Job Summary
The Communications Director fulfills the mission of the Catholic Church by planning, organizing, creating and implementing effective communication messages and strategies for the St Austin Catholic Church & School. The Communications Director will be supporting staff and ministries in advancing their objectives and engaging internal community members as well as the wider community.
The Communications Director has decision-making responsibilities within essential job functions, in keeping with Church policies. The position is hired and evaluated by the Pastor and Parish Administrator.
Ministerial Character
The pastor is the visible foundation of the church and school which the Bishop has entrusted. He makes Christ’s mission present and enduring in the parish. In order to fulfill this mission, the Pastor employs suitable, chosen collaborators. The Pastor shares with them Christ’s mission and entrusts various responsibilities to them.
Positions employed at St. Austin Catholic church and School help to extend the ministry of the Pastor in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the employee in this position is closely connected to and assists the Pastor in the performance of their ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the Church.
Essential Duties
• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school • Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church • Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the church and Diocese
• Maintains confidentiality regarding church matters
• Execute all communication and marketing objectives of the parish, overseen by the Parish
Administrator.
• Design and production of all parish communications, including design, content generation
and editing of websites, social media accounts, bulletins, e-newsletters, annual reports,
seasonal mailings, advertising, signage, etc.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive social media plan for the parish and the school. • Maintain good working relationships and effective communications between parish and ministries, community, and the public as needed.
• Participate in Diocesan and Paulist Fathers meetings regarding communications. • Coordinate, write, and design all parish regarding upcoming parish events. • Ensure that all media and messaging are produced and delivered with consistent tone, look, and voice-reflective of the parish mission and brand.
• Unify and align communications across the parish and school.
• Work collaboratively with parish and school staff and leadership to execute creative marketing, stewardship and other advancement campaigns.
• Arrange for photography for St. Austin events and activities and manage the digital asset library
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
• Participate in parish staff meetings as directed
• Work in collaboration with staff, teacher, ministries, and parent leaders • Other duties as assigned by the Pastor and Parish Administrator
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church
• Proficient and working knowledge of various software including:
o Google workspace, Constant Contact, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Microsoft office, CANVA, and website management (eCatholic)
• Strong writing, editorial, and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently at a fast pace with attention to detail
• Able to communicate effectively both orally and verbally
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Skill in pacing and differentiating instruction
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format • Skill in job appropriate technology
• Skill in critical thinking and planning
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related area of study
Experience:
• None required
Certifications and Training:
• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 60 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.
Working Conditions
• All employees of the church are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the principal in the exercise of the principal’s ministry and obligations to the school.
• The church is an at-will employer.
• Required to work some nights and weekends.
• Required to manage high to moderate levels of stress.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conducts, and speech including Christian prayer and Catholic liturgical celebrations. Staff meetings and other functions may open and close with Christian prayer.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress code and standards of conduct.
Employee Certification
All employees must adhere to the Catholic Schools Standards of Conduct, the Diocese of Austin EIM policies, and the social, ethical, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as interpreted by the Bishop of Austin.
Texas is an “at-will” employment state. Letters of employment are not contracts, nor do they bind the employer or the employee to a pre-determined time or guarantee of employment. By my signature below, I verify that a copy of this document has been provided to me and I have had an opportunity to review it and discuss its contents. I understand this document does not create or imply any employment contract or agreement and is meant only to be a guide to me in my regular duties. I understand that tasks or assignments may be added or removed from the job description by my supervisor at any time, without notice.