Executive Director of Communications, Diocese of Allentown

DIOCESE OF ALLENTOWNExecutive Director of CommunicationsSummary:The mission of the Diocese of Allentown is: "A Roman Catholic family of faith, centered in the Holy Eucharist, faithful to the Church's teachings, bringing the Light of Christ to each other and to our community."The Executive Director of Communications advances this mission through a variety of means, working collaboratively with the Office of the Bishop and with all Secretariats in the Diocese. The Executive Director of Communications serves as the official spokesperson for the Bishop and the Allentown Diocese. Additionally, oversees all diocesan media venues and manages associated office staff. Overview:This position is an extension of the Bishop's ministry in the five counties of the Diocese of Allentown. The Executive Director of Communications must be well-formed in the Catholic faith and have a willingness and ability to represent the Bishop and the authentic teachings of the Catholic Church without equivocation through a wide range of communications and public relations activities. Reporting lines: Organizationally, this position is in the Office of the Bishop. The Executive Director of Communications reports to the Chancellor, who reports directly to the Bishop. Duties and Responsibilities:Senior Staff: supports the needs of the Bishop's Office in articulating and promoting the mission of the diocese. The Executive Director of Communications serves as press secretary for the Bishop. Messaging: Create appropriate messages for communications, working with the Bishop, the Chancellor, and diocesan leadership, and ensure consistency of those messages in all communications. Develop and implement a comprehensive diocesan communications plan to advance the mission of the Diocese through integrated messaging across print, digital, and social media platforms. Media relations: Serves as the main contact for media inquiries and represent the Diocese and its mission in interviews for electronic, print, and web-based media. Strong working knowledge of the media is required. Ability to build relationships of mutual respect with working media. Serve as the primary advisor for crisis communications, providing timely counsel to diocesan leadership and coordinating clear, consistent internal, and external messaging during sensitive or high-profile situations. Writing: Strong and concise writer, able to write news releases, feature articles, position summaries, social media and web messaging; work with other writers on staff to edit and improve written materials. Contribute editorial content to all Diocesan media venues. Electronic communications: Create and publish communications materials on diocesan websites and social media channels. Oversee diocesan social media including overall design and content updates. Utilize Flocknote to send electronic communications both internally and externally via email and/or text messaging. Oversee the various newsletters sent by communications staff via Flocknote. Oversee diocesan websites (English and Spanish), ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and design consistency. Coordinate with IT/web vendors for maintenance, updates, and analytics tracking. Monitor engagement metrics across social media, newsletters, and websites to inform communication strategies and improve outreach effectiveness. Diocesan newspaper: Supervise The AD Times in collaboration with the editor, including assigning writers and photographers, and reviewing and approving content prior to printing. Ensure that the publication reflects the mission and messaging priorities of the Diocese and adheres to its established publication schedule (biweekly or triweekly, depending on the season). Diocesan Directory: Manage the annual production of the printed diocesan directory, including collecting and verifying updated information from diocesan departments, parishes, schools, and affiliated institutions. Coordinate editing, layout, printing, and distribution. Oversee the solicitation and management of advertisements to support the publication. Budget and vendor management: Manage the annual communications budget and coordinate with vendors for printing, advertising, and digital services. Ensure fiscal responsibility and cost efficiency in all operations. Photography: Basic competency required to shoot occasional photos for communications materials. Video production and graphic design: Ability to record or supervise video recording, edit video, and perform or oversee graphic design work, as needed. Oversee visual, written, and multimedia content (flyers, social media graphics, video messages, campaign materials) to support ministries, diocesan events, and evangelization initiatives. Ensure consistent use of diocesan logos, fonts, and tone across all platforms and departments, and provide brand guidance to parishes, schools, and diocesan institutions. Translation: Provide Spanish translation or outsource translation of various types of communications material, such as the Bishop's Sunday Gospel reflection and the weekly Spanish article(s) published on AD Today Español and shared via the weekly AD Today Español. Management skills: Supervise a team of internal staff and contract personnel. Foster a collaborative team culture that emphasizes creativity, accountability, understanding, and mission-driven communications. Support parishes and schools in communications efforts by providing guidance, resources, and consistent messaging materials that reflect diocesan standards for branding and evangelization. Collaboration: Collaborates regularly with departments such as Evangelization & Formation, Catholic Schools, Vocations, and Stewardship & Development to ensure coordinated communications strategies. Develop communication plans and promotional materials for diocesan events, liturgies, and initiatives, coordinating press releases, digital campaigns, and live coverage. Serves on various diocesan committees to assist in event planning and communications strategy. Represents the Diocese on the Communications Department of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. Special projects: This position involves a variety of duties that may not be traditional communications functions, but that contribute to advancing the Diocese's mission. This may include assisting with diocesan initiatives, pastoral communications, and outreach projects that further evangelization and community engagement. Educational Requirements:Bachelor's degree required, preferably with a major in journalism, public relations, communications, Catholic Theology, or related field, but other degrees are acceptable if accompanied by sufficient work experience in relevant fields.  Other Requirements:Candidate must be a practicing Catholic in good standing, have a deep knowledge of the Catholic faith, and agree to live by the tenets of the Catholic faith, including in lifestyle and on personal social media. A minimum of 5 years of experience in communications. Experience working in the news media is preferred. Excellent oral and communication skills, including the ability to interact professionally and represent the Bishop and the Diocese with a high level of integrity. Advanced knowledge of publication/website layout and utilization of social media. Strong public speaking and written communication skills. Able to maintain high levels of confidentiality, professionalism, and integrity in both appearance and communication. Able to provide accurate information while working under strict deadlines. High level of proofreading skills. Organizational skills, interpersonal skills, and relevant computer skills required. Able to satisfactorily complete background checks and training applicable to diocesan requirements. Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, employee is regularly required to sit, walk and stand, talk and hear, both in person and by telephone. Use of hands to operate standard office equipment, with occasional reaching and lifting up to 10 pounds is required. Valid driver's license required.  Working Conditions: Regular work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. However, this position also requires work outside normal hours occasionally (including some nights and weekends) to attend meetings and events and to handle urgent communications. This is a full-time salaried position.  The Diocese of Allentown is an excellent place to work and to build a career. It offers competitive salary and excellent benefits, including health insurance and days off for standard holidays and for Holy Days.  The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and requirements.