Job Opportunity

Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia

Director of Communications

 To Apply: Please send a resume & cover letter with salary requirements to hr@osfphila.org.  

Position Overview: 

The Director of Communications plays an active, hands-on role in developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy that advances the mission of the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. This position is directly responsible for creating content, managing internal communications, coordinating media and public relations, overseeing digital marketing initiatives, and administering the communications budget. In addition to supervising one part-time communications assistant, the Director personally carries out a broad range of day-to-day communications functions and serves as a key advisor and resource to Congregational Leadership, Congregational Services Staff, and the congregation at large.

Essential Functions:

Internal Communications

• Oversee the design, publication, and distribution of various congregational publications.
• Serve as a resource to various congregational departments by supporting the development of written, visual, and oral communications, including proofreading and editing articles, and creating brochures, letters, flyers, prayer cards, business cards, and related materials.
• Coordinate communication between leadership, congregational offices, and members.
• Maintain the internal website (intranet): oversee content, update pages, and manage permissions.
• Serve on various internal committees to provide communications support and guidance.

External Communications

• Develop and manage a multi-channel communications strategy aligned with the congregation’s mission and goals.
• Serve as managing editor of the Good News magazine (biannual publication):

·         Prepare and oversee production of all communication materials.

o   Coordinate all aspects of production, including managing freelance contributors.

o   Chair Editorial Board meetings (two/year).

o   Lead ongoing evaluation efforts with the Editorial Board.

·         Manage media relations; cultivate relationships with media contacts, influencers, and community leaders to enhance visibility.

·         Maintain the external website: plan and update content, coordinate with contributors, and monitor traffic and trends.

·         Create and manage digital, video, and audio content across social media platforms; maintain a content calendar to support brand consistency.

·         Take photos and videos at congregational events for various use in content development.

·         Consult with leadership and staff on special projects and publications; develop and oversee materials production.

·         Review and approve all external communications to ensure alignment with the mission and branding standards.

·         Serve as the congregational spokesperson and as a member of the Member Misconduct Committee; prepare crisis communication materials as needed.

·         Represent the organization at networking and professional development events (e.g., conferences and meetings)

Office Management

• Develop and manage the Communications Office budget.
• Create and execute a communications plan for the department.
• Provide regular updates on goals and progress to the Chief Operating Officer through meetings and written reports.
• Stay current on communication trends and emerging technologies; integrate best practices into communications strategy.
• Provide oversight and guidance to the Communications Assistant, including task assignment, workflow management, and performance evaluation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 10 years in communications, marketing, publishing, or public relations.
• Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with communications technologies.
• Impeccable copywriting and copy-editing abilities.
• Solid knowledge of design and publishing principles, including expertise in layout, graphic design, and both print and digital production processes.
• Proficient in utilizing major social media platforms with a strategic understanding of content planning, audience engagement, and digital marketing best practices.
• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, Premiere Pro, and Illustrator), WordPress, Canva, and video editing tools.
• Experience with photography and basic video recording/editing preferred.
• Excellent communication, organizational, project management, and interpersonal skills; ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Excellent interpersonal and diplomatic communication abilities, with a strong commitment to discretion and maintaining confidentiality.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently with minimal administrative support.
• Capable of advising senior leadership on media relations and communication strategy.
• Background in nonprofit or mission-driven organizations is a plus.