SCL Communications Director

About Us:

Impelled by the love of Christ, the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth, a Roman Catholic congregation of women religious, offer every loving service in their power to meet the critical needs of God’s people. Established in 1858 in Kansas, the Sisters of Charity live their mission in the spirit of their founders St. Vincent de Paul, Louise de Marillac, and Mother Xavier Ross. The Sisters, as Gospel-centered women, share a tradition of responding to the needs of the time, ministering to the vulnerable and marginalized and caring for the fragile Earth. They share their mission in partnership and collaboration with those committed to working for peace and justice.

Job Summary:

The Communications Director will develop and implement a strategic communications plan, aligned with the current strategic direction of the SCL Community, that supports the mission, philosophy, and positive image of the Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth. This includes an assessment and review of all current communications practices. Excellent written and oral communication, computer skills, creativity, experience with strategic communications plans, and an understanding of the culture of Catholic women religious and experience are required to be a successful candidate. As the media point of contact, an ability to address crisis communication situations professionally is essential. The ability to work effectively with others through appropriate delegation and support is also important to success. Professional experience of 5-7 years in communications; familiarity with faith-based, mission-driven nonprofit organizations; and a minimum of a bachelor’s degree are required.

Job Duties:

1. Internal Communications and Other

• Audit current communications practices and implement changes as needed in consultation with the SCL Council.
• Take responsibility for official SCL communications.
• Develop communication (letters, email announcements, talking points) for special events.
• Maintain effective communication methods (daily emails, special notifications, internal broadcasts) with Mother House and Ross Hall Sisters.
• Provide communications support and resources to SCL Community Director, Council, offices, staff, and committees.
• Develop and assist with analysis of SCL Community and SCL Associates surveys.
• Prepare and manage annual departmental budget.
• Update departmental policies and procedures.
• Conduct periodic audits to determine satisfaction with means, frequency, and accessibility of internal communications.

2. External Communications 

• Provide communications support as needed or requested for events, announcements, activities, and news about the SCL Community and individual Sisters.
• Develop press releases, announcements, news, and feature articles for distribution to churches, media, website, and other outlets.
• Develop and disseminate death notices and obituaries of Sisters.
• Develop advertisements for media placement or printed programs of events for which the SCLs are a sponsor/donor.
• Develop, review, and implement crisis communication plans and function as spokesperson for the Community when delegated.
• Serve as liaison with media for inquiries.
• Maintain active membership in appropriate professional communications organizations.
• Respond to external surveys on behalf of the SCL Community.

3. Website/Social Media/Publications

• Oversee website development and social media outlets, creating strategies to increase website traffic and build relationships with our publics.
• Plan, produce, edit, and publish print materials including brochures, invitations, and the SCL Community magazine (Voices of Charity).
• Oversee the production of audiovisual materials of the SCL Community.
• Take or arrange for photographs and manage video and livestreaming as needed.

4. Data Management

• Oversee the creation, maintenance, and updating of personal files of SCLs (living, former, and deceased).
• Complete an Annual Statistical Report and file it with the appropriate organization.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrate proficiency working in Windows, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), desktop publishing, website content, and various internet browsers.
• Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate high level of attention to detail and an ability to multi-task and prioritize work.
• Demonstrate sound judgment skills and strong work ethic.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Support the SCL philosophy of care, compassion, and concern.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or similar field.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a lead communications role.
• Familiarity with utilizing and updating organizational electronic and social media outlets.
• 1-3 years supervisory experience.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to perform sedentary work, sitting at desk and/or typing for long periods of time.
• Physical capacity to stoop, bend, and lift up to 20 lbs.
• Good vision and hearing acuity.
• Ability to travel occasionally.
• Availability as required for evening and weekend events.

We are committed to ensuring the diversity of our team. While not a minimum or mandatory qualification, we strongly encourage candidates of color, those who identify as Native American, women, people of low-income backgrounds, and those who are differently-abled to apply for this role.

To Apply:
Applicants should email an updated resume and cover letter with salary requirements to recruiting@scls.org.      EOE