Director of Communications

JOB SUMMARY & PURPOSE:

The Director of Communications will support the mission of Damascus Community Church by managing the day-to-day communications of both the church and school.

The ideal candidate must have excellent communication and organizational skills as well as a personable disposition. The Director of Communications will be responsible for the oversight of creation and distribution of all church communications. This individual serves as the “eyes” for all things print and electronic, ensuring consistent written and visual communication as we share our mission and vision. Strong graphic design and writing/editing skills are essential as well as familiarity with a variety of communication tools and platforms.

While expertise in communications, marketing, and administration are a must for this position, it also requires someone who can both develop systems and build teams. The Director of Communications will need to be able to recruit, train, and schedule volunteers to assist in multiple projects. A positive, humble, and cooperative team player who is always prepared to fill in, train, and troubleshoot when necessary.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to - Executive Pastor
Works with - Executive Team, Pastoral Staff, School Staff, Office Staff
Oversees - Volunteers

QUALIFICATIONS, ATTRIBUTES, AND JOB SKILLS:

1. Affirms that, as part of the qualifications for this position, the employee is a fully devotedChrist--follower which is evidenced in their personal life, family relationships, and ministry.
   • Must become an active member of Damascus Community Church.
   • Must be a credible Christian role model whose godly lifestyle and characterdemonstrate obedience to God and the Holy Bible.
   • Ability to apply Biblical principles in dealing with Church staff, school staff,congregation, volunteers, and students.
2. Expresses a strong passion to uphold the Vision, Mission, Statement of Faith, and CoreValues of Damascus Community Church.
3. Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, demonstrate presence,self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability.
4. Commitment to a high standard of ethics and a proven ability to maintain confidentiality regarding all matters pertaining to all church/school families and staff.
5. Possesses broad, hands-on experience and/or educational training in communications andmarketing. Previous experience in a similar role highly desired.
6. Formal education is not a predetermining factor for this position. However, a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field of study is highly desired.
7. Exhibits knowledge and experience with communication tools, methods, and platforms.
8. Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator),website development/management, and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, etc.).
9. Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills.
10. Demonstrates the ability to work well independently, manage time well, and make competent,professional decisions.
11. A “self-starter” who possesses the organizational and administrative abilities necessary tomulti-task on several projects at once and can set goals with the ability to accomplish them.
12. Possesses a valid driver’s license and daily access to a reliable and insured vehicle.
13. Continues developing gifts/abilities for greater effectiveness in performance of the position.
14. Completes and clears a background check.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND JOB DUTIES:
Note-We recognize that the below list of responsibilities/duties is extensive and do not expect all of them to be accomplished by a part-time employee. However, it is our desire that over time, these items will gradually begin to be accomplished with the assistance of volunteers and/or a potential expansion to a full-time position in the future.

• Communication Process
  • Create, organize, plan and implement an effective communication (internal) andmarketing (external) strategy for church, school, and community audiences.
  • Develop communications processes and define priorities to create an environment inwhich messages can be communicated clearly, creatively, and effectively.
  • Own and manage the church & school’s branding identity ensuring proper use oflogos, fonts, and colors by all ministries.
  • Strategize and plan communications & marketing annual calendar.
  • Work with church and school staff to:
    • Convey their vision and communications priorities to appropriate audiences.
    • Define, develop, and effectively communicate messages to specific audiences.
    • Develop communications messages to reach those not currently associatedwith the church and/or school.
    • Develop a plan for becoming more visible in the community.
• Communication Tasks
  • Carry out the day-to-day tasks of facilitating communications (internal) / marketing(external), keeping communications requests on time and on budget.
  • Solicit information from church and school ministry leaders to organize and plancommunications messages in a timely manner.
  • Recruit, train, and lead a team of communications ministry volunteers (writers,photographers, designers, etc.) to assist in the execution of the church and schoolcommunication responsibilities. This would include:
    • Graphic design work that produces eye catching and appealing graphics andfonts that enhance any and all communication and marketing pieces.
    • Photograph moments and events in the life of the church and school producinghigh quality images for communications and marketing use.
    • Write and edit communications messages for multiple mediums and audiences.
    • Proofread and edit documents, presentation materials, brochures and othermaterials for grammar, clarity, punctuation, and spelling; Examine documentsfor completeness and accuracy; May correct errors in basic math, names,addresses or other data.
    • Collect and share stories of life change within the church and school usingmultiple communication methods such as in-person interviews, videoproductions, newsletter articles, etc.
    • Prepare weekly church Newsletter, bulletins/inserts, and announcementPowerPoint slides.
    • Prepare weekly school Eagle Eye Newsletter & school promotional materials.
    • Regularly update and maintain church and school websites and app.
    • Keep church and school social media platforms current and engaging.
    • Assist with video production projects if appropriate.
  • Stay current on communication and technological trends and look for opportunities touse this information to more effectively communicate with church and school familiesand the community.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by the Executive Pastor. Duties are subject to changeas needs change.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Employee needs to possess sufficient health and physical endurance to complete assigned responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, and sit. Occasionally stoops, kneels, crouches, pushes, pulls, lifts, grasps, reaches, feels, and drive a vehicle. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS (SCHEDULE AND HOURS):
The position of Director of Communications is a hourly position at a minimum of 20 hours per week. Work hours include responsibilities primarily during regular office hours throughout the week and some occasional Sundays or evenings if needed. (When requested, a work record will be made available to the Elder Council.) Holiday and vacation schedule will be determined in accordance with Church Staff employment policies.

WORK SCHEDULE/EXPECTATIONS:

• Directly responsible for day-to-day communication functions of Damascus Community Church.
• Will adhere strictly to all DCC policies (child safety, social media, staff, etc.).
• Meet regularly with the Executive Pastor.
• Attend weekly staff meetings.
• Workspace and equipment will be provided.