Director of Communications

The role has two primary areas of focus: (1) media relations aligned with the approved message platform and coordinated with the organization's external public relations partner, and (2) development and management of an editorial board, editorial calendar and searchable story bank. The director gathers information, cultivates relationships, conducts interviews and produces publication-ready content for media, website, social media, newsletters, annual reports, appeals and other priority communications. Responsibilities Ensure work is consistent with the mission, vision, values, Catholic identity, brand standards and approved messaging of Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland. Partner with program leaders and subject-matter experts to gather information, verify facts and align content with organizational priorities. Serve as the primary liaison with the Catholic Community Foundation to support the storytelling for the annual appeal, specific donor requests, and other fundraising support. Maintain strong editorial standards for accuracy, clarity, voice, accessibility, grammar, style, privacy and informed consent. Manage multiple assignments, approval paths and deadlines; maintain organized files, version control and status reporting. Attend programs, events and community activities throughout the service area to report stories and support media opportunities. Media Relations Activate and consistently apply the organization's message platform across media outreach, story pitches, press materials, talking points and executive communications. Coordinate day-to-day work with the external public relations agency, including briefs, approvals, information gathering, timelines, media lists, pitching priorities and follow-up. Serve as a primary media contact: receive and triage inquiries, research responses, coordinate interviews, prepare spokespeople and ensure timely, accurate follow-through. Identify newsworthy opportunities and proactively pitch stories, experts, data, events and community impact to local, regional, faith-based and trade media. Draft and edit press releases, media advisories, statements, FAQs, backgrounders, key messages, op-eds and briefing materials. Maintain relationships with reporters, editors, producers and community partners; monitor coverage and track outreach, placements, message pull-through and lessons learned. Support issues and crisis communications by gathering facts, maintaining approved holding materials and coordinating responses with leadership and external counsel or agency partners Perform other duties as necessary to accomplish department and organizational objectives. Editorial Board and Story Banking Establish and facilitate a cross-functional editorial board with a clear charter, membership, meeting cadence, decision rights and intake process. Lead recurring editorial meetings that surface program priorities, emerging needs, seasonal opportunities, milestones, client impact and subject-matter expertise. Build and manage an integrated editorial calendar that connects organizational priorities, fundraising initiatives, events, media opportunities and channel plans. Create and maintain a searchable story bank with approved story summaries, interview notes, quotes, outcomes, photography or asset links, consent status, audience relevance and potential uses. Develop a reliable story pipeline by interviewing staff, clients, donors, volunteers and community partners with dignity, accuracy and trauma-informed care. Write, edit and repurpose high-quality content for web, social media, newsletters, annual reports, brochures, appeals, speeches and executive communications. Use audience needs, channel performance and organizational priorities to recommend which stories to develop, refresh, retire or amplify. Requirements Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, English or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Minimum three years of professional experience in media relations, journalism, editorial content, public relations or organizational communications; nonprofit, human services or mission-driven experience preferred. Demonstrated portfolio of media materials and multi-channel editorial content, with evidence of strong interviewing, writing, editing and storytelling skills. Experience responding to reporters, developing pitches, preparing spokespeople and managing communications through review and approval. Experience developing editorial calendars, managing content workflows or maintaining a story bank, content library or digital asset system. Ability to translate complex programs, impact data and sensitive topics into clear, credible and audience-centered communications. Excellent judgment, discretion and attention to detail, including fact-checking, privacy, consent, brand consistency and trauma-informed storytelling. Ability to collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders, manage competing priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and content management or project management tools; familiarity with media monitoring, CRM, digital asset management, Adobe Acrobat, InDesign or Photoshop is a plus. Willingness to work occasional evenings and travel throughout the service area; valid Ohio Driver's License and reliable transportation required. Final applicant is required to be fingerprinted to complete a background check. Working Conditions and Physical Demands Normal office environment. Local travel throughout the eight-county service area is required. Occasional evening work may be necessary for events or time-sensitive media needs. Reading at a high level of comprehension, exceptional writing, finger dexterity, grasping, holding, and other hand movements to manage correspondence, faxing, copying, answering phones, forms/documents, writing articles, newsletters, emails, keyboarding and handling files required on a constant basis. Tasks require visual perception and discrimination, including color distinction for brand awareness, plus reading and writing articles and content for varied mediums and audiences frequently. Constant sitting, talking, listening/hearing for interacting and interviewing staff, clients, community and performing computer-based tasks at a desk. Frequent interactions with staff, clients, and community may include walking. Frequent standing as required for periods at events. Occasional lifting and carrying of event or communications materials, up to 25 pounds. Pay Range - $56,849.15 - $73,193.28 #J-18808-Ljbffr