Details
09/24/2014
Director of Communications
South Carolina Synod, ELCA
The South Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, based in Columbia, South Carolina, seeks a dynamic and creative full-time Communication Director to create and oversee a comprehensive communication plan. The Director of Communications is accountable to the Office of the Bishop.
The Communication Director must be knowledgeable, experienced and skilled in editing and writing for print and electronic media, plus a working knowledge of social media and best practices, with knowledge of audio, video and photographic production desirable. This leadership position will also include the use of marketing, communication education, communication resources, crisis communication and the ability to build strong relationships with public media.
Qualifications include professional education and experience that demonstrates excellent knowledge of current communication practices as well as technical proficiency in multiple communication platforms and accompanying software.
A bachelor's degree in communications or related degree with work experience in the communication field as well as some formal theological training or experience working in a church-related organization is preferred.
About The ELCA
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with about 4 million members in nearly 10,000 congregations across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world.
About The South Carolina Synod
The South Carolina Synod is part of a church that shares a living, daring confidence in God's grace - and there's room for all here. Your questions, curiosity, passion and complexities are part of who you are, and you are a beloved child of the living God!
In the South Carolina Synod, we seek to respond to God's love by loving him and serving the people he has created. There are ministries for - and with - all ages, not only in the state of South Carolina, but in many parts of the globe.
The South Carolina Synod is one of 65 synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). For more about the South Carolina Synod, visit: http://scsynod.com.
Function
As a member of the program staff, the Director of Communication supports the Office of the Bishop, assistants, tables, auxiliaries, and congregations to build strong communication between the Synod and pastors, lay rostered leaders, congregational councils, members in the congregations, as well as communicating needed information to congregations from the ELCA and Board of Pensions (Portico). The Director of Communication will assist in building relationships with and strengthening communities of the Synod as well as maintain and develop partnerships with external communities to connect the Synod with local and global ministry opportunities.
Duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to:
- Equipping people and congregations for community engagement; Deepening Discipleship
- Develop consistency in communication efforts and align all internal and external communication so they reflect the ELCA and SC Synod "brand" and are culturally relevant and missionally-focused.
- Evaluate continually and strategize the kinds of media needed to connect to our external and internal constituencies.
- Act as the face of the SC Synod in crisis communication, ensuring the message is communicated accurately while managing media responses.
- Build relationships with communities of the Synod as well as maintain and develop partnerships with external communities to connect the Synod with local and global ministry opportunities.
- Manage the Synod's Web site, www.sclutheran.org.
- Publish weekly electronic newsletter through Constant Contact. Use same software to communicate information regarding deaths of rostered leaders, ordinations, etc., regularly.
- Be responsible for the writing, editing, layout and design of the Synod's newsletter, the South Carolina Lutheran, gathering information from congregations and other sources.
- Maintain the South Carolina Synod's Facebook page and other social and digital media, updating as needed.
- Be responsible for organizing, editing, layout and design of quarterly supplement to THE LUTHERAN magazine, highlighting ministries within the SC Synod. These 4-page inserts appear in subscription issues of THE LUTHERAN that are mailed to readers in South Carolina.
- Connect and communicate the ministries of the SC Synod with print, broadcast media, using current communication tools and channels.
- Participate in discussion groups/interaction with other ELCA communication professionals.
- During Synod Assembly meetings, be responsible for selection and oversight of preparation and production of whatever is to be projected on the large screens, including selection and oversight of audiovisual professionals as needed. Within 48 hours of close of each assembly, have report in to THE LUTHERAN magazine. Work closely with ELCA tables, networks, task forces and committees to ensure communication needs are met and relevant and timely information is gathered and shared to various audiences.
Additional duties
- Be the primary leadership connection between staff and the Communication and Technology Table.
- Resource and assist SC Synod congregations in implementing technology tools.
- Lead efforts in locating and elevating mission stories from across the Synod, church and communities.
- Be aware of current communication trends and related software and platforms so as to guide the Synod in identifying and implementing appropriate opportunities for their use.
- Prepare (or assist in preparation of) brochures, program flyers and other printed materials, as needed, for use in congregational publications, bulletins and newsletters.
- Develop and maintain a positive working relationship with communication professionals of the Synod's institutions and assist in communicating their stories to the congregations.
- Attend ELCA-sponsored communication meetings and workshops and other continuing education events as needed.
Qualifications:
- A bachelor's degree in communication or related degree with work experience in the communication field;
- Knowledge of standard operating office procedures;
- Sensitivity to confidential matters;
- Excellent inter- and intrapersonal skills with which to interact with Synod office staff as well as rostered leaders and congregation members across the synod and the ELCA.
- Proficiency in writing, publication and layout for print and online.
- Proficiency in using the following software, (but not limited to): website content management, photo editing, email management, and social media.
- Ability to multitask, especially in the face of conflicting deadlines and late-breaking events.
How to apply
Letter of interest and resume must be sent electronically to ginny@scsynod.com
or postmarked by October 6, 2014, to:
1003 Richland Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Attention: Communication Director Search Committee
Salary is negotiable, based on education and experience. Benefits and allowances are provided. The position begins November 10.
In carrying out this process, the Synod is seeking diversity in culture, race and gender. Applications received by September 26 will be given first consideration.
