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Reporting Relationships
- The Director of Media reports to the Executive Director of Communications.
Essential Job Functions
- Oversee and evaluate the Synod’s use of social media and public relations
- Explore new and developing media and evaluate their usefulness for the Synod.
- Produce content for use in various media, especially social and digital media. Implement new media channels when viable.
- Evaluate and continuously improve engagement and reach of social media channels. Have defined strategies for each channel.
- Work proactively with other Communication departments to determine how to create and distribute to our target audiences through social media and other media and news outlets.
- Serve as director of public relations for the Synod, including consulting with Synod officers, executives and others to ensure that the public relations objectives of the Synod are realized.
- Serve as the Synod’s primary liaison with external media and spokesperson for the Synod when required.
- Serve as the public relations liaison to the Synod’s Office of the President and other offices or departments.
- Provide counsel to Synod agencies, entities, offices and departments in the midst of crises or during times of issues management.
- Promote the Synod’s news and positions to the secular media and others.
- Work with the managing editors of the Synod publications to disseminate news to the Synod.
- Contribute expertise and work input to the marketing of LCMS products, programs and brand.
- Develop and implement strategies to reach the active members of the LCMS through Synod publications.
- Writes and edits/copyedits for the department when needed.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field.
- Five years’ or more experience in public relations, social media and communications, consistently utilizing and incorporating best practices.
Competencies (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)
- Active membership in an LCMS congregation, faithful to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, and supportive of the Synod's Constitution, Bylaws, and policies.
- Excellent knowledge of current and emerging social media and public relations trends and principles.
- Ability to deftly navigate complex organizational structure and maintain strong working relationships.
- Experience working with social and digital media management software (i.e. Sprout, Hubspot, etc)
- Experience monitoring and influencing public sentiment through various media channels.
- High aptitude in oral and written communications.
- Strong capability and interest in writing and editing as evidenced by published materials or other written materials.
- Ability to work with people, both within and outside the church.
- Broad-based biblical knowledge and a solid understanding of LCMS doctrine, practice, positions, structure, governance, etc.
- Commitment to accuracy, integrity, and clarity in the presentation of information.
- Appreciation of deadlines and the ability to meet them.
- Ability to speak in public to represent the Synod.
- Willing to travel.
Supervisory Responsibility
- Manager of Social Media team.