Senior Communications Specialist-Catholic Diocese of Arlington

Please include a cover letter with resume.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Senior Communications Specialist plays a crucial role in drafting, coordinating, and overseeing internal and external communications that assist the Chief Communications Officer and serve diocesan needs, including for the Office of the Bishop. The Strategic Communications Specialist serves as the lead agent in ensuring effective and coherent communications from the diocesan Central Administrative Offices to parishes, schools, and other external audiences.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Coordinate with CAO offices to oversee and update diocesan calendar of events, initiatives, and programs, ensuring that special events, occasions, holidays, etc. have the proper messages and support materials prepared ahead of time. 
• Work with the Office of the Bishop’s administrative assistants to ensure the Bishop’s calendar is accurately reflected in the coverage efforts of the Communications Office.
• Coordinate photography, videography, and writing staff for key diocesan events and pertinent events on the Bishop’s public calendar.
• Lead production and dissemination of Annual Diocesan Report and bi-weekly FYI; oversee and promote Diocesan Directory
• Provide service to parish and schools by responding to their needs, anticipating needs and finding solutions that will serve our constituents.
• Manage Office of Communications phone line and email inboxes, responding to routine requests directly or routing requests to others for response.
• Draft internal and external communications that serve critical diocesan needs, including for the Office of the Bishop. 
• Contribute to the research, drafting, and editing of theological messages/resources, columns that help explain the Catholic faith, letters, essays, speeches, scripts for video production, radio commentary, and more.
• Consult with experts and stakeholders to ensure critical and accurate information is included in diocesan texts, speeches, catechetical materials, communications productions, and more.
• Draft speeches for senior leadership and other stakeholders, while ensuring that their voice is captured accurately. 
• Draft resources related to critical initiatives of the diocese that support diocesan goals and the strategic plan.
• Prepare presentations, talking points, and other materials that will be used for public purposes with a wide variety of audiences. 
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND AUTHORITY:

• Supervision Received
  • From the Chief Communications Officer. 

• Physical Demands/Working Environment
• While performing the duties of this job, required to have ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations; ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and manipulate (lift, carry, move) light to medium weight of 10 – 50 pounds
• Requires good hand-eye coordination; arm, hand, and finger dexterity, including ability to grasp; and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment and read
• Frequently required to sit, hear, talk, and use repetitive motion of the hands/wrists
• Work performed in and out of the office setting
• Must have a valid driver’s license and be able to operate a vehicle
• Required to travel to parishes, schools, and events throughout the diocese
• Evening and/or weekend work is required on occasion

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge/Skills: 
• Excellent understanding and knowledge of the Catholic Church and its teachings as well as how communications can be used to spread the Gospel
• Ability to work independently and with self-motivation and creativity
• Excellent research and analytical skills
• Strong command of the English language and the written word
• Ability to articulate ideas clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing
• Proficiency in grammar, style, and formatting
• Ability to accurately capture the intended “speaker’s” voice
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and interviewing skills
• Active listener, and able to apply critical thinking skills to solve everyday challenges

• • Strong planning, organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to identify priorities, adapt when priorities shift, and meet deadlines
  • Ability to work collaboratively, foster teamwork and address conflict as it arises;
  • Detail and accuracy oriented

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite  
• Discretion and confidentiality
• Practicing Catholic who is faithful to the Magisterium

• Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications or related field or equivalent degree and experience; Master’s degree in Theology or equivalent coursework and experience desirable.

• Licenses/Certifications: Valid driver’s license must be maintained at all times. 

• Years and Types of Experience:  Five to ten years professional experience in communications, public relations, or marketing which includes experience writing on topics related to Catholic teachings and drafting speeches for leadership.