POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Director of Communications plays an integral role in senior leadership at McLean Bible Church (MBC). They will report to and work closely with the Lead Pastor and Executive Team to develop and implement communications strategies that advance the mission of our church, particularly in ways that resonate with emerging generations. In short, the Director of Communications is responsible for making it as easy and compelling as possible for people to engage with the message of Jesus and the ministry of our church. In this role, they will have the opportunity to rebuild, strengthen and oversee the communications function across the MBC multi-location footprint. As a key leader, the Director will be a proactive self-starter and possess the ability to effectively manage people, projects, and partnerships inside and outside of MBC.

The Director of Communications is a leader who thrives in a dynamic environment and is willing to roll up their sleeves and join in the work of making disciples here at MBC. The Director will serve as a leader among the churchwide staff team, managing our church-wide communications strategy and process, including but not limited to content and digital marketing, online engagement, advertising, media relations, creative services, and brand management.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Executive Leadership & Team Management

  • Work closely with senior leadership to manage the strategic communications initiatives that strengthen, build, and maintain MBC’s public engagement.
  • Develop and implement strategic media relations plans, in collaboration with Senior Leaders, that actively support broader digital, branding, and executive communication strategies.
  • Lead up by advising, supporting, and collaborating with Lead Pastors and Executive Team members.
  • Rebuild the Communications Team to include roles in content and digital marketing, advertising, media relations and creative services.
  • Create a strong, healthy, vibrant culture within the Communications Team that aligns with broader MBC staff values.
  • Grow a volunteer roster of non-staff contributors (e.g., content creators, editors, coordinators, photographers, etc.).
  • Establish and manage all outside contractor relationships for MBC communications projects (including graphic design, social media, story videos, design installs, etc.)
  • Collaborate with the Executive Director of Project Management to create and manage an effective project management system to ensure key communications efforts, milestones and deliverables are tracked and delivered in a timely manner.
  • Ensure that all work produced by the Communications Team meets standards set in collaboration with Senior Leadership for quality, budget and deadline.

Strategic Messaging and Content Creation

  • Collaborate with Lead Pastors and preachers to develop effective language and engagement strategies for sermon series.
  • Proactively develop strategies to clarify and communicate the weekly messaging of the church (social, web, email, etc.), in partnership with leadership and ministry leaders.
  • Oversee the timely development and execution of strategic communications plans, campaigns, and projects to ensure that goals are achieved.
  • Collaborate with pastors and other content creators/editors to design, produce and promote strategic discipleship content for our church.
  • Create written content and review/edit.

Visual Communication

  • Oversee efforts to design all art and promotional materials (including print and digital content, as well as building signage) related to churchwide activities with a high standard of creativity, excellence and effectiveness.
  • Develop and oversee a process for collecting, storing, editing, and publishing church life photos.
  • Provide art direction and approval, when necessary, to enhance and align creative work

Content and Digital Marketing 

  • Oversee the development and execution of digital media strategies that engage new and existing audiences across MBC’s owned platforms.
  • Oversee the strategy, design, and maintenance of the MBC website; including design processes to ensure that all MBC webpages are effective, up-to-date, and aligned with our broader goals and standards.
  • Innovate and experiment with emerging opportunities for online engagement (e.g. new social media platforms, digital tools and resources, etc.); stay current on best practices from churches that have an effective online presence.

Storytelling

  • Collaborate with Lead Pastors and Executive Team to create a culture of integrating and celebrating encouraging stories.
  • Design and oversee processes for collecting, preparing, and communicating stories that highlight various ways God is working in and through our church.
  • Oversee creative direction for strategic video projects across all locations.

Additional Responsibilities

  • Quality control: Ensure that all MBC content is accurate and aligned with MBC’s brand voice.
  • Attend required staff meetings.
  • Manage credit card disbursements.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience

  • Five or more years of experience as a Communications Director or in a related field
  • Minimum of five years of leadership experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent experience preferred.
  • Prior church experience desired.

Key Traits

  • Vibrant, personal relationship with Jesus as Lord and Savior and a commitment to godly character and self-discipline in personal
  • Organized and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Attention to detail and a passion for accuracy, clarity, and beauty.
  • Action-oriented and displays focus, passion and initiative. Takes appropriate action when something needs to be done.
  • Relates well to all kinds of people, builds effective relationships, communicates effectively both interpersonally and corporately.
  • Organized, creative thinker and highly productive, working in a fast-paced environment.
  • Committed to improvement, seeks constructive criticism, understands strengths and weaknesses.
  • Passion for serving the church.

COMPETENCIES

General Expertise

  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Social media best practices and trends.
  • Social media strategy execution and content management experience.
  • In-depth understanding of design, copy and web best practices/guidelines.
  • Proven ability to take projects from beginning to end.

Technical Knowledge

  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • WordPress or equivalent web management
  • Microsoft Office 365
  • Social Media Platforms