The Awards & Communications Coordinator is a part-time role responsible for the operational success of the CMA’s awards programs and the consistency of its digital communications. This individual provides essential support and leadership to key committees, manages the weekly member newsletter, maintains the organization's website content, and serves as the technical host for professional development webinars.

Core Priorities & Responsibilities

1. Awards & Committee Leadership (Primary Focus)

• Committee Management: Serves as the primary staff liaison and key resource for the Catholic Media Awards committee, and leads the Gabriel Awards, CMA Book Awards, and Collegiate Awards committees. (August - October)

• Process Oversight: Manages the end-to-end lifecycle of award submissions and judging (via OpenWater), ensuring technical accuracy, program integrity, and a seamless user experience. (January - April)

• Event Production: Collaborates with the CMA Office Team on certificates, scripts and presentation materials for awards ceremonies held during the annual Catholic Media Conference. (May - June)

2. Member Communications & Marketing

• Member Connection Newsletter: Assembles, formats and distributes the Member Connection weekly email, curating content related to webinars, member news, awards and job opportunities. (Weekly)

• Sponsored Eblasts: Manages the creative fulfillment and scheduling of member-purchased eblasts, ensuring professional design and timely delivery. (Infrequently)

• Social Media: Maintains and grows the CMA’s presence across social media channels, driving engagement and promoting Association programs. (Weekly)

• Web Editing: Migrates articles and updates from the monthly Catholic Journalist newspaper and other sources to the Catholic Media Association website. (Monthly)

• Content Accuracy: Ensures the website remains a "source of truth" for members, keeping the events calendar, award archives and leadership rosters up to date. (Weekly)

3. Educational Support & Webinar Hosting

• Webinar Management: Maintains the master professional development calendar in coordination with the Education Committee. (Monthly)

• Technical Hosting: Serves as the Zoom host for the monthly CMA webinars — opening the virtual room, managing recordings and supporting the presenter and committee members during the live session. (Monthly)

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing or a related field.

• Experience: 2-4 years of experience in awards coordination, communications or digital marketing. Interest in and familiarity with the Catholic Church is a plus.

• Technical Savvy: Experience with office productivity software, Canva, and email marketing platforms. Experience with CMS platforms (Novi/WordPress) is helpful.

• Communication: Exceptional "member-first" attitude with strong writing and editing skills.

• Project Management: Proven ability to lead volunteer committees and manage strict, high-stakes deadlines, especially during peak awards season.

Benefits & Time Off

The CMA recognizes the need for family time and balance in everyone’s life. Time away from work is a critical piece in the search for personal balance, and our policies are designed to provide flexibility in scheduling that time.

• PTO: Employees with less than 5 years of service receive 18 PTO days (2 weeks vacation, 6 sick days, and 2 wellness days) each calendar year.

• Paid Holidays: 17 paid holidays annually, including:

  • New Year’s Day, MLK Day, President’s Day.

  • Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

  • Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veteran’s Day.

  • Thanksgiving Day and the Friday after.

  • December 21, 22, 23, 24, and 25.

Employment Details

This is a part-time, remote position, 20-25 hours per week. The Catholic Media Association office is in downtown Chicago, Illinois.