LCM Creative Director & CFC Communications

Position: LCM Creative Director & CFC Communications

Classification: Salaried Exempt

Reports To: Centre Director

Job Summary:

Responsible for planning, development and implementation of all of Lenawee Christian Ministries (LCM) marketing strategies, marketing communications, and public relations activities, both external and internal. Oversees development and implementation of support materials for departments in the area of marketing, communications and public relations. Directs the efforts of the marketing, communications and public relations staff and coordinates at the strategic and tactical levels with the other functions of LCM.

Primary Relationships:

The position reports to the Centre Director and serves as a member of the senior management team.

This position participates with the Board of Directors, Executive Director, and other management staff in charting the direction of LCM, assuring its accountability to all constituencies, and ensuring its effective operation.

Within LCM, the position has primary working relationships with the Executive Director, senior administrative team, staff of the Marketing/Communications/P.R. function, and the service providers.

Outside of LCM, the position coordinates with the media.

Principle Accountabilities:

Marketing, communications, and public relations

·         Responsible for creating, implementing and measuring the success of:

o   A comprehensive marketing, communications and public relations program that will enhance LCM’s image and position within the marketplace and the general public, and facilitate internal and external communications; and,

o   All LCM marketing, communications and public relations activities and materials including publications, media relations, client acquisition and so forth.

·         Ensure articulation of LCM’s desired image and position, assure consistent communication of image and position throughout LCM, and assure communication of image and position to all constituencies, both internal and external.

·         Responsible for editorial direction, design, production and distribution of all LCM publications.

·         Coordinate media interest in LCM and ensure regular contact with target media and appropriate response to media requests.

·         Act as LCM’s representative with the media.

·         Develop, maintain, and monitor usage of all LCM brand guidelines including usage of logos, color, typefaces, and proper end-user instructions.

·         Lead efforts to organize digital and physical assets such as logos, photography, video footage, and items of historical significance to LCM.

·         Develop, coordinate and oversee programs, technical assistance and resource materials to assist departments in the marketing, communications and positioning of their activities.

·         Provide counsel to departments on marketing, communications and public relations.

·         Ensure that LCM regularly conducts relevant market research and coordinate and oversee this activity.

·         Leads projects as assigned, such as cause-related marketing and special events.

·         Able and willing to improve technical knowledge and hone design skills in an effort to stay current with trends in social media, design, and advertising.

Planning and budgeting:

·         Responsible for the achievement of marketing/communications/public relations mission, goals and financial objectives. Ensure that evaluation systems are in place related to these goals and objectives and report progress to the Centre Director and Board.

·         Develop short- and long-term plans and budgets for the marketing/communications/ public relations program and its activities, monitor progress, assure adherence and evaluate performance.

·         Recommend short- and long-term LCM goals and objectives to the Executive Director.

·         Develop, implement and monitor systems and procedures necessary to the smooth operation of the marketing/communications/public relations function.

·         Keep informed of developments in the fields of marketing, communications and public relations, not-for-profit management and governance, and the specific business of LCM and use this information to help LCM operate with initiative and innovation.

Organizational strategy:

·         Work with senior staff, other staff and volunteers to:

o   Develop and maintain a strategic perspective -- based on marketplace and constituent needs and satisfaction -- in organizational direction, program and services, and decision-making; and,

o   Ensure the overall health and vitality of LCM.

·         Help make sure that LCM’s philosophy, mission, vision, and core values are pertinent and practiced throughout LCM.

·         Develop and coordinate means to seek regular input from LCM’s key constituencies regarding the quality of programs and services and LCM’s relevance.

·         Help formulate and administer policies to ensure the integrity of LCM.

·         Act as an internal consultant to bring attention and solutions to institutional priorities.

Managing:

·         Maintain a climate that attracts, retains and motivates top quality personnel, both paid and volunteer.

·         Recruit, train, appraise, supervise, support, develop, promote and guide qualified personnel, both paid and volunteer.

·         Ensure effective management within the marketing, communications and public relations function, with provision for succession.

·         Design, support and oversee cross-functional teams throughout LCM.

·         Effectively enable volunteers and staff so they can take action on behalf of LCM by:

o   Transmitting LCM’s mission, vision, and core values;

o   Engaging people in the mission of LCM;

o   Respecting and using the skills, expertise, experience and insights of people;

o   Providing direction and resources, removing barriers and helping develop people’s skills; articulating expectations and clarifying roles and relationships;

o   Communicating in such a way that people transform information into knowledge and learning;

o   Encouraging people to question organizational assumptions and ask strategic questions; ensuring quality decision-making;

o   Anticipating conflicts and facilitating resolution;

o   Engaging people in process as well as tasks; encouraging people use their power, practice their authority, and accept their responsibility;

o   Modeling behavior; and

o   Coaching people to success.

Beneficial Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

·         Video production, editing, and directing experience 

·         Photography with DSLR-style cameras 

·         Experience with digital signage platforms (e.g. SignageLive, SCALA) 

·         Lighting for video and photography 

·         Digital audio recording, editing, and production 

·         Marketing, designing, and advertising to Mandarin-speaking or Spanish-speaking audiences or similar people groups 

·         Sign production (banners, posters, etc.) 

·         App development for iOS and Android 

·         Web development experience (HTML, Javascript, WordPress) 

Qualifications

Required:

·         Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the design and execution of marketing, communications and public relations activities.

·         Strong creative, strategic, analytical, organizational and personal sales skills.

·         Experience developing and managing budgets, and hiring, training, developing, supervising and appraising personnel.

·         Demonstrated successful experience writing press releases, making presentations and negotiating with media.

·         Experience overseeing the design and production of print materials and publications.

·         Computer literacy in the Adobe Creative Suite, word processing, and spreadsheets

·         Proficient in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator.

·         Knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, Wordpress, or similar platforms.

·         Commitment to working with shared leadership and in cross-functional teams.

·         Strong oral and written communications skills.

·         Ability to manage multiple projects at a time.

·         Out-of-town, overnight travel is required.

Other:

·         Minimum of 5 years’ experience in marketing, communications or public relations with demonstrated success, preferably in the not-for-profit or association sector.

·         Bachelor’s degree in journalism, marketing, public relations preferred. Graduate degree in a related field is desirable.

·         Experience working with volunteers is desirable.

·         Membership in IABC (International Association of Business Communicators) and IABC accreditation are desirable.

Application Process: 

• Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and a cover letter addressing their qualifications and commitment to the school's mission to hr@lenawee.org 

• Lenawee Christian Ministries is an equal opportunity employer.