The Bishop of the Diocese of New Westminster seeks to appoint a Director of Communications. This is a full-time position. It is officed at the Synod Office, 1410 Nanton Street, Vancouver, BC.
About the Diocese of New Westminster:
The Diocese of New Westminster is dedicated to serving the spiritual and missional needs of its diverse parishes. Committed to congregational vitality and social justice, including climate justice, indigenous justice, and community engagement, the diocese is seeking a Director of Communications to shape its narrative and promote its values.
Position Summary:
The Director of Communications for the Diocese of New Westminster serves as a strategic leader responsible for shaping and amplifying the narrative around congregational vitality and a commitment to social justice issues within the diocese. This pivotal role involves not only crafting compelling narratives but also supporting the diocesan bishop in articulating God’s mission and vision for the church in this place, empowering parishes and clergy in their ministry and development, and fostering communication best practices. By envisioning and executing a comprehensive communication strategy, this role ensures that diocesan priorities, values, goals, and messages are effectively conveyed both internally and externally, ultimately contributing to the diocesan strategic vision.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Communication Planning:
- Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic communication plan that aligns with the diocesan strategic vision
- Responsible for ensuring consistent messaging and branding across all communication channels.
- Identify key communication goals and objectives to support the diocese's overall strategy.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies, making adjustments as necessary to achieve desired outcomes.
- Narrative Development and Promotion:
- Craft compelling narratives and stories that highlight the positive impact of parish vitality, and the diocese's commitment to its priorities.
- Collaborate with diocesan staff and other key stakeholders to identify and promote success stories and initiatives that reflect the diocesan values.
- Ensure that all communication materials consistently reflect diocesan ethos and values.
- Bishop’s Office Support:
- Work closely with the bishop to articulate and communicate the diocesan strategic vision to internal and external audiences.
- Assist the bishop in communicating speeches, sermons, and messages throughout the diocese.
- Support the bishop in engaging with parishes, clergy, and other stakeholders to foster unity and shared purpose.
- Serve as the point person in responding to media requests for information through interviews, especially on sensitive subjects.
- Mission and Ministry Development:
- Collaborate with the Mission and Ministry Development Department to create communication strategies that inform and engage parish leaders and clergy in various areas, including Christian Formation, Stewardship, Property Development, and more.
- Assist with the development of training materials and resources that empower parishes in their ministry and outreach efforts.
- Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing among parishes within the diocese.
- Finance Department Support:
- Assist the Finance Department in communicating diocesan financial policies and best practices to parish leaders and clergy.
- Assist parishes with developing materials that enhance effective communication in the areas of evangelism, stewardship, outreach, Christian formation and administration.
- Communication Vision and Evaluation:
- Evaluate the effectiveness of current communication channels and materials, seeking feedback from stakeholders to improve and adapt.
- Develop a long-term vision for diocesan communication, identifying emerging trends and technologies that can enhance outreach and engagement.
- Ensure that communication efforts are aligned with diocesan goals and evolving needs.
- Team Building and Leadership:
- Recruit, train, and manage a communications team, both paid and volunteer, to effectively execute communication strategies.
- Foster a collaborative and creative work environment that encourages innovation and excellence in communication.
- Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to team members, helping them develop their skills and contribute to the diocese's success.
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field.
- Native fluency in English language with strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven experience in strategic communications
- Knowledge of and commitment to the values and mission of the Anglican Church of Canada and the Diocese of New Westminster.
- Experience in communications and media: web, print, radio, TV, media relations, public relations, marketing, advertising, event planning, photography, and videography
- Skilled in writing, public speaking, working within a creative environment, team leadership. Knowledge of HTML would be an asset.
- Proficiency in communications software: Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and other video and audio editing software i.e., Final Cut 10
- A minimum of 2 years working in communications and faith communities
- Driving license and vehicle are essential.
Working conditions and Hours of Work:
- Standard office conditions. Office with standard desk/workstation and equipment supplied including telephone, computer, internet, and photocopier.
- Standard Office Hours with occasional work on evenings and weekends.
Physical requirements:
- Standard office conditions: long hours sitting and using computers/other office equipment. Light lifting of supplies and materials from time to time. Meeting set-up including moving tables, chairs, etc. from time to time.
Direct reports:
- Contracted staff, volunteers
Ways of Working or Working Standards:
- The Director of Communications is required to remain current on Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Check, Dismantling Racism training and Sexual Misconduct prevention training.
- Collaborative team environment working with Synod Staff, clergy, and lay leaders.
- This position is often privy to highly sensitive material. Absolute discretion, adherence to privacy rules and confidentiality are working standards.
Applications for this position will be received until close of business on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Please email your cover letter and current c.v. or resumé to executivearchdeacon@vancouver.anglican.ca.
For further information contact Bill Siksay, Executive Assistant to the Bishop’s Office at 604-684-6306, ext. 228 or by email at bsiksay@vancouver.anglican.ca