Communications Manager

General Council on Finance and Administration•Sun Prairie, WI

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wisconsin Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church is seeking a Communications Manager. The Communications Manager is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive communication plans and strategies that support the mission, vision, and ministry priorities of the Conference, while directly supervising the Event Coordinator and Communications Specialist. This position serves as the lead for Conference wide communications, branding, marketing, media relations, and public engagement efforts. The person in this role will oversee communication strategies that strengthen relationships across the Conference and beyond while ensuring consistent messaging and brand identity aligned with The United Methodist Church mission and the Conference vision. The Communications Manager serves as the communications liaison between the Conference, local churches, denominational entities, and secular media. This role also provides leadership in communications training, storytelling, public relations, and digital engagement, including website, social media, print, and multimedia communications. The Communications Manager reports to the Assistant to the Bishop in consultation with the Conference Personnel Committee and works closely with the Communications Committee, Conference leadership, clergy, congregations, and staff.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field; master’s degree preferred
Minimum of 4-5 years of related professional experience required; project management experience preferred
Working knowledge of IT systems, website management, and digital communications platforms preferred
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop required; working knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, or Quark preferred
Knowledge of The United Methodist Church polity and organizational structure required; United Methodist membership preferred
Experience in public speaking, workshop facilitation, and leadership training required
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines effectively
Self-motivated with demonstrated collaborative leadership skills
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and multicultural communication practices
Ability to manage projects and communications initiatives within a defined budget
Bilingual skills in Spanish or Korean are desired.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred
Project management experience preferred
Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Adobe Illustrator, or Quark preferred
United Methodist membership preferred
Bilingual skills in Spanish or Korean are desired.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the Conference’s strategic direction and ministry goals
Create and maintain Conference branding, style guidelines, and communication standards across all platforms and materials
Communicate the mission, philosophy, goals, and objectives through culturally responsive and inclusive engagement with internal and external stakeholders
Serve as a spokesperson for the Conference and Bishop, including responding to media inquiries and representing the Conference at public events
Create and oversee communications content, including press releases, reports, news stories, digital media, video production (filming and editing), photography, and print materials
Utilize print, web, social media, email, and video platforms to engage audiences and advance Conference priorities
Review and recommend improvements to website content, functionality, and design
Oversee maintenance and organization of electronic graphics, photo, video, and document libraries
Collaborate with Conference staff and leadership to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communications channels
Communicate major Conference events and initiatives through ENews, the Conference website, social media, and secular media as appropriate
Develop relationships with denominational and secular media to increase visibility of Conference ministries and initiatives
Work with the Bishop, Assistant to the Bishop, and Director of Connectional Ministries to prepare communication responses for natural disasters, crises, or catastrophic incidents
Oversee Conference database systems, website communications, and email platforms, including database support resources and coordination with an external IT firm to support staff and Conference technology needs
Collaborate with Episcopal leadership to expand communication opportunities and strengthen the voice of Conference leadership across the denomination and broader community
Provide communications resources, consultation, and training to Conference staff, clergy, congregations, circuits, and leadership teams
Train and support local churches and leaders in effective storytelling, community engagement, and use of communication tools and emerging technologies
Manage communications projects and initiatives within approved budgets
Establish and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders across the Conference and community
Actively participate in the connectional life through engagement with denominational conferences, jurisdictional meetings, quadrennial trainings, and professional communicator associations within The United Methodist Church
Other duties as assigned