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Director of Communications

The Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church is seeking a Director of Communications. The person in this role will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies that advance the mission, vision, and ministry priorities of the Conference. The Director of Communications will serve as the leader for Conference wide communications, branding, marketing, media relations, and public engagement efforts. This position will provide strategic communications counsel to Conference leadership, oversee the development and delivery of communications content across multiple platforms, and serve as the primary media liaison and spokesperson for the Northern Illinois Conference and Bishop. The Director of Communications reports to the Assistant to the Bishop.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a Conference wide communications strategy aligned with the Conference’s strategic direction and ministry goals
• Lead the creation, distribution, and oversight of communications content across print, digital, video, social media, website, news releases, and promotional platforms
• Establish and maintain Conference branding, style guidelines, and communication standards to ensure consistency across all channels and materials
• Provide strategic communications counsel and resources to Conference leadership, ministries, and congregations, including training and support in effective communication practices
• Promote Conference ministries, programs, and events through strategic marketing, storytelling, and appropriate communication channels
• Oversee communications coverage of Conference events, including photography, videography, livestreaming, media coordination, and event related publications
• Manage the development, maintenance, and enhancement of the Conference website and digital communication platforms
• Serve as spokesperson and primary media liaison for the Conference and Bishop, managing media inquiries, public engagement and crisis communication
• Develop and implement the Conference crisis communications plan and provide leadership during sensitive or emerging situations
• Lead communications efforts for the Annual Conference Session, including publications, agenda materials, video presentations, daily news coverage, media coordination, and reporting for church and denominational audiences
• Manage the Communications Department budget, resources and operations priorities
• Supervise communications staff, including establishing priorities, assigning responsibilities, providing direction, and supporting professional development
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Conference leadership, clergy, congregations, denominational partners, media representatives, vendors, and community organizations

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field is required
• Minimum of five years of professional communications experience with demonstrated success in strategic communications, marketing, media relations, or public relations
• Minimum of three years of supervisory and management experience required
• Experience leading communications efforts within a complex organization, nonprofit, ministry, or faith based environment preferred
• Understanding of The United Methodist Church structure, mission, and ministry priorities
• Exceptional written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to develop clear, compelling messaging for diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic counsel, manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and work independently
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate sensitive situations and crises
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to build effective relationships across diverse communities and cultures
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and communications technology, including digital media, website management, social media platforms, and other communication tools
• Ability to adapt to and effectively utilize emerging technologies
• Commitment to the Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

• Hybrid work environment with two required in office days per week (Wednesday and Thursday)
• Frequent travel throughout the Conference area is required
• Ability to accommodate occasional evening and weekend meetings, events, and Conference activities
• Ability to perform work requiring extended periods of sitting and computer use

Closing Date:

8/21/2026

The Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks.

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