Senior Director of Communications, Creative & Connections

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior Director of Communications, Creative, and Connections is a strategic leader responsible for the oversight and integration of CyLife's external voice and internal belonging systems. This role ensures that our "front door" (Communications/Creative) is compelling and that our "living room" (Connections) is welcoming, ensuring no one falls through the cracks. This leader will drive team health, elevate digital storytelling, and create a seamless path for new people to move from first-time guests to fully connected members.

Reports To

This position reports to the Executive Pastor.

Direct Reports

The direct reports for this position are the Creative Director and Director of Connections.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Communication & Social Engagement

Brand Voice: Define and protect the CyLife brand voice across all digital and physical platforms.
Social Media Growth: Develop and execute strategies to increase engagement (not just followers) on social media, fostering a digital community that reflects the church's heart.
Multi-Channel Strategy: Oversee the digital ecosystem, including the website, app, email marketing, and Sunday morning communications (announcements, bulletins).
High-Impact Storytelling & Video Video Oversight: Partner with the Creative Director to prioritize video projects that highlight life-change and God's work within the congregation.
Content Excellence: Ensure all creative content is aesthetically excellent, theologically sound, and missionally aligned.
Campaign Management: Lead the creative planning for major church seasons (Easter, Christmas, Series Launches).
Connection & Integration Systems The Guest Journey: In collaboration with the Director of Connections, audit and optimize the path from "First-Time Guest" to "Member."
Retention Systems: Implement data-driven systems to identify and reach out to individuals who may be "falling through the cracks."
Volunteer Leadership: Empower the Director of Connections to build high-capacity volunteer teams for Sunday morning hospitality and mid-week follow-up.
Leadership & Team Development Team Health: Provide direct coaching, spiritual leadership, and professional development for the Creative Director and Director of Connections.
Budget Stewardship: Manage the annual budgets for the Communications, Creative, and Connections departments.
Executive Alignment: Act as the primary liaison between these departments and the Executive Pastor, ensuring creative and connection strategies support the overall vision of the church.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Digital Engagement: measurable increase in social media interaction rates and website-to-connection-card conversions.
Connection Rate: Improved percentage of first-time guests who attend a second time or join a small group.
System Reliability: 100% follow-up rate for all connection inquiries within a 48-hour window.
Team Retention: High morale and low turnover within the Creative and Connections teams.
QUALIFICATIONS

Skills & Experience Theological Alignment: Unwavering commitment to the mission and values of CyLife Church.
Proven Leadership: 7+ years of experience in communications, marketing, or ministry leadership, with at least 3 years managing high-level leaders.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to see the big picture and build systems that scale.
Creative Aptitude: A strong eye for design and a "gut feel" for compelling storytelling.
Relational Intelligence: High EQ; able to navigate complex staff and congregational dynamics with grace.
Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with Church Management Systems (ChMS), Project Management software (e.g., Asana, Monday.com), and Adobe Creative Cloud is a plus.
Physical Requirements & Expectations Must be available for all Sunday services and major church events.
Attend weekly Staff and Leadership meetings.
Engage in the life of CyLife Church (Small Groups, Giving, Serving).
CORE VALUES, COMPETENCIES AND ABILITIES

CyLife Staff Core Values

We expect this leader to model and live out the CyLife Church Core Values in their work and to help support staff in living out these values as well.

Fighting for Relationship: We are committed to fighting for authentic relationships and traveling light by extending grace and speaking truth in times of conflict and accountability. We stay curious first in order to express trust, honor, and respect to one another. We choose to call one another up and not out. We will be known by our love for one another.
Servant Leadership and Humility (I am third): We strive to set the standard as servant leaders by modeling Jesus' life of coming to serve and not be served. We do whatever it takes to get something done, no matter our role or title. We consistently seek input and feedback and humbly receive it so we can grow personally and as a church.
Team and Collaboration (Better Together): We are committed to a team-first attitude. We are stronger and better together, which is why we value people over programs. Silo ministry is unacceptable, so we collaborate to achieve the best outcomes and the greatest Kingdom impact.
Fun: We believe in having joy in what we do. We do not take ourselves too seriously and enjoy laughing, especially at ourselves. We use humor responsibly so relationships are never harmed.
Grit and Resiliency: We persistently pursue excellence and go the extra mile in all matters. When things are hard, we dig deep, support one another, and courageously finish what we set out to do.
Be Responsible (Own It): We take full responsibility for our part in all matters. We are responsible, respectful, and accountable to one another. We take initiative, seek solutions, and pursue constant improvement in our personal, spiritual, and leadership development.

Competencies and Abilities Communication: You speak and write effectively using appropriate conventions and communication channels based on the situation. You actively listen, ask questions to verify understanding, and use tact and consideration when delivering feedback.
Flexibility: You respond positively and adapt to change initiatives and demonstrate ongoing support for change efforts.
Collaboration and Partnership: You encourage and embrace dialogue, anticipate and resolve conflict by exploring mutually agreeable solutions, and share key information with others involved in projects or efforts. You follow the biblical model for resolving conflict in accordance with Matthew 18.
Managing Work: You are methodical and efficient in structuring and completing tasks. You are self-motivated, able to work with minimal supervision, and demonstrate initiative.
Quality: You set high standards and ensure quality and accuracy in every aspect of your work.
Coachable: You receive constructive feedback without defensiveness and promptly adjust behavior to meet expectations.
Maturity: You are able to separate emotional responses from real issues and put the needs of the ministry above personal preferences.
Accountability: You take personal responsibility for adhering to policies and completing work in a timely and effective manner, while also taking ownership of your spiritual development.
Responsibility: You independently make and meet commitments, keep promises, and acknowledge and accept the choices you have made, the actions you have taken, and the results.