Director of Communications - Arvada UMC, Arvada, CO

Arvada United Methodist Church (AUMC) seeks a creative professional to serve in a 18-20 hours per week position. AUMC is a Reconciling Congregation that welcomes all, theologically progressive and committed to social justice. Our arts ministry, Faith in Action activities and programming for children and youth are all dynamic and growing. The church building, on the hill at 68th and Carr streets, hosts a wide spectrum of community services and events, including a preschool, arts organizations and support groups.

We seek someone who can tell our stories of “Room at the Table for All” across internal and external media. The ideal candidate is an excellent communicator, self-motivated, highly organized, and able to engage others as a team leader. This is a new position, so duties, projects and processes will evolve, and the successful candidate will need to thrive on change and juggle multiple stakeholders and audiences.

Hours per week: 18-20 hours per week.
Travel: None

Primary Responsibilities

 
External and internal communications: On a weekly basis, the Director of Communications will compile, edit and send an e-blast; maintain the development of and manage content on the AUMC website; update and monitor social media; coordinate promotions of church news and events, holidays, performing arts and children’s programming; and serve as the in-house editor and coordinator for digital and print materials, including printed bulletins, newsletters, direct mail, and all communications.
Worship presentations and multimedia: Connect the weekly worship planning information to graphics for worship announcements that can also be used in e-blasts, social media, print media, etc. Collaborate with staff to craft visuals related to the sermon series.
Branding and marketing strategy:  Collaborate with staff, lay leaders and volunteers to create and implement a communication strategy and revitalized branding, including management of an ongoing communications calendar that syncs with the church’s program calendar. Lead ongoing efforts to enhance the AUMC website and add other digital strategies to reach those searching for a faith community.

Secondary Responsibilities:

-Five to Seven hours per week are in planning and coordination meetings (typically in person)
-Additional hours of responsibility can be worked remotely (typically non-weekend)
-Essential that the Director maintains regular weekly time zones for contact with staff and congregation
-Occasional need to attend weekend activities and/or staff development gatherings

Skills:

• Enthusiasm and respect for the mission and values of AUMC
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills
• Essential evidence of Initiative, flexibility and problem-solving experiences and leadership
• Strong organizational skills to manage projects and data, and coordinate with teams and leaders
• Proficiency in navigating social media and web tools; willingness to find and master whatever the best new tool might be for the church’s communications needs
• Evidence of compelling graphic design proficiency
• Photo and video skills (shooting and editing)
• Evidence and proficiency in learning new software for improvement of communications

Physical Expectation:
Good manual dexterity, eye-hand coordination and the ability to use hands in quick, repetitive motion is required to perform content creation and operate common office equipment. Computer work requires extended periods of time in a seated position. Light physical activity including occasional bending, squatting, standing, walking and lifting lightweight materials up to 35 pounds. Ability to independently travel to destinations.