Associate Director for Digital Media and Advocacy

Job Description

General Responsibilities

The Associate Director for Digital Media & Advocacy is responsible for devising and implementing strategies for enhancing the digital communications and social media profile of the New York State Catholic Conference, and is responsible for growing and maintaining the statewide Catholic Action Network, the Conference's primary grassroots advocacy tool, and working with the dioceses of New York State on grassroots advocacy.

The Associate Director for Digital Media & Advocacy reports to the Executive Director and assists him and other staff in fostering a robust public understanding of the principles of Catholic social teaching, and the public policy priorities of the Catholic Bishops of New York State.

Specific Responsibilities

Maintain and enhance the Conference's social media presence: This includes existing Facebook, Instagram and X profiles, in addition to creating and maintaining an engaging presence on other social media platforms that may become useful in advancing our mission. The Associate Director for Digital Media & Advocacy will create content, including video, graphics, photos, as well as sharing relevant news stories, Conference statements, etc., with an eye toward audience growth and engagement.

Manage and grow the Catholic Action Network (CAN): CAN is a statewide network of approximately 42,000 Catholic New Yorkers. The Associate Director, through our Voter Voice advocacy platform, will produce and disseminate email and text action alerts on specific issues, produce a regular electronic newsletter and maintain other communications with CAN members. The Associate Director will develop and implement strategies to grow the size of the network and to increase engagement.

Content Production: Create regular digital content, including videos and the Capitol Compass podcast.

Website: Maintain the Catholic Conference's website, including posting, updating, curating content, creating appealing graphics, etc.
Strategic Communications: Assist the Executive Director and other program staff in message development and strategies to advance or oppose particular public policies.

Occasional public speaking in person or via Zoom to Catholic audiences as a means of engaging the faithful in our mission and educating them on Catholic social teaching
Collaborate: Work with Conference and diocesan staffs to achieve the above goals.

Occasional evening and weekend work.

Skills and Abilities

Solid understanding of and experience with digital communications, strategic communications, and grassroots communications networks.
Strong artistic, design and photography skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Creativity and ability to use hardware and software necessary for the performance of the job, including photo-editing and video-editing software, audio software, video cameras, cell phone cameras, etc.
Appreciation of and ability to be conversant in Catholic social teaching.
Working knowledge of the Catholic Church's structures, functions, and institutions.
General knowledge of government (local, state, and federal) and the judicial, executive, and legislative branches of government, with an appreciation of the political process.
Excellent relationship-building skills.
Ability to work collaboratively on politically controversial issues.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
Ability to meet critical deadlines and schedule and produce work in a timely manner.
Possesses critical, creative, and innovative thinking skills.
Demonstrated strength in planning and organizing.
Willingness to occasionally travel to the various dioceses in New York State and to occasionally travel out-of-state to participate in professional development seminars/conferences.

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or related field.

Minimum of two years' experience in the workforce in relevant position is preferred.

Candidate will be expected to show samples of work.

The successful candidate must have an appreciation for and willingness to articulate all of the positions of the Bishops on various issues including respect for human life (abortion, assisted suicide, capital punishment), preferential option for the poor, support for Catholic education, care for God's creation (environmental issues), moral values, and criminal justice reform, to name a few.

About the New York State Catholic Conference

The New York State Catholic Conference is a not-for-profit religious employer. The Conference represents the Catholic Bishops of New York State in public policy matters. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, dental insurance, pension, life insurance, and paid vacation and personal leave. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: In person in Albany, NY, with some hybrid flexibility

About the Employer

We are the public policy voice of the Catholic Bishops of New York State. Our mission is to advocate with the state and federal government on the policy priorities of the Bishops and to educate and motivate Catholics to be faithful citizens in the public square.