Communications Specialist

Communications Specialist

The Oklahoma Conference of The United Methodist Church seeks a full-time Communications Specialist. This position leads the planning, development, and execution of editorial content across the Conference's print, digital, email, social media, video, and other communication channels. The Communications Specialist manages editorial strategy, content calendars, communications projects, and story development to deliver timely, accurate, engaging, and mission focused communications that advance the priorities of the Oklahoma Conference and The United Methodist Church. Working collaboratively with Conference staff, clergy, ministry leaders, volunteers, and external partners, this position reports to the Director of Communications and occasionally requires evening and weekend responsibilities in support of Annual Conference, other events, and communication deadlines.

Essential Functions:

• Lead the Conference's editorial strategy and content planning across print, digital, email, social media, video, and other communication platforms, ensuring timely, consistent, engaging, and mission aligned communications.
• Manage the editorial content calendar and coordinate story development and content submissions with Conference staff, clergy, ministry leaders, local churches, contributors, and volunteers.
• Research, write, edit, and proofread content for publications, newsletters, websites, email campaigns, social media, advertising, and video scripts, ensuring all communications reflect the Conference's brand, voice, editorial standards, and strategic priorities.
• Serve as project manager for communications ministry initiatives, coordinating timelines, resources, deliverables, volunteers, freelance contributors, and external creative partners as needed.
• Manage the Conference's email communications program and editorial inbox, including coordination of advertising schedules and fulfillment of contractual advertising commitments.
• Develop and coordinate communications for Annual Conference and other major Conference events, including news coverage, content development, photography, and post event reporting.
• Identify, develop, and share stories that highlight ministry impact, innovation, and local church engagement across the Conference.
• Collaborate with the Director of Communications and internal and external partners to develop communication strategies and produce high-quality content.
• Assist with the design and production of Conference publications while maintaining high editorial and visual quality standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field required; bachelor's degree preferred. An equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 1–2 years of professional experience in journalism, editorial content, communications, public relations, or a related field required; experience in editorial management, multi-platform writing, and communications project coordination preferred.
• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills, with strong editorial judgment and attention to detail.
• Excellent organizational, project management, and prioritization skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and independently.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and email marketing platforms, with the ability to quickly learn new software and communication technologies.
• Working knowledge of Canva or similar graphic design software required; Adobe InDesign experience preferred, with Photoshop and Illustrator familiarity a plus.
• Professionalism, integrity, and sound judgment in representing the Oklahoma United Methodist Conference and its mission.
• Ability to coordinate volunteers, freelance contributors, and external creative partners without direct supervisory responsibility.
• Ability to travel occasionally for Annual Conference and other Conference meetings and events.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends and meet the physical requirements of the position