ABOUT THE UCC
The United Church of Christ (UCC) is a distinct and diverse community of Christians that come together as one church to join faith and action. With over 5,000 churches and nearly one million members across the U.S., the UCC serves God in the co-creation of a just and sustainable world. The UCC is a church of firsts, a church of extravagant welcome, and a church where “…they may all be one” (John 17:21).
GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
Manage the coordination of all communication strategies towards accomplishing the OPTIC goals. Oversee the denomination’s news and media relations efforts, providing strategic and editorial leadership to its associated online communications (e.g., web, email), as well as placement in regional and national media outlets.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Oversee the implementation of the denomination’s communications strategy as set forth by the Director of Marketing and Communication through tactical news and public relations activities, including, but not limited to e-mail, pitches, releases, and articles.
In coordination with inter- and intra-departmental teams, plan, administer, and oversee the national setting’s weekly e-communication (e.g., News Digest).
- Serve as news director for the denomination and coordinate the effective integration of multimedia within news activities, as well as the successful optimization of online and e-mail content.
- Serve as managing editor of the denomination’s media relations activities, overseeing the effective implementation of the identified PR strategy and approach and successful coverage in regional and national media outlets.
- Vet external interview requests for all members of the national staff and coordinate coverage by outside news media.
- Provide direct supervision and oversee the day-to-day activities of the Digital Content Specialist, Video Services Manager, and Multimedia Content -Specialist. Assign freelance writers and photographers, as needed for special projects.
- Supervising General Synod news coverage, handling the overall internal assignments, producing a daily Digest, supervising and coordinating the business assignments with the Digital Content Specialist, overseeing the creation and dissemination of press releases and handling external media requests.
- Provide media training on an ongoing basis to key denominational leaders and assist Director of Marketing and Communication with crisis communication, as needed.
POSITION REQUIREMENTS
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to perform successfully in this position.
- A college degree in journalism, and/or communications-related field or equivalent experience, or a combination of academic study and experience.
- A thorough knowledge and history of the United Church of Christ, its national setting ministries, structure, and philosophy.
- Demonstrated expertise in multiple forms of communication, including print publications, the internet and video production.
- Ability to coordinate and calendar multiple projects simultaneously, in a timely manner, with an eye toward quality and accuracy.
- Ability and willingness to travel, at times, for meetings and conferences.
- Ability to coordinate staff and compile information from various sources.
- Desire and sensitivity to work in diverse racial, ethnic, cultural and religious settings with commitment to diversity in the workplace as well as an understanding of mission.
- Computer literate, with ability to learn and master UCC’s online content management system.
- COVID-19 Update: Protecting the health and safety of our employees is a top priority. Full COVID-19 vaccination is required for employment (proof of record will be requested during the onboarding process).
COMPREHENSIVE BENEFITS PACKAGE: Employer paid health, dental, life, pension benefits
APPLICATION DEADLINE January 20, 2023
Please apply here: https://www.appone.com/MainInfoReq.asp?R_ID=5167696
