Director of Communications

Job Description

Director of Communications
Catholic Diocese of Lexington
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Reports to: Chancellor
FLSA Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Position Summary

The Director of Communications serves as the chief communications strategist for the Catholic Diocese of Lexington and is responsible for advancing the mission of the Church through clear, accurate, and compelling communications. This role leads all internal and external communications efforts, ensuring consistent messaging that reflects Catholic values, supports evangelization, strengthens relationships with parishes and the faithful, and enhances the Diocese's public presence.

The Director provides strategic leadership, media relations, crisis communications, digital engagement, and brand stewardship for the Diocese, its ministries, and affiliated entities.

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement a comprehensive Diocesan communications strategy, aligned with the mission and pastoral priorities of the Bishop and the Diocesan Pastoral Plan
• Serve as chief advisor to diocesan leadership on communications planning, messaging, and public relations
• Establish standards, policies, and best practices for Diocesan and parish communications

Internal Communications

• Collaborate with Chancery staff, clergy and religious, parish offices, schools to develop effective internal and external messaging
• Edit and distribute News Notes each month
• Edit and oversee production of the Diocesan Directory, and monitor the online version of the Directory for ongoing updates
• Coordinate with Vocations Office on promotion
• Collaborate with Diocesan staff to support cross-departmental communications for campaigns and special projects
• Oversee the Diocesan website, social media, and other electronic platforms
• Work with Diocesan Development Director on the production of the Annual Appeal video
• Coordinate with printer for Diocesan staff business cards

Publications

• Serve as Editor of CrossRoads magazine (print/10 issues per year, online as news requires)
• Coordinate with Faith Publishing personnel on layout, production, and printing of the magazine
• Cultivate and secure sponsors for CrossRoads
• Coordinate with volunteers on monthly Spanish-language communications
• Monitor Catholic and secular media, Vatican News, and the USCCB to communicate to the faithful responsible content
• Collaborate with clergy, religious, Diocesan staff, and others to conceptualize stories that tell the story of the Church in Central and Eastern Kentucky
• Ensure timely, accurate, and engaging content across all communication channels
• With Chancellor, manage the U.S. Postal Account for CrossRoads print magazine

Media Relations

• Serve as primary diocesan spokesperson and media liaison
• Initiate and develop relationships with members of the local, regional, and national media
• Draft press releases, statements, talking points, and public messaging
• Identify opportunities and facilitate the Diocese of Lexington's participation in local, regional, and national conversations
• Manage crisis communications and sensitive issues with professionalism and discretion
• Field and discern proper response person for inquiries from media

Branding and creative content

• Maintain consistent diocesan branding, visual identity, and tone
• Oversee graphic design, photography, and video production
• Ensure all materials reflect the dignity and values of the Catholic Church

Managerial

• Work with Chancellor on annual Communications Office budget
• Supervise the Communications Coordinator

Qualifications, Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field (Master's preferred)
• 5-7+ years of progressively responsible communications or public relations experience.
• Leadership or management experience preferred
• Experience in nonprofit, faith-based, or mission-driven organizations highly desirable

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills
• Excellent verbal communication and public speaking ability
• Experience with media relations and crisis management
• Proficiency with digital platforms, content management systems, and social media strategy
• Familiarity with graphic design and multimedia tools is a plus
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to work occasional evenings/weekends for Diocesan events or urgent matters

Faith & Mission Requirements

• Practicing Catholic in good standing who supports and upholds the teachings of the Catholic Church
• Demonstrated understanding of Church structure, ministry, and Catholic culture
• Commitment to the mission of evangelization and service

Working Environment

• Office-based with occasional travel throughout the Diocese
• Event coverage may require flexible scheduling

Interested parties should send their resume to Greg Hodge, Director Human Resources
ghodge@cdlex.org

About the Employer

Catholic Diocese of Lexington