Director of Communications
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Lexington, Lexington, VA, United States
Director of Communications
Catholic Diocese of Lexington
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Reports to: Chancellor
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Summary The Director of Communications serves as the chief communications strategist for the Catholic Diocese of Lexington and is responsible for advancing the mission of the Church through clear, accurate, and compelling communications. This role leads all internal and external communications efforts, ensuring consistent messaging that reflects Catholic values, supports evangelization, strengthens relationships with parishes and the faithful, and enhances the Diocese’s public presence.
The Director provides strategic leadership, media relations, crisis communications, digital engagement, and brand stewardship for the Diocese, its ministries, and affiliated entities.
Strategic Leadership
Develop and implement a comprehensive Diocesan communications strategy, aligned with the mission and pastoral priorities of the Bishop and the Diocesan Pastoral Plan
Serve as chief advisor to diocesan leadership on communications planning, messaging, and public relations
Establish standards, policies, and best practices for Diocesan and parish communications
Internal Communications
Collaborate with Chancery staff, clergy and religious, parish offices, schools to develop effective internal and external messaging
Edit and distribute News Notes each month
Edit and oversee production of the Diocesan Directory, and monitor the online version of the Directory for ongoing updates
Coordinate with Vocations Office on promotion
Collaborate with Diocesan staff to support cross-departmental communications for campaigns and special projects
Oversee the Diocesan website, social media, and other electronic platforms
Work with Diocesan Development Director on the production of the Annual Appeal video
Coordinate with printer for Diocesan staff business cards
Publications
Serve as Editor of CrossRoads magazine (print/10 issues per year, online as news requires)
Coordinate with Faith Publishing personnel on layout, production, and printing of the magazine
Cultivate and secure sponsors for CrossRoads
Coordinate with volunteers on monthly Spanish-language communications
Monitor Catholic and secular media, Vatican News, and the USCCB to communicate to the faithful responsible content
Collaborate with clergy, religious, Diocesan staff, and others to conceptualize stories that tell the story of the Church in Central and Eastern Kentucky
Ensure timely, accurate, and engaging content across all communication channels
With Chancellor, manage the U.S. Postal Account for CrossRoads print magazine
Media Relations
Serve as primary diocesan spokesperson and media liaison
Initiate and develop relationships with members of local, regional, and national media
Draft press releases, statements, talking points, and public messaging
Identify opportunities and facilitate the Diocese of Lexington’s participation in local, regional, and national conversations
Manage crisis communications and sensitive issues with professionalism and discretion
Field and discern proper response person for inquiries from media
Branding and Creative Content
Maintain consistent diocesan branding, visual identity, and tone
Oversee graphic design, photography, and video production
Ensure all materials reflect the dignity and values of the Catholic Church
Managerial
Work with Chancellor on annual Communications Office budget
Supervise the Communications Coordinator
Qualifications, Education, & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field (Master’s preferred)
5–7+ years of progressively responsible communications or public relations experience.
Leadership or management experience preferred
Experience in nonprofit, faith-based, or mission-driven organizations highly desirable
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills
Excellent verbal communication and public speaking ability
Experience with media relations and crisis management
Proficiency with digital platforms, content management systems, and social media strategy
Familiarity with graphic design and multimedia tools is a plus
Strong organizational and project management skills
Ability to work occasional evenings/weekends for Diocesan events or urgent matters
Faith & Mission Requirements
Practicing Catholic in good standing who supports and upholds the teachings of the Catholic Church
Demonstrated understanding of Church structure, ministry, and Catholic culture
Commitment to the mission of evangelization and service
Working Environment
Office-based with occasional travel throughout the Diocese
Event coverage may require flexible scheduling
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Catholic Diocese of Lexington
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Reports to: Chancellor
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt
Position Summary The Director of Communications serves as the chief communications strategist for the Catholic Diocese of Lexington and is responsible for advancing the mission of the Church through clear, accurate, and compelling communications. This role leads all internal and external communications efforts, ensuring consistent messaging that reflects Catholic values, supports evangelization, strengthens relationships with parishes and the faithful, and enhances the Diocese’s public presence.
The Director provides strategic leadership, media relations, crisis communications, digital engagement, and brand stewardship for the Diocese, its ministries, and affiliated entities.
Strategic Leadership
Develop and implement a comprehensive Diocesan communications strategy, aligned with the mission and pastoral priorities of the Bishop and the Diocesan Pastoral Plan
Serve as chief advisor to diocesan leadership on communications planning, messaging, and public relations
Establish standards, policies, and best practices for Diocesan and parish communications
Internal Communications
Collaborate with Chancery staff, clergy and religious, parish offices, schools to develop effective internal and external messaging
Edit and distribute News Notes each month
Edit and oversee production of the Diocesan Directory, and monitor the online version of the Directory for ongoing updates
Coordinate with Vocations Office on promotion
Collaborate with Diocesan staff to support cross-departmental communications for campaigns and special projects
Oversee the Diocesan website, social media, and other electronic platforms
Work with Diocesan Development Director on the production of the Annual Appeal video
Coordinate with printer for Diocesan staff business cards
Publications
Serve as Editor of CrossRoads magazine (print/10 issues per year, online as news requires)
Coordinate with Faith Publishing personnel on layout, production, and printing of the magazine
Cultivate and secure sponsors for CrossRoads
Coordinate with volunteers on monthly Spanish-language communications
Monitor Catholic and secular media, Vatican News, and the USCCB to communicate to the faithful responsible content
Collaborate with clergy, religious, Diocesan staff, and others to conceptualize stories that tell the story of the Church in Central and Eastern Kentucky
Ensure timely, accurate, and engaging content across all communication channels
With Chancellor, manage the U.S. Postal Account for CrossRoads print magazine
Media Relations
Serve as primary diocesan spokesperson and media liaison
Initiate and develop relationships with members of local, regional, and national media
Draft press releases, statements, talking points, and public messaging
Identify opportunities and facilitate the Diocese of Lexington’s participation in local, regional, and national conversations
Manage crisis communications and sensitive issues with professionalism and discretion
Field and discern proper response person for inquiries from media
Branding and Creative Content
Maintain consistent diocesan branding, visual identity, and tone
Oversee graphic design, photography, and video production
Ensure all materials reflect the dignity and values of the Catholic Church
Managerial
Work with Chancellor on annual Communications Office budget
Supervise the Communications Coordinator
Qualifications, Education, & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field (Master’s preferred)
5–7+ years of progressively responsible communications or public relations experience.
Leadership or management experience preferred
Experience in nonprofit, faith-based, or mission-driven organizations highly desirable
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills
Excellent verbal communication and public speaking ability
Experience with media relations and crisis management
Proficiency with digital platforms, content management systems, and social media strategy
Familiarity with graphic design and multimedia tools is a plus
Strong organizational and project management skills
Ability to work occasional evenings/weekends for Diocesan events or urgent matters
Faith & Mission Requirements
Practicing Catholic in good standing who supports and upholds the teachings of the Catholic Church
Demonstrated understanding of Church structure, ministry, and Catholic culture
Commitment to the mission of evangelization and service
Working Environment
Office-based with occasional travel throughout the Diocese
Event coverage may require flexible scheduling
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