 5 years practical work experience.

·        Formal education/training or extensive experience with using media effectively to communicate across generations, e.g., web-based applications, new media, print, and design.

·        Excellent oral, written, and electronic communication skills.

·        Bilingual/biliterate, English/Spanish preferred.

·        Ability to discern when information is confidential and to maintain strict confidentiality.

·        Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

·        Good understanding of the organizational structure and value orientation of the Catholic Church and the Diocese of Stockton and a willingness to support those structures and values in various venues of communications.

·        Excellent organizational, communication, and customer service skills, including listening, analysis, and problem solving.

Note: All employees are required to consent to a background check, commit to our Code of Conduct policy and complete Safe Environment training before hiring.

About the Diocese of Stockton:

Established on January 13, 1962, by Pope Saint John XXIII, the Diocese of Stockton comprises the Christian faithful in the Central California counties of San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Tuolumne, Calaveras, Mono, and Alpine. Under the leadership of Bishop Myron J. Cotta, the sixth Bishop of Stockton, the Diocese of Stockton has thirty-five parishes, two Catholic high schools, eleven elementary schools, and eight preschools.

Disclaimer:

The Diocese of Stockton is a religious institution and religious employer. As such, all diocesan employees share in the mission, which Christ entrusted to the Church, to spread the Gospel, to serve our sisters and brothers, and to build up the Body of Christ, which is the Church. Employees—both at work and in their daily life—must respect, appreciate, and uphold the teachings, principles, legislation, policies, and traditions of the Catholic Church in word, lifestyle, and example.

As partners in Christ, our work is not only occupational but vocational: a call to defend life and improve its quality by bearing witness to the presence of Christ and his Church in the world.