Communication Specialist and Stabilitas Coordinator

Job Description

Position Summary:
The School of Theology at Saint John's University invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), benefit eligible position of Communication Specialist and Stabilitas Coordinator.

The Communication Specialist and Stabilitas Coordinator is a dual-role position that serves as a primary content creator and communications resource for Saint John's School of Theology and Seminary (SOT/Sem) while also providing program and administrative support for the Stabilitas initiative. The position develops, writes, and manages compelling communications and marketing content across print and digital platforms to support enrollment, advancement, grant, and brand awareness goals, translating the mission, programs, and impact of the SOT/Sem into meaningful stories for a variety of audiences. The Stabilitas initiative is a multi-million dollar undertaking between the SOT/Sem and seven Roman Catholic partner dioceses to train and form women and men for ministry in rural areas through a variety of programs and curricular formats

In addition, the role coordinates communications, events, administrative processes, and program logistics that support the implementation of Stabilitas initiatives and activities. The position collaborates with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external partners to advance the mission and strategic priorities of the SOT/Sem.

Responsibilities:
Content Creation and Communication (70%)

Research, create, edit, and distribute content for SOT/Sem print and online publications, social media, special events materials, electronic newsletters, advertisements, and web copy.

Interview and develop feature stories highlighting students, alumni, faculty and staff, donors and friends of the of the SOT/Sem in support of print and online content.

Support public relations and media relations initiatives, such as writing press releases, media advisories and supporting story materials for media, as well as story development and pitching.

Collaborate with admission and advancement to produce marketing materials and proposals, such as direct mail, email campaigns, brochures, donor proposals, etc., as requested

Coordinate and collaborate with stakeholders to maintain content calendars and develop story coverage plans, including supporting visuals, interviews, and unique story angles.

Assist in establishing best practices for internal communications and ensure consistency across departments and platforms.

Maintain consistent branding, content, and updates for the SOT/Sem website.

Capture photographs and other visual content to support content creation and marketing materials.

Oversee copy editing, fact checking and proofreading for a variety of content and communications as needed.

Stabilitas Program Coordination: (20%)

Provide regular administrative support to the Stabilitas Project Director

Document program activities and assist with annual grant reporting

Respond to program partner requests and assist as needed

Assist with budget management, including preparing monthly billing and other budget documentation

Lead administrative planning around programming with partner dioceses

Schedule and host program meetings

Assist in travel planning and documentation

Shared Responsibilities (10%)

Maintain positive and collaborative relationships with members of the CSB+SJU community, monastic communities, Liturgical Press, and other campus entities.

Coordinate with SOT/Sem Executive Assistant to the Dean in coordination of grant activities and general communications

Attend SOT/Sem general staff meetings, and occasional meetings with Admission, Advancement, grant directors, and the Coordination Team.

Participate in SOT/Sem community life and events.

Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in English, communications, marketing, journalism, theology or related field

Experience writing and editing long- and short- form content for a variety of communication channels

Excellent writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to fact-check content, and maintain high standards of accuracy

Ability to customize content and messaging for diverse audiences and communication channels

Ability to prioritize, work under deadlines, results-orientation and desire to collaborate with numerous teams to ensure successful communication of desired message

Ability and willingness to learn skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and modern content management systems (such as WordPress or Drupal); proficiency preferred

Ability to work effectively within a team as well as independently

High ethical standards for confidentiality when working with sensitive communications messaging.

Appreciation for and ability to articulate the Catholic and Benedictine mission of the SOT/Sem

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in Catholic higher education, with familiarity with graduate and theological education

Communication planning background from development to execution

Public and media relations experience

Familiarity with marketing principles

Familiarity with Roman Catholic ecclesial and/or theological contexts

Background with grant administration

Physical requirements:

Requires working at a computer for extended periods, including sitting, typing, reading from a screen, and using various software programs essential for the role.

Travel Requirements:

Occasional local and regional travel to support programs and external partnerships; opportunity to attend national conferences and professional development gatherings.

To Apply:
Applications are accepted through our employment portal at csbsju.edu/human-resources. Applications are accepted online by clicking on "Apply." Candidates are asked to complete the application form and submit a cover letter and resume.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the SJU hiring process, please contact Human Resources at (320) 363-5500 or employment@csbsju.edu.

It is the policy of SJU to conduct a pre-employment background check. An offer of employment is contingent upon a successful background check. Saint John's University also utilizes E-Verify as part of its onboarding process to confirm work authorization.

Saint John's University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University are Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employers.

About the Employer

The College of Saint Benedict (CSB) and Saint John's University (SJU) believe that an excellent liberal arts education requires an understanding and appreciation of cultural difference and that everyone deserves to feel safe and morally valued. To that end, we will challenge our own practices and systems. Our commitment to an inclusive environment will be incorporated into all decision-making processes. We dedicate ourselves to cultivating an equitable, inclusive community founded on respect for all persons.