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Director of Communications

St. Stephen’s Church is a dynamic, innovative, and diverse parish, one of the largest in the Episcopal Church with six Sunday services and an average weekly in‑person worship attendance of 780, with 350 more joining online. Our life and ministry extend far beyond our sanctuary. We embody a mission of hospitality, healing, and hope through formation and outreach programs for all ages, twice‑weekly parish suppers, health and wellness classes, contemplative ministries, community events, and more. The campus also houses a café, an award‑winning Saturday morning farmers market, an independent preschool, a retail gift shop, and a food pantry.

We are seeking a Director of Communications to weave together the narrative of our shared life and ministry, and to tell the story of what God is doing in this place. The director works as part of a senior leadership team, reporting to the rector, and collaborates closely with the vicar, communications associate/videographer, and other staff members.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full‑time position with a salary range of $75,000–$85,000, commensurate with experience, and an excellent benefits package described on the church website.

Responsibilities

1. Lead communications planning and strategy
   1. Work with staff, parish leaders, and ministry groups on communication strategy, tools, best practices, project management, and planning.
   2. Develop and maintain the communications budget and coordinate with vendors such as printers, sign companies, web developers/hosts, and graphic designers.
   3. Maintain St. Stephen’s graphic identity and editorial tone and style across all communications.
   4. Engage local, diocesan, and churchwide media to place stories about St. Stephen’s and serve as the primary contact for media inquiries.
   5. Produce and place paid media as needed.
2. Manage the electronic media of St. Stephen’s (website, social media, video/streaming)
   1. Collaborate with the communications associate to manage the website by writing new copy, updating existing content, and selecting and rotating photos.
   2. Oversee the writing, editing, and design of multiple electronic newsletters in coordination with other staff teams.
   3. Plan, update, and maintain social media channels.
   4. Collaborate with the staff videographer/communications associate on video communications, audio recording, and other digital media content.
   5. Photograph parish events for print and electronic media and hire freelance photographers as needed.
3. Oversee print publications and signage
   1. Write, edit, and design the weekly print newsletter, The Spirit.
   2. Plan, write, and edit the annual report and semi‑annual impact report, working with staff and freelance graphic designers as required.
   3. Edit and format weekly service bulletins (compiled by other staff) and support the creation of wedding and funeral bulletins as needed.
   4. Design and produce specialized seasonal/ministry print materials (brochures, flyers, etc.) for annual giving campaigns, Advent/Lenten programs, musical offerings, the Women of St. Stephen’s annual events, and other initiatives.
   5. Maintain key literature racks/kiosks, television screens, produce in‑house signage, and collaborate with vendors on complex signs or banners.
4. Share in staff teamwork, planning, and development
   1. Participate in weekly liturgy and staff meetings with larger staff teams, and in weekly departmental meetings to shape workflow and collaboration.
   2. Participate in monthly program staff meetings and seasonal planning retreats, and serve as liaison to one or two ministry committees as assigned.
   3. Pursue professional development opportunities and engage in colleague groups and associations for mutual support and learning.

Candidate Qualifications

Competitive candidates hold a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, communications or media studies, or a related field, with at least five years of relevant experience. They demonstrate skill in writing and editing, digital media production, and project and content management. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Acrobat, Illustrator), WordPress, and Constant Contact is desirable, as is familiarity with AP Style. Candidates must be creative and independent yet collaborative, sharing in meaningful work within a complex and dynamic organization.