Director, Communications

at  Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa

POSITION SUMMARY

With a One Agency perspective, the Director, Communications leads planning, development, and implementation of Catholic Charities’ internal and external brand management, communications, fundraising, and marketing activities keeping Mission, Vision, and Values and policy and procedure in alignment. The Director, Communications occasionally works at the strategic and tactical levels with the key stakeholders inside and outside the organization and serves as a liaison and advisor to the Chief Executive Officer on public relations matters. The Director, Communications ensures compliance with relevant ethical guidelines, laws, policies, and procedures, and continually researches and implements best practices. The Director, Communications represents Catholic Charities with the media and in other key settings.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND SKILLS REQUIRED

• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 5-8 years of experience in communications and/or marketing required. Master’s degree as well as previous experience in human services, preferred. An additional 4-6 years’ experience in management may substitute for a Bachelor’s degree.
• Fluency in the language of the Catholic/Christian faith and Catholic Social Teaching
• Understanding of the causes of homelessness and the needs of vulnerable members of the community.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the best practices in the areas of non-profit marketing, public and press relations, external communications, social media, digital communications, and public engagement. Must be comfortable speaking with the press and the public.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully plan and achieve short-term and long-term goals and the enthusiasm and ability to lead the achievement of ambitious communications efforts.
• Demonstrated ability to be responsive to deadlines, managing and completing multiple projects simultaneously in fast-paced, demanding environment. The ability to keep up to date with the issues the agency addresses.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively and work as part of a team. Cooperative, friendly, proactive, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Familiarity with leading e-mail tools (Constant Contact), website development tools (WordPress, Squarespace, Firespring) social media platforms, and other digital communications tools a must. Solid familiarity with leading design software (Canva, Adobe InDesign and Illustrator) is essential. Familiarity with donor databases (Raiser’s Edge). Willingness to learn and apply new software and platforms as necessary for the work.
• Computer literacy required including experience with Microsoft 365 Suite.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; must be able to convey information and ideas clearly utilizing a high level of initiative, judgment, and critical thinking skills. Ability to manage confidential information. Impeccable proofreading skills a must.
• Excellent organizational skills needed. Must be able to prioritize responsibilities properly and handle multiple tasks relating to concurrent development projects. Ability to develop and implement strategic and operational plans. Conflict resolution, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, cooperative, friendly, proactive, and helpful attitude with clients and co-workers. Ability to work closely with clients and other employees to ensure a positive and constructive environment within the program or department and throughout the Agency.
• Passion and enthusiasm for the mission of Catholic Charities and its clients.
• Valid driver license and at least state required minimum of automobile insurance, clear DMV driving record, and ability to provide own transportation. Must be willing and able to travel between agency sites.
• Must pass DOJ background clearance (fingerprinting) in accordance with the Diocese of Santa Rosa’s policies prior to start of employment.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred, but not required.

JOB ANALYSIS/JOB DESCRIPTION PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is often required to stand, walk, travel, and stoop or bend. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must be able to sit or stand for extended periods while using a computer.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Frequent incoming telephone calls, scanners, and copiers as well as a wide range of clients or at times clients in distress contribute to a noise level of average to above average.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa is an Equal Opportunity Employer, seeking the best and brightest. Our organization does not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age, marital status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance. We support, educate, create opportunities for, and ensure the wellbeing of our staff for the betterment of those most in need.
CCDSR participates in E-Verify, an Internet-based system that compares information entered by an employer from an employee’s Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to records available to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration to confirm employment eligibility.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Lead the development of relevant and up-to-date talking points and written materials for staff, board, and public consumption. Ensure message alignment with Catholic Charities’ Mission, Vision, and Values. Review effectiveness of messaging regularly and adjust as needed.
• Design, support, and oversee One Agency cross-functional teams to ensure access to quality communications content and two-way flow of relevant information. Provide training to staff and volunteers regarding best practices in communications in support of the Agency’s needs.
• Generate and coordinate media interest in Catholic Charities and lead regular contact with target media and appropriate response to media requests. Support Executive staff in engaging with the media, especially in times of crisis. Serve as an articulate and appropriate spokesperson and advocate for Catholic Charities’ mission and programs in the community.
• Develop short- and long-term plans and budgets for marketing, communications, fundraising, and public relations. Draft annual direct mail and digital fundraising projections based on historical performance, current capabilities, and future economic trends. Develop goals and strategies for achieving projected funds.
• Ensure articulation of Catholic Charities’ desired image and position with consistent communication of image and position throughout the organization and communication of image and position to the community. Coordinate appearance of print and electronic materials, including e-mail signatures, newsletters, brochures, presentations, letterhead, and logo.
• Provide editorial direction, design, production, and distribution of all external publications, advertisements, collateral, direct mail, and digital communications including social media and the Agency’s website.
• Direct and implement all aspects of online fundraising and direct mail programs, with a key focus on retention and acquisition of new donors. Collaborate with Database Manager and other department leaders to ensure accuracy of mailing lists, e-mail lists, gift entry, and all published donor acknowledgment.
• Provide for effective supervision and management of staff and consultants within the marketing, communications, and public relations function. Maintain a climate that attracts, retains, and motivates top quality talent, both paid and volunteer.
• Continually assess communications vehicles and messages related to goals and objectives, impact, and return on investment. Report progress to the Executive Team.
• Support the Mission, Vision, and Values of Catholic Charities in the performance of all essential job functions and responsibilities.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Requires travel throughout Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, and Napa counties.
• Requires flexible schedule including weekend and evening work as needed.
• Work with the Diocese of Santa Rosa and local parishes as appropriate and requested.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.