Director of Advancement and Communications

The Director of Advancement and Communication is responsible for creating and implementing fundraising, communication, marketing, and public relations strategies.   

The candidate must be able to cultivate and sustain donor relationships at all levels, while demonstrating proficiency with donor databases and expertise in gift processing. The candidate will have extensive experience in digital, print, visual, and social media It is important for the candidate to have a strong understanding and respect for the Catholic faith, women religious and be willing to learn the Benedictine charism.  

Principal Responsibilities:

• Effectively articulate and represent the mission and values of the Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth, NJ.
• Develop and implement a communications plan for the Benedictine Sisters to include production and distribution of print and electronic publications, press releases, audiovisual material, social media posts and website management. Coordinate communications for special events, advertising and promotional efforts.
• Serve as a resource to the Prioress, Council and Community regarding communications, image/branding, media relations.
• Create and oversee the distribution of marketing materials, including a bi-annual newsletter to constituents.
• Implement, monitor, and maintain the brand image/language and communication style guide of the Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth, NJ.
• Maintain quality and freshness of the Community’s web presence through regular content updates / modifications / additions; monitor site for timeliness, accuracy, and navigation effectiveness.
• Serve as primary liaison with the website developer and host; work with website developer to provide ongoing enhancements and technological features to the website.
• Learn from the Prioress, Council and Community members how to tell the Benedictine story in order to gain financial support.
• Responsible for operations of the Advancement and Communications Office, manage deadlines and production schedules, supervise contracted service providers, maintain responsible budgeting and perform administrative tasks as needed to maintain effective operations.
• Provide for ongoing visual documentation of community life and mission (e.g., photos/videos of community events): manage and oversee photography and video production; maintain photo and video library for use in publications.
• Develop and execute an annual fundraising plan.
• Advance development goals through strategic communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Integrate all organizational communications so that publications, website, social media, marketing, media relations and donor outreach are in sync and support a unified message.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, prepare grant proposals, and manage a comprehensive grant-making calendar.
• Maintain relationships with funding organizations and individuals through emails, letters, phone calls and other methods of communication.
• Develop and coordinate an annual direct mail campaign, including planning, execution, and performance tracking.
• Implement a comprehensive system of donor acknowledgement and involvement.
• Be knowledgeable of and maintain donor and prospect research software.

Qualifications:

• Excellent writing and editing skills
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
• Exceptional oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Highly motivated leader with the ability to create and implement strategies that inform and motivate others to contribute to and support the needs of the Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth, NJ
• An authentic understanding and alignment with the mission of the Benedictine Sisters of
• Elizabeth, NJ (Willingness to learn the charism and support the mission of the Community)
• Respect for and understanding of the Roman Catholic faith

Specific Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field; Master’s a plus
• 3-5 years of experience in non-profit fundraising and marketing
• Experience with fundraising, direct mail, grants management, planned giving, special events, computerized donor systems and marketing/communications
• Experience in planning, writing, editing, and production of newsletters, press releases, annual reports, marketing literature, and other print publications
• Experience with website content management
• Understanding of and experience using social media platforms
• Experience with online tools and software for editing video, photos and audio
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Canva, database management, and other design services and applications
• Flexibility and willingness to work evening and/or weekends as needed (limited)
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality with all information regarding the Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth, NJ
• Bi-lingual a plus

Job Type: Part-time (25 hours) with benefits

Salary: $50,000-$52,000 per year

Location: Saint Walburga Monastery, 851 N. Broad St., Elizabeth, NJ 07208

Interested candidates should submit the following electronic documents:

1) Letter of Interest, including salary requirements

2) Resume

3) Writing sample

Resumes will be accepted until the position is filled, but the review of applications will begin immediately; qualified candidates will be contacted as materials are received.