Director of Communications

Job Summary

Holy Family Catholic School and St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School are seeking a Director of Communications to serve both school campuses. The Director of Communications fulfills the mission of the Catholic school by planning, guiding, and evaluating the communication efforts of Holy Family Catholic School and St. Dominic Savio Catholic High School in planning a comprehensive marketing, communications and public relations program that enhances the schools’ public image and position in the Catholic community and general public. The Director of Communications has decision-making responsibilities within essential job functions, in keeping with school policies. The position is hired and evaluated by the President. The position has primary working relationships with the President, Principals, Directors of Admission, Advancement, and periodically with school staff and faculty to perform job functions. 

Ministerial Character

Catholic schools in the Diocese of Austin are canonically obedient to the Bishop and assist him in fulfilling his ministry and canonical obligations. Pastors, presidents, and principals serve as leaders of the schools to make Christ’s mission present and enduring in the schools. In order to fulfill Christ’s mission, the school leaders employ suitable, chosen collaborators, sharing with them Christ’s mission and entrusting to them various responsibilities.

Positions employed in this School help extend the ministry of the School leaders in particular ways as outlined in the job description. The employee in this position is closely connected to and assists School leaders in the performance of their ministry and, therefore, engages in ministry for the Church.  

Essential Duties

• Supports and upholds the philosophy of Catholic education and the mission of the school
• Acts as a witness to Gospel values by modeling the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Supports and adheres to the Code of Conduct and policies and procedures of the school and Diocese
• Maintains confidentiality regarding school matters
• Creates, implements and measures the success of the marketing, communication and public relations activities and materials including publications, media relations, social media and searchable online databases for schools
• Ensures articulation of the school’s brand identity guidelines regarding the logo, and marketing materials
• Writes, designs, and coordinates the development of a semi-annual magazine for each school – Sentinel and Savio Now, that includes the annual report information provided by the Director of Development
• Develops and implements an advertising schedule for local media and parish bulletins
• Serves as the point of contact with media relations
• Coordinates the efforts of Parish Liaisons from both schools by identifying volunteers for select parishes, creating advertising material, communicating suggestions to support parish awareness and coordinates Catholic Schools Week activities and promotional weekends 
• Ensures that both schools have a sufficient supply of quality photography for all magazines, annual reports, website, annual appeal collateral and admission material; to be placed on the school’s server for ease of access 
• Ensures the schools’ websites are current with content, photographs and upcoming news
• Regularly submits information regarding school events to the Catholic Spirit newspaper
• Works closely with and provides direction for the part-time Communications/Marketing Coordinator
• Attends a variety of events for each school to stay abreast of school news and to gather information for media use and promotion
• Meets staff development guidelines as set forth by the Diocese/local administration
• Demonstrates professionalism in conduct, demeanor, and work habits
• Maintains a work schedule that maximizes availability to the school, students and staff
• Collaborates with others to enhance the work environment.
• Conferences with others upon request and responds to messages in a timely manner
• Demonstrates gains in communication goals and objectives that are in keeping with the development plans and budget objectives
• Attends and participates as needed in faculty meetings as well as professional and community organizations

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the basic teachings of the Catholic Church
• Knowledge of a broad range of communication or marketing activities
• Knowledge of communication and design software; elements of graphic design
• Knowledge and skill in managing photography needs
• Able to communicate effectively both in written and verbal form
• Able to write accurate and compelling text for communications
• Able to work well with others in the school community
• Skill in handling multiple tasks simultaneously
• Skill in organizing and relating information in an understandable format
• Skill in job appropriate technology
• Skill in critical thinking and planning

Minimal Qualifications

Education: 

• Bachelor’s degree 

Experience:

• Communications, marketing, public relations, development or related field, preferably in a non-profit environment\

Certifications and Training:

• Must submit an Ethics and Integrity in Ministry (EIM) Application for Ministry within the first week of employment, participate in an EIM Basic abuse prevention training workshop within 60 days of submitting a complete Application for Ministry, and maintain EIM compliance during the entire term of employment.

 Mental / Physical Tasks

• Talking
• Listening
• Standing
• Walking
• Grasping/holding
• Lifting/carrying
• Using office equipment
• Using personal computer
• Sitting
• Bending
• Pushing/Pulling
• Reading and comprehending
• Seeing

Working Conditions

• All employees of the school are engaged in ministry and closely tied to the principal in the exercise of the principal’s ministry and obligations to the school.
• The school is an at-will employer.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Working on weekends, evenings, and some holidays may be required.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct, and speech including Christian prayer and Catholic liturgical celebrations.  Staff meetings and other functions may open and close with Christian prayer.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by the school are tobacco free.
• May be required to use personal or school vehicles to drive to off-site locations.
• Traveling within and outside the school to meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.
• Must maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to students, parents, colleagues, and administration.
• Will be required to work in multiple educational settings.

Employee Certification 

All employees must adhere to the Catholic Schools Standards of Conduct, the Diocese of Austin EIM policies, and the social, ethical, and moral teachings of the Roman Catholic Church as interpreted by the Bishop of Austin. Texas is an “at-will” employment state.  Letters of employment are not contracts, nor do they bind the employer or the employee to a predetermined time or guarantee of employment.