Communication Specialist- Part-Time at Archdiocese of Chicago

The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake county, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.

Communications Specialist sought for the Global Mission Office, an agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago that builds bridges of encounter and communion between the faithful of the Archdiocese of Chicago and communities of faith throughout the world. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be a highly motivated self-starter, able to work independently, collaborative, and detail oriented. The candidate should enjoy networking to cultivate relationships and meet goals. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Assumption of duties will be progressive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Specialist will assist the Director of the Global Mission Office to increase awareness of the work of the office with donors and supporters in the archdiocese and beyond. This part-time position will interact regularly with the Director, the Archdiocesan Communications team and the leadership of the Department of Parish Vitality and Mission. The successful candidate must be passionate about the global mission of the Catholic Church and have the ability to communicate well and energize others in this work. Fulfillment of responsibilities may involve local travel across the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Responsibilities:

The Specialist will be responsible for communicating with agency stakeholders, ensuring consistent, clear, and current branding and messaging across platforms and constituencies and adhering to Archdiocese guidelines. The Specialist will promulgate messaging that drives engagement and advocacy under the supervision of the Director. The Specialist will obtain qualitative and quantitative data from program beneficiaries to communicate the work and impact of the Global Mission Office to current and potential supporters.

• Develop an excellent understanding of the Global Mission Office, its mission, goals, programs, and beneficiaries.
• Build relationships with fellow pastoral center staff, missionary partners, ministry supporters, volunteers and board members.
• Under the supervision of the Director develop strategic, high-quality, up-to-date public communications such as direct mail appeals, email marketing, online content.
• Obtain program feedback from missionary partners and beneficiaries and organize data to communicate the work and impact of the Global Mission Office. In addition to written and digital media, this may include videos, presentations and podcasts, press releases, and collateral such as an annual impact report.
• In support of the overall goals of the office, manage digital content to create an active, compelling, and current digital presence, utilizing social media and website.
• Develop relationships with archdiocese Communications and Stewardship & Development departments, as well as the national office of the Pontifical Mission Societies.
• Assist the Director with annual parish campaigns for the Missionary Cooperation Plan and World Mission Sunday.
• Seek out and utilize tools and resources from the national office of the Pontifical Mission Societies such as marketing and brand awareness, social media materials.

Requirements:

• Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with at least three years of relevant communication experience
• Excellent communicator, demonstrated ability to gather qualitative information into digestible content
• Marketing and design experience
• Knowledge or experience in Catholic ministry and/or intercultural experience
• Excellent computer skills, including MS Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and Adobe Creative Suite
• Demonstrated ability to manage a social media calendar across multiple platforms. Proficient in using digital/social media and monitoring and management tools.
• Knowledge of fundraising strategies preferred
• Personal and professional characteristics:
• Enthusiastic about the work of the Global Mission Office with the ability to energize others about our work
• Ability to inspire confidence and cooperation, discretion with confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with a broad spectrum of people: staff, volunteers, program beneficiaries, board members, ministry leaders, and donors
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including impeccable grammar and editing in English.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and resourceful, with the ability to prioritize
• Possession of a valid Illinois driver’s license and willingness to use personal vehicle in the course of employment.
• Fluency in Spanish or another language a plus

Travel: Yes

The Archdiocese of Chicago offers a comprehensive total rewards package to include competitive compensation and benefit programs. Information about our benefit programs is available here.

This position has an hourly range of $28.20 - $35.25. An employee’s pay within the salary range will be based on many factors including but not limited to: relevant education, qualifications, experience, skills, geographic location, and organizational needs.