Communications Director

East Lansing Catholics

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish & School

St. John Church & Student Center

MISSION STATEMENT:

We are a Roman Catholic parish in a university community, joining students of all ages, joining people from all walks of life and from all corners of the world through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

VISION STATEMENT:

As a Eucharistic people, we nurture spiritual growth through worship, evangelization, stewardship, education, service, justice, outreach and hospitality.

ROLE OF PASTORAL TEAM MEMBERS:

Pastoral Team Members have responded to the call to ministry in the unique setting of St. John Church and Student Center, established to serve the pastoral needs of the Michigan State University (MSU) community, and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish established to meet the needs of the East Lansing Catholic Community. As professional ministers the pastoral team members encourage one another to practice their faith lives and continue to develop their relationships with God. The style of ministry employed by the members of the Pastoral Team attempts to model shared responsibility, equality, cooperation, consensus decision-making, mutual support, encouragement, shared faith and prayer. Participation in the prayer life of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish / St. John Church and Student Center is a part of their ministry here. As people of faith they gather regularly to plan, evaluate and formulate methods of reaching the goals established for the parish, school and student center. Their experience and insights are shared with each other for the ongoing service of the entire community and for the implementation of the parish and student center mission statement.

JOB SUMMARY:

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish is accepting resumes for an on-site, year-round, full-time Communications manager who reports to the Business Manager. Some weekends work may be expected for special events. The Communications Director supports the mission and ministry of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, St. John Church & Student Center and the Parish School through communications, events, and front-line hospitality. This role plays a key part in how the parish communicates, welcomes, and engages with parishioners and the community-both in person and online. The position collaborates closely with the Pastor, Business Manager, and staff to support parish operations and evangelization efforts.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Oversight of a parish wide communication and branding strategy for daily use and special projects in electronic and print publications.
Primary communication responsibilities include weekly bulletin, website, social media, Mass announcements and parish email communications.
Work with colleagues to elicit ideas for content and collaborate with the ministry leaders on the ongoing development and execution of social media and marketing strategies.
Work collaboratively with Pastor, staff, and ministry leaders to plan and execute events such as the Parish Picnic, Concerts in the Parking Lot, Feast Day celebrations, etc...
Post and monitor appropriate social media platforms including but not limited to: Facebook, Instagram, Google, and YouTube.
Help develop flyers, PowerPoint presentations and other media for staff and ministries.
Maintain messaging on the school electronic roadside sign, as well as bulletin boards and monitors at St. John Student Center.
Updates Faith Magazine database as needed.
Perform other related tasks as needed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Education:

Bachelor's Degree in communications, marketing, or journalism or equivalent experience preferred.

Experience:

Minimum of one year of experience (or equivalent education).

Skills Needed:

Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Publisher, etc...); Adobe Suite (InDesign and Illustrator); Canva; MailChimp; and Google/Gmail. Proficient user and developer of social media content. Proficient in print production. Ability to create and edit video with a camera and graphic arts production preferred.

IDEAL CANDIDATE MUST:

Be a Spirit-filled disciple of Jesus Christ, actively practicing their Catholic faith.
Be committed to growing in holiness through daily prayer and interior conversion.
Seek growth in the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Be a team player who is approachable, affable, and positive.
Pass a background check and attend local training for the protection of children and youth.
Some weekend and evening work may be required.
Physical demands include walking, standing, sitting, stooping, and occasionally lifting boxes or bags that weigh up to 20 pounds.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work of the position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills.

To apply for the position, please submit a cover letter and resume to the online application.