Communications Manager

 

The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton seeks a strong professional to oversee the organization’s communications.  This is a full-time contractual position, with the possibility of salaried employment. The position will report to the Executive Director of the Shrine, and works with internal staff, and outside consultants, free-lancers, agencies and vendors to mold and manage a strong, cohesive voice and image for the Shrine as a whole.  This position advances the Shrine’s mission by cultivating awareness of, engagement in, and support for our work, as well as managing content creation as part of a new digital publishing initiative.

Founded in 1965, The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is a U.S. religious site and educational center in Emmitsburg, Maryland, that is dedicated to promoting the life, legacy and mission of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (August 28, 1774 – January 4, 1821), the first native-born citizen of the United States to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church. It is both a Minor Basilica and a National Shrine.

 

We are looking for someone who, in addition to having the skills below, has a deep knowledge of the Roman Catholic Church, and is committed to its mission. Knowledge of, and devotion to, Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton is a plus.

Main Responsibilities

Writing and Editorial Direction

• Set, convey, and maintain the public voice of the organization
• Write or edit strategic materials on tight deadlines to meet diverse messaging needs, from fundraising case statements, to newsletters, articles, blogs and social media content, and press releases.
• Edit all general, public communications produced by staff and free-lancers for clarity, consistency, voice, and message
• Oversee the management of content for the Shrine’s website, email, and social media channels, and the production, use and acquisition of photography and video,

 

Strategy

• Set overall communications strategy, including goals, priorities, calendars, and measurement
• Craft communications strategy for public engagement, messaging, and storytelling related to visitor marketing, outreach in diverse communities, and donor cultivation
• Oversee communications strategy, implementation, and evaluation
• Oversee website, email marketing, and social media strategy and tactics.
• Manage the Shrine’s brand identity across programs and platforms
• Manage on-site communications logistics.
• Ensure that communications strategy and decisions reflect the Shrine’s mission and values.
• Measure communications efforts to evaluate return on investment and plan ongoing improvement
• Keep up with best practices in nonprofit communications and marketing
   

Leadership

• Hire, train, manage, and coach/mentor free-lancers, as necessary; provide direction, supervision, evaluation, and support
• Inform and involve communications team regarding strategic decisions
• Ensure quality, timely, and effective communications through supervision, review, and hands-on effort
• Create, manage, and/or oversee communications department budget
• Work with administrative staff to ensure the effective use and integration of communications technology (website, CRM system, and email marketing system)
• Collaborate with the programming, development and destination marketing departments to ensure a cohesive effort for our communications in support of the Shrine’s goals with visitors, donors and other constituencies.
• Contribute to organizational strategic planning.

 

Required Knowledge and Skills

• Exceptional editing and writing skills
• Ability to quickly distill complex information into compelling messages for different audiences
• Strong media relations skills and understanding of the Catholic, religious and regional media landscape; relationships with local outlets and journalists, a plus.
• Strong marketing skills, from audience identification and strategy to data analysis and measurement
• Exceptional project management skills
• Creative and analytical thinking; exceptional problem-solving skills
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal and oral communications skills
• Comfortable managing multiple deadlines and priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to quickly grasp organizational needs and goals, and determine how best to use strategic communications to support them
• Ability to lead through collaboration
• Thorough knowledge of best practices in communications, preferably for nonprofits
• Positive attitude; ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with the Wordpress CMS, and leading Email Service Providers, as well as proficiency in Adobe Photoshop or other graphics programs, preferred

 

Personal Characteristics

• Must be a highly collaborative person who likes to work as part of a larger team. They must find a collaborative working environment energizing – not burdensome or stifling. 
• They must be a leader in their department and a collaborator outside of their department.
• Must be a self-starter and a strategic thinker who thrives in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment.  Highly self-motivated, creative, and entrepreneurial, with a passion for trying new things, rigorously testing new initiatives, and adapting based upon the results.
• Strong knowledge, appreciation and ideally a love of Catholicism and an ability to translate that passion appropriately during interactions with donors and visitors.
• Understand and have a passion for the mission of The National Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and knowledge and a deep appreciation for the Catholic faith.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication; and the ability to make oral and written presentations to prospective donors and volunteers.
• Extraordinary level of integrity that serves as an example to others.
• The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, to adapt quickly to new challenges.

Compensation

Salary is commensurate with experience.

To Apply
Email cover letter, resume, and writing samples to Rob Judge, Executive Director (rob.judge@setonshrine.org), with “Communications Manager” in the subject line.  Also, cc tina.heffner@setonshrine.org and matera.angelo@gmail.com