Director of Marketing and Communication, Application Close: March 31, 2025
Apply NowCompany: United Church of Christ
Location: Cleveland, OH 44130
Description:
Ministry Team
MarCom
Reports To
Chief of Staff
FLSA Status
Exempt
Salary Grade
10
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
Category
National and Global Ministries, Cleveland, Ohio
Starting Salary
$87,000-$90,000
Description
GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
Develop and oversee the implementation of comprehensive marketing, communications, and public engagement strategies in line with the mission, vision, and strategic direction of the National Ministries of the United Church of Christ. Lead the Marketing and Communications team to engage a multiplicity of diverse internal and external audiences, increase the visibility and profile of the United Church of Christ, and position the organization as the "go to" source in the domain of religion and justice. Build and manage brand identity and all aspects of marketing communication to raise awareness of the organization and its ministries, engage the global community, and lead the effort to curate the story of the United Church of Christ. Coordinate strategic engagement with other national setting teams and with ministries across the breadth of the denomination for consistent messaging in pursuit of marketing and communications goals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Position Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to perform successfully in this position.
OTHER:
This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position and is subject to review and change at any time in accordance with the needs of the ministry. Since no job description can detail all duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a position, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a position shall also be considered part of the position holder's responsibility.
It is expected that the person who holds this position will conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the policies of the UCC and in a manner that will reflect positively on the organization. All staff are encouraged to nurture safety within the work performed on behalf of the UCC by being attentive to self-care, education, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and the importance of referring those in need to supportive and helpful resources.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Employer paid health, dental, pension, life, and disability benefits
Application Deadline
March 31, 2025
About the Organization
The United Church of Christ
Our faith is 2000 years old. Our thinking is not.
We believe in God's Continuing Testament.
We believe in Extravagant Welcome
We believe the church's mission is to Change Lives
EOE Statement
The United Church of Christ National Setting celebrates diversity and an inclusive environment for all employees. We are committed to a workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the broad spectrum of our diverse society. We endeavor to recruit employees from backgrounds that vary by race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, genetic information, past, present or future service in the uniformed services, religion, or any other legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state or local law. We are proud to be a multicultural, multiracial, open and affirming, accessible to all, equal opportunity employer.
This position is currently accepting applications.
MarCom
Reports To
Chief of Staff
FLSA Status
Exempt
Salary Grade
10
Full-Time/Part-Time
Full-Time
Category
National and Global Ministries, Cleveland, Ohio
Starting Salary
$87,000-$90,000
Description
GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
Develop and oversee the implementation of comprehensive marketing, communications, and public engagement strategies in line with the mission, vision, and strategic direction of the National Ministries of the United Church of Christ. Lead the Marketing and Communications team to engage a multiplicity of diverse internal and external audiences, increase the visibility and profile of the United Church of Christ, and position the organization as the "go to" source in the domain of religion and justice. Build and manage brand identity and all aspects of marketing communication to raise awareness of the organization and its ministries, engage the global community, and lead the effort to curate the story of the United Church of Christ. Coordinate strategic engagement with other national setting teams and with ministries across the breadth of the denomination for consistent messaging in pursuit of marketing and communications goals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Curate and communicate the story and identity of the UCC by developing, implementing, and evaluating an integrated annual marketing, communications, and public engagement plan; to include brand management, media relations, communications, and public/partnership outreach that engages social media, print and digital content, and effectively promotes the denomination, engages donors, and educates internal and external partners about the mission, vision, and strategies of the wider church.
- Create a comprehensive strategy to support UCC leadership in cultivating and enhancing meaningful relationships with key external audiences, including media, public officials and core influencers.
- Support and coordinate the curation of the UCC identity by developing a team of story-tellers and social media content creators internal and external to the National Setting, leveraging these networks to circulate the formative identity of the United Church of Christ; ensure that identity, messaging, marketing, and communication strategies are infused in all denominational efforts (e.g., programming, philanthropy, ministry support).
- Work in partnership with Director of Philanthropy to manage the production of all campaign collateral deliverables, engaging appropriate staff as necessary; connecting vision, mission and story to optimal philanthropic opportunity.
- Cultivate and manage working relationships with key press and media resources.
- Serve as publisher of United Church News; ensure full coverage of essential news content.
- Support the development of National Ministries statements and ensure distribution to relevant persons and constituencies, including key partners, government representatives, and local and national news media outlets.
- Oversee messaging from the Office of the General Minister and President, led by the GMP and informed by the Chief of Staff, implementing a robust communications strategy across media platforms, from concept to publication, including ensuring copy editing of statements and scripts,
- Serve as a member of the Policy Watch Table to inform and advise the GMP, through the Chief of Staff, through analysis of critical emerging issues with potential for engagement.
- Supervise the UCC digital content catalogue, directing online strategy and digital content for web and social media as one component with an integrated marketing, communications, and public engagement plan.
- Shape effective content management strategy for an accessible web presence via ucc.org which reflects core brand and values.
- Supervise the Marketing and Communications team including direct reports: News and Communications Manager, Special Projects and Program Manager, UCC Resources Manager, and others as defined.
- Identify critical marketing resources that can be utilized by the covenant partners of the United Church of Christ; through UCC Resources, catalogue and warehouse those resources on a user friendly, accessible, and interactive web page housed at ucc.org.
- Provide for effective training, support, and leadership to volunteers and leaders in alignment with marketing and communications objectives in all settings of the church.
- Cultivate long term, collaborative relationships with key strategic partners.
Position Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and/or abilities required to perform successfully in this position.
- College degree or equivalent combination of education and experience in a related field (such as communications, marketing, etc.) required, graduate degree highly preferred.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in marketing, communications, public relations, or any combination of these, with demonstrated success, preferably in the not-for- profit sector.
- Demonstrated management skills, including financial management, personnel management and general business administration.
- A clear and enthusiastic communicator, a strong and creative writer, and a great team builder across departments.
- Strong media knowledge and marketing savvy with demonstrated experience writing press releases and creating presentations.
- Experience overseeing the design and production of print materials and publications.
- Proficient in technology and current trends, including social media.
- Thorough knowledge and understanding of the United Church of Christ, its history, diverse theology, traditions, heritage, and polity, especially its commitment to prophetic ministry in the church and society.
- Desire and sensitivity to work in diverse racial, ethnic, cultural and religious settings with commitment to diversity in the workplace as well as an understanding of mission.
- Ability and willingness to travel as necessary.
OTHER:
- This position is based in Cleveland, OH and may work from home on a hybrid schedule (part days in office and part days at home).
This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position and is subject to review and change at any time in accordance with the needs of the ministry. Since no job description can detail all duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a position, duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a position shall also be considered part of the position holder's responsibility.
It is expected that the person who holds this position will conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the policies of the UCC and in a manner that will reflect positively on the organization. All staff are encouraged to nurture safety within the work performed on behalf of the UCC by being attentive to self-care, education, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and the importance of referring those in need to supportive and helpful resources.
Comprehensive Benefits Package
Employer paid health, dental, pension, life, and disability benefits
Application Deadline
March 31, 2025
About the Organization
The United Church of Christ
Our faith is 2000 years old. Our thinking is not.
We believe in God's Continuing Testament.
We believe in Extravagant Welcome
We believe the church's mission is to Change Lives
EOE Statement
The United Church of Christ National Setting celebrates diversity and an inclusive environment for all employees. We are committed to a workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of the broad spectrum of our diverse society. We endeavor to recruit employees from backgrounds that vary by race, color, national origin, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, genetic information, past, present or future service in the uniformed services, religion, or any other legally protected characteristic under applicable federal, state or local law. We are proud to be a multicultural, multiracial, open and affirming, accessible to all, equal opportunity employer.
This position is currently accepting applications.