Communications Specialist - Part-Time

The Archdiocese of Chicago, the third largest in the United States, serves more than 2.2 million Catholics in 216 parishes in Cook County and Lake county, a geographic area of 1,411 square miles. The Archdiocese, pastored by Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, has more than 13,000 employees in its systems and ministries, including Catholic Charities, the region's largest nonprofit social service agency. The Archdiocese also has one of the country's largest seminaries. The Archdiocese's 150+ elementary and secondary schools comprise one of the largest U.S. private school systems. Its schools have received 96 U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon Awards.

Communications Specialist sought for the Global Mission Office, an agency of the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago that builds bridges of encounter and communion between the faithful of the Archdiocese of Chicago and communities of faith throughout the world. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be a highly motivated self-starter, able to work independently, collaborative, and detail oriented. The candidate should enjoy networking to cultivate relationships and meet goals. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Assumption of duties will be progressive. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The Specialist will assist the Director of the Global Mission Office to increase awareness of the work of the office with donors and supporters in the archdiocese and beyond. This part-time position will interact regularly with the Director, the Archdiocesan Communications team and the leadership of the Department of Parish Vitality and Mission. The successful candidate must be passionate about the global mission of the Catholic Church and have the ability to communicate well and energize others in this work. Fulfillment of responsibilities may involve local travel across the Archdiocese of Chicago.

Responsibilities

• Develop an excellent understanding of the Global Mission Office, its mission, goals, programs, and beneficiaries.
• Build relationships with fellow pastoral center staff, missionary partners, ministry supporters, volunteers and board members.
• Under the supervision of the Director develop strategic, high-quality, up-to-date communications such as direct mail appeals, email marketing, online content.
• Obtain program feedback from missionary partners and beneficiaries and organize data to communicate the work and impact of the Global Mission Office. In addition to written and digital media, this may include videos, presentations and podcasts, press releases, and collateral such as an annual report.
• In support of the overall goals of the office, manage digital content to create an active, compelling, and current digital presence, utilizing social media and website.
• Develop relationships with archdiocese Communications and Stewardship & Development departments, publications and media outlets in Chicago, both Catholic and public, as well as the national office of the Pontifical Mission Societies.
• Seek out and utilize tools and resources from the national office of the Pontifical Mission Societies such as marketing and brand awareness, social media materials.
• Under the supervision of the Director develop and implement a donor engagement strategy to maximize donations and retain and expand the donor base.
• Ensure timely acknowledgement/recognition of donors and contributions as appropriate through mail, email and phone.