NIC - Director of Communications

Director of Communications

The Northern Illinois Conference of The United Methodist Church is seeking a Director of Communications. The person in this role will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies that advance the mission, vision, and ministry priorities of the Conference. The Director of Communications will serve as the leader for Conference wide communications, branding, marketing, media relations, and public engagement efforts. This position will provide strategic communications counsel to Conference leadership, oversee the development and delivery of communications content across multiple platforms, and serve as the primary media liaison and spokesperson for the Northern Illinois Conference and Bishop. The Director of Communications reports to the Assistant to the Bishop.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement a Conference wide communications strategy aligned with the Conference’s strategic direction and ministry goals
• Lead the creation, distribution, and oversight of communications content across print, digital, video, social media, website, news releases, and promotional platforms
• Establish and maintain Conference branding, style guidelines, and communication standards to ensure consistency across all channels and materials
• Provide strategic communications counsel and resources to Conference leadership, ministries, and congregations, including training and support in effective communication practices
• Promote Conference ministries, programs, and events through strategic marketing, storytelling, and appropriate communication channels
• Oversee communications coverage of Conference events, including photography, videography, livestreaming, media coordination, and event related publications
• Manage the development, maintenance, and enhancement of the Conference website and digital communication platforms
• Serve as spokesperson and primary media liaison for the Conference and Bishop, managing media inquiries, public engagement and crisis communication
• Develop and implement the Conference crisis communications plan and provide leadership during sensitive or emerging situations
• Lead communications efforts for the Annual Conference Session, including publications, agenda materials, video presentations, daily news coverage, media coordination, and reporting for church and denominational audiences
• Manage the Communications Department budget, resources and operations priorities
• Supervise communications staff, including establishing priorities, assigning responsibilities, providing direction, and supporting professional development
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with Conference leadership, clergy, congregations, denominational partners, media representatives, vendors, and community organizations