Director of Communications

Job Description

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin, is seeking an experienced Director to lead its Communications Department.
Dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Shrine welcomes pilgrims from across the United States and beyond, offering a place for prayer, spiritual renewal, and encounter with Christ. Through its liturgical, devotional, and educational ministries, the Shrine seeks to serve those who suffer poverty in body and soul.
We are seeking a practicing Catholic who combines strong leadership and organizational skills with a thorough understanding of creative communications and production. The ideal candidate will effectively manage people and projects, guiding a talented creative team while ensuring communications efforts support the Shrine's mission and priorities.
Position Overview
Reporting directly to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the Shrine's Executive Team, the Communications Director provides strategic direction and day-to-day leadership for the Communications Department.
The Director also serves as the department's primary production manager, overseeing the planning, scheduling, coordination, and completion of communications projects. This position requires an understanding of the creative process, the ability to set realistic production schedules, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative, productive work environment.
Key Responsibilities
• Lead, supervise, and support Communications Department personnel by setting clear expectations, providing constructive feedback, and fostering professional growth.
• Develop and implement communications strategies to advance the Shrine's mission.
• Oversee the production and scheduling of publications, graphic design, photography, videography, digital communications, and promotional materials.
• Establish realistic project timelines, coordinate assignments, and ensure effective use of departmental resources.
• Provide informed creative direction and quality oversight while empowering employees to apply their professional skills.
• Collaborate with Shrine departments, particularly Development and Pilgrimage Services, to support fundraising initiatives, pilgrimages, retreats, events, and other activities.
• Coordinate with the Shrine's Editor to ensure consistency in messaging and effective scheduling of shared projects.
• Develop and manage the departmental budget, evaluate resource needs, and ensure appropriate project approvals.
• Participate in Executive Team discussions, planning, and collaborative decision-making.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess:
• A commitment to the Catholic faith as a practicing Catholic in good standing with the Church.
• A bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, public relations, or a related field, or equivalent education and professional experience.
• Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience in communications or a related field, including supervisory and project-management responsibilities.
• Strong working knowledge of creative production processes, including graphic design, photography, videography, print publications, and digital communications.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, coordinate production schedules, and lead creative professionals effectively.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills.
• The ability to establish priorities, delegate responsibilities, and work collaboratively across departments.
Hands-on experience in one or more creative disciplines and previous experience in a Catholic or mission-driven organization are preferred.
An Opportunity to Serve
This position offers a meaningful opportunity to use professional communications and leadership skills in service to the Church and the mission of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The Communications Director will play an important role in sharing the beauty and spiritual significance of the Shrine, supporting its apostolic work, and helping others discover a place of pilgrimage, prayer, and renewal.
Position: Full-Time
Location: La Crosse, Wisconsin
Compensation: Commensurate with qualifications and experience; salary range to be determined.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter describing their professional qualifications, leadership experience, and interest in serving the mission of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

About the Employer

The Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse, Wisconsin, faithful to the message of the Blessed Virgin Mary at Tepeyac in 1531, is a place of pilgrimage and ceaseless prayer, serving the spiritual needs of those who suffer poverty in body and soul.

Through the maternal intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Shrine seeks to lead pilgrims to a deeper encounter with Jesus Christ, especially in the Holy Eucharist and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, offering solace, hope, and spiritual renewal.