Communications Manager

Overview 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. Essential Functions 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 Qualifications 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. Additional Considerations This position is on‑site at our Sun Prairie Conference office. Willingness to travel up to 15% and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed. Wisconsin Conference of The United Methodist Church is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks and encourages applications from minorities, women, and individuals with disabilities. All offers of employment are subject to the applicant successfully completing background, reference, and other applicable checks. No Staffing Agencies or Recruitment Firms #J-18808-Ljbffr United Methodist Church