Diocese of Toledo

Diocese of Toledo Position Description

Position: Communications Specialist FLSA: Non- exempt Reports to: Associate Director of Communications Grade: 7 Effective date: February 23, 2016

General Summary: The Communications Specialist assists in the research, creation and delivery of news and other information to both internal and external audiences of the Diocese of Toledo. Assists in enhancing the Diocese of Toledo brand through print, audio/visual materials, and events under the direction of the Senior Director of Communications and Associate Director of Communications.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

 Assist in the creation of news and delivery of news and other information to both internal and external audiences in the Diocese of Toledo. This may include, but is not limited to, news articles and features for the diocesan website, videos, press releases and marketing materials.  Serves as consultant and advisor, working creatively and collaboratively with diocesan departments, organizations and institutions to maximize publicity for special events, programs and major announcements.  Together with the Senior Director of Communications and Associate Director of Communications, develops strategies for working with Catholic and secular media to promote the ministries and services of the Diocese of Toledo.

 Remains current on media issues, especially developments on religious and ethical topics.

 Provides context, clarity, consistency and appropriate tone to messages, and creates linkages to the teachings and doctrines of the Catholic Church and her teachings, church structure, and the vision/mission of the Diocese.

 Performs other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

 Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, English or a closely related field to the essential duties and responsibilities of this position.  Minimum of 1-3 years of practical experience in a corporate or nonprofit setting.  Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.  Proficient in use of photography and videography as a story-telling medium. High level of creativity in visual and print media.  Thorough knowledge of the methods and techniques for disseminating information to the public as well as facilitating internal communication among departments and agencies.  Superior professional writing and copy-editing skills; must be able to present ideas in a cognate, understandable, and compelling manner. Must also be able to adjust and respond accordingly on tight deadlines and in rapidly changing situations. Knowledge of social media and emerging digital marketing trends and strategies.  Maintain confidentiality, exercise good judgement and work independently as well as in a team environment.  Establish and maintain effective working relationships with diocesan offices, parishes and schools, in addition to the media.  Willingness to travel for assignments within the Diocese of Toledo and maintain a valid driver’s license.  High attention to detail and quality.  Respect, promote, accommodate, and not be in conflict with the mission, moral and social teachings, doctrines, and laws of the Roman Catholic faith.  Successfully pass required BCI/FBI background checks prior to employment and every five years.

LANGUAGE SKILLS Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, vendors, employees, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

REASONING ABILITY Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

WORKING CONDITIONS The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Position may require some evening and weekend hours. Receipt and Acknowledgement

I acknowledge that I have been given a copy of this job description. I have read it and understand it. I am responsible for complying with all job duties, requirements and responsibilities contained herein, and any subsequent revisions.

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

I understand and agree that the job description is presented as a matter of information only, and is not to be construed as a contract between the Diocese of Toledo and its employees.

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______Approved by Director of Human Resources Date

All new or revised position descriptions must be approved by the Director of Human Resources