POSITION SUMMARY

The Cathedral Canon for Communications is responsible for the overall communications and messaging strategies of the Cathedral and for strategic and timely content creation across various channels (digital and print). Guided by the Dean and Vestry, this role serves as a trusted partner with the Cathedral community to cultivate a sense of belonging among parishioners and the broader community through effective storytelling and consistent brand identity. As a key member of the Cathedral’s Senior Staff, the Cathedral Canon for Communications will work closely with the Dean, other senior leadership, vestry leaders, ministry leaders and other stakeholders in the Cathedral community in all its expressions.

The Cathedral Canon for Communications position is designed to be full-time and on-site, although proposals for creative alternatives are welcome. This position is scheduled to work during normal office hours, Monday through Friday. This position may also include some work in evenings, on weekends, and holidays, in conjunction with special events and gatherings and to meet certain project deadlines.
Health and dental insurance, pension, and a robust array of paid leave benefits (including paid sabbatical leave) are provided according to cathedral policy. Nominations, applications, and questions of any kind may be directed to the Dean until the position is filled. A complete application packet will include a cover letter, resume, and a list of three references. Appointment will be contingent upon completion of background screening and successful completion of training in the prevention of child sexual abuse as required by the Episcopal Church.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Cathedral Canon for Communications will develop and share the story of Saint Mark’s to specific audiences to reach our missional goals. We prioritize effective collaboration, excellent relational/management skills, proactive planning and strategy expertise, and superior resource management. We seek a candidate with commitment to the Cathedral’s mission and ability to articulate it.

Essential Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Strategy, Message Development, and Planning:
  • In close consultation with the Dean, staff and vestry leadership, develop and implement a comprehensive internal and external communication strategy that reflects the church's vision and key messages.
  • Collaborate with ministry leaders to support their communication needs and ensure their messaging is aligned with the Cathedral’s mission, vision, and brand identity.
  • Research and track effectiveness of communications strategies (e.g. web visits, social media reach, newsletter engagement) and respond to emerging trends.
• Content Creation:
  • Write content for print and digital platforms including the Cathedral’s website, blogs, social media platforms, brochures, mailings, and newsletters.
  • Maintain editorial calendar for special projects, deliverables, and deadlines, and provide for coordinated communications among the various ministries.
  • Design and work with third-party print vendors to create outsourced communications and promotional collateral when needed.
  • Create and publish weekly, seasonal, and special materials in support of the community’s life.
  • Work closely with the Dean and Cathedral Administrator in support of development and planned giving initiatives.
  • Assist the Cathedral Worship Leaders as needed with developing service leaflets, special programs, and program layouts, and provide cross-coverage in the Worship Coordinator’s absence.
• Digital Management:
  • Monitor and respond to the Cathedral’s social media and online presence.
  • Organize and manage digital assets, including archiving documents and photos on the Cathedral’s server or in secure cloud-based file synchronization services.
  • Work closely with the Cathedral Livestream Coordinator to ensure that technical execution aligns with communication goals on audio/visual production, live streaming of services, hybrid educational offerings, ensuring that technical execution aligns with communication goals.
  • Work closely with Cathedral Photographer and Livestream Coordinator to curate photographs, videos, and recordings of events aligned with missional strategies.
  • Recruit, train, and supervise a team of staff/volunteer ministry leaders (writers, editors, photographers, graphic designers, etc.) to support and equip  communication needs, provide guidance, and foster a collaborative environment.
• Branding, Media Relations, and Design:
  • Ensure all materials reflect a consistent brand identity, visual standards, and tone of voice, acting as a primary quality control manager .
  • In coordination with the Dean, serve as the point of contact for external media inquiries, write press releases, manage public relations, and collaborate with senior leadership on crisis communications plans.
• Financial Stewardship:
  • Manage communications expenses within the framework of approved budgets.
  • Perform other tasks as assigned by the Dean related to communications.

 

Other Skills and Abilities: 

• Communication Skills:
  • Excellent written and verbal communication, editing, and interpersonal skills are essential.
  • Ability to adapt and conform to shifting priorities and demands and execute accordingly.
• Technical Proficiency:
  • Content management systems (CMS) like WordPress and SharePoint
  • Cloud storage and file synchronization services (SharePoint/OneDrive, Google docs, Dropbox)
  • Graphic design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
  • Business software platforms (Microsoft Office, Wufoo, Survey Monkey)
  • A working knowledge of social media management is required.
• Leadership Abilities:
  • Strong organizational and project management skills with demonstrated ability to independently manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • Capability to develop and work with volunteers to support communications needs.
  • Ability to think creatively, strategically plan for future trends, and demonstrate            a "good eye" for design and visual presentation.
  • Demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards and a diverse workplace.

 

Supervisory Responsibilities: The Communications Director supervises and collaborates closely with the part-time Communications Assistant, who assists with various aspects of implementing Cathedral communications, including:

• Regularly edit and update the Saint Mark’s website, which includes over 50 primary pages, an event calendar, and significant detail.
• Drafting and circulating the weekly newsletter (email and print).
• Content creation and social media postings.
• Creation of annual report, ministry guide, and The Rubric
• Create and manage online event registration and ticketing.
• Assist in maintaining branding and visual identity.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by the Canon for Communications.

 

Minimum Educational/Training Qualifications:

• Some college-level education in field related to the scope of this work or commensurate job experience. Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field preferred.
• 5-7 years of progressively increasing responsibility in a communications or marketing office with supervisory experience. Previous work at a non-profit or similar workplace preferred.
• Satisfactory completion of Safe Church abuse prevention training and background screening.

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

	Regularly	Frequently	Occasionally
Sitting	X
Standing	X
Walking	X
Climbing/balancing	X
Lifting 25 or more pounds			X
Reaching—with arms and hands	X
Stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling		X
Talking	X
Hearing	X
Vision—close, peripheral, depth, ability to adjust/focus	X
Other: _______________________________________

 

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

For more information, or to apply, submit cover letter and resume via email to sthomason@saintmarks.org or by mail:

The Very Rev. Steven L. Thomason
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Cathedral
1245 10th Avenue East
Seattle, Washington, 98102

 

DISCLAIMER

The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification.  It is not designed to contain, nor to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications and objectives required of employees assigned to this job.