Description:
This in-person position is located in Wilmington, Delaware. The Catholic Diocese of Wilmington is seeking a Communications Director who will serve as the Diocese’s public information and media relations officer; developing and sustaining effective relationships with the media; preparing and implementing an overall media plan to promote an understanding of the Catholic Church, Church teachings and the ministries and services of the Diocese and parishes, and the priorities of the Bishop.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or Communications and five years’ experience in a communications-related field; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office/365 and email applications.
• Demonstrated leadership and ability in the communications field, including producing and editing various forms of print and electronic media.
• Strong and effective written and verbal communication skills including a well-developed, professional, public speaking ability.
• Excellent public speaking and presentation skills.
• A strong understanding of social media channels, engagement, and content creation.
• Strong initiative, creativity, and judgment.
• Excellent decision-making, problem-solving and research and planning skills.
• A strong understanding of issues in the public sphere that are of concern to the Catholic community of Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
• Ability to safeguard access of confidential or sensitive information of data.
• Practicing Catholic able to witness to the sacramental life of the community.
• Ability to travel both within and outside the footprint of the Diocese as needed.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with individuals from diverse cultural, socio-economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Willingness to consent to a satisfactory criminal background check and drug screening in accordance with applicable laws.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington.

• Serves as information officer, primary contact and spokesperson for the Diocese on all media-related inquiries, acting as advocate of the Diocese to the media.
• Identifies and develops media opportunities, diocesan messages, talking points, and supporting materials to advance a greater understanding of the church, church teachings, diocesan and parish ministries and services, and the Bishop’s priorities.
• Prepares and distributes official diocesan news releases or statements and coordinates diocesan interviews, news conferences, or other outreach.
• Develops and executes a comprehensive internal and external communications strategy.
• Develops and executes a strong diocesan social media strategy across multiple channels; driving the diocesan mission through strategic social media engagement and content creation.
• Develops and implements appropriate overall media strategies across all channels including visual, print, digital, broadcast, and social media in accordance with the Bishop’s priorities.
• Provides advice and guidance to the Bishop, pastors, parishes, and other diocesan leaders on media relations and specific communication/media related events.
• Oversees all public communication including social media, the diocesan newspaper and its ancillary media, and diocesan Flocknote communications.
• Develops and implements a crisis communication plan for handling emergencies or crisis situations.
• Manages and produces the weekly Catholic Forum podcast/radio program and manages and produces live-streams for the diocesan YouTube channel.
• Develops and maintains brand consistency across all communications.
  Requirements: