The Washington State Catholic Conference (WSCC), the public policy voice of the bishops in Washington, is growing with a goal of having significantly more impact. Serving as a key leader of the WSCC, the Director of Communications and Outreach will focus on enhancing the mission of the Conference through significant communications and outreach activities that inform and educate Catholics on public policy matters important to the Church while inspiring an increasing number of Catholics in Washington to become engaged in the public square through grass roots advocacy.
Position Highlights:
1. Effectively use all communication channels, with an emphasis on social media and other emerging digital channels, to inform, educate and inspire Washington Catholics about Church activities, including positions on key policy matters; and to promote opportunities for all to engage with the Church in the public policy arena.
2. Identify key audiences, including the diverse Catholic ethnic and language communities within the state, and appropriately tailor messages while effectively balancing communications across a broad spectrum of policy areas.
3. Ensure consistency of message across multiple communication channels.
4. Develop and implement a plan for significantly growing the WSCC advocacy network through improved communications and expanded outreach efforts.
5. Create, monitor and act on communications metrics, data and related dashboards to ensure that a measurable and accountable improvement in communications is being delivered
6. Closely coordinate with communications colleagues in the Archdiocese of Seattle and the Dioceses of Yakima and Spokane; colleagues in CCS and Catholic Charities of Central and Eastern Washington; and other key partners in the mission of the Catholic Church in the state (e.g., the Fulcrum Foundation and the Nazareth Guild; Catholic healthcare organizations; Catholic housing organizations; the Knights of Columbus).
7. Represent the bishops in contact with media, parishes and outside Catholic and secular organizations in the implementation of public policy-related communication strategies. Serve as spokesperson for the WSCC and the Church in Washington on matters related to statewide public policy.
8. Engage in direct advocacy activity with the legislative and executive branches of the state government including regular in-person engagement in the state capital during the annual legislative session.
9. Support event planning and event management activities.
Essential Qualifications:
1. Willingness and ability to support the mission of the Catholic Church by extending the ministry of the bishops of the state on matters of public policy, including issues that span the full life and justice spectrum.
2. Ability and desire to use God-given gifts and talents in service of the Catholic Church in Washington State in support of the collaboration between lay and ordained ministers.
3. Strong interpersonal skills including high emotional intelligence, along with excellent written and verbal communications skills confirmed by demonstrated ability to facilitate meetings, conduct oral presentations, and write engaging articles, documents and/or reports.
4. Familiarity with, and sensitivity to, the variety of ethnic and language groups that comprise the Catholic Church in the state of Washington.
5. Ability, comfort and expertise in public speaking.
Education, Experience and Other Elements:
1. Active Catholic in good standing with the Church.
2. Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, marketing, political science or a related field.
3. Strong experience with grassroots advocacy and related communication activities.
4. Leadership experience in a faith-based or other non-profit organization preferred.
5. Significant background in content development and in using blogs, social media, web platforms, email and other communication channels to engage and influence both broad based as well as targeted audiences.
6. Knowledge and acceptance of the mission of the Catholic Church, including its moral and social teachings, as well as working knowledge of Catholic parish structures and organizations, the Church’s ministerial and pastoral work, and essential elements of Catholic identity.
7. Understanding and commitment to this position as a ministry, not merely a job.
8. Ability to work evenings and weekends.
9. Ability to work with people of various economic, racial and cultural backgrounds.
10. Possession of a valid Washington State driver’s license.
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