The Church of St. Paul in the Desert (“Church”) is a parish of the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego. Founded in 1939 in Palm Springs, California, the parish has seen the small desert town grow up around it into the world-class destination resort city that it is today. As part of a dynamic community that is constantly in-flux with visitors from all over the world, we serve as a spiritual oasis in the tradition of desert spirituality. Our parish reflects the local community and is predominantly LGBTQ+, has significant snowbird and senior populations, and proudly respects the worth and dignity of every human being. With Co-Rectors (a new model of ministry) who arrived in 2021, the parish is in the middle of a growth spurt. We are a friendly, inclusive, and justice-oriented community with a deep passion for the diversity of the liturgical tradition. Grounded in the sacraments, we believe in the baptismal empowerment of every lay person in sharing the good news of God’s love with the world. We are in the midst of a five-year strategic plan to help focus our spiritual energy without losing momentum, and we encourage all applicants to familiarize themselves with the plan (------------/church/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Strategic-Plan-Final-3-10-23.pdf). 

Job Description

The Director of Communications & Events shall promote awareness and recognition of the Church in the community, and ensure that everyone within the parish has the information they need to participate fully in parish life. This position shall have a particular focus on external marketing and internal program and event support. The successful candidate will understand and demonstrate the need for cutting-edge communication strategy across all digital platforms in an ever-changing communications landscape. This includes an emphasis on modern story sharing systems via social media, videography, and photography.

This position shall be responsible for:

• The ongoing development and maintenance of the Church’s website and social media presence                    
• Development  and implementation a regular, effective communications program and calendar for ministries and activities, including Realm (church management system program and app)
• Monitoring the Church’s social media presence  and developing social media content,
• Preparing Church publications (e.g., e-newsletter, mass mailings, bulletins, and annual impact report) to include: 
  • Content creation
• Production scheduling     
• Graphic design using Canvas or Adobe and
• Story writing     
• Recruitment and supervision of freelancers and volunteers, as needed
• Ensuring that all publications and print/electronic communications resources reflect the mission, values, spirit, and branding of the Church and supports the Co-Rectors in their vision 
• Managing the production team for photographing and livestreaming of liturgies and/or other events
• Coordinating A/V support for classes and events held in the Parish Hall. 
• Managing the logistical details for events held in the Parish Hall          
• Recruiting, training, and managing volunteers to staff the weekly Welcome Table on Sundays
• Coordinating the post-liturgy coffee hour and other parish life and community outreach       events 
• Maintaining discretion about sensitive communications from and about parishioners, and relaying pastoral needs, confidentially and discretely, to the Co-Rectors     

This position reports to the Co-Rectors: compensation is $69,000-74,000 per year, commensurate with experience; two weeks annual vacation and paid holidays; health insurance and retirement savings plan. 

Qualifications

• High school diploma (or GED) required; college credit or degree a plus
• 3-5 years relevant experience (some in non-profit preferred) with good references
• Strong writing skills, proactive communication and sensitive interpersonal skills
• Highly organized, with the ability to meet deadlines while multitasking, prioritizing, and working efficiently
• Creative and ability to help create a brand
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite          
• Proficient in Canvas or Adobe, Mailchimp, Doodle, SurveyMonkey, Trello, Constant Contact (Realm and OWL a plus), and willingness to learn new platforms
• Adeptness in working in an environment composed of volunteers and staff
• Able to build and manage event teams
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment  with changing priorities

Requirements

• Salaried (exempt, full-time), Sunday-Thursday with occasional Saturdays; working hours to be determined in collaboration with the Co-Rectors
• Must be familiar with and comfortable around Christian worship and practice; a strong preference for prior experience with Episcopal or other Mainline churches with the revised common lectionary.
• Hiring will be subject to passing diocesan background checks and completing the required Safe Church Safe Communities Training
• In accordance with diocesan best practice, parishioners of the Church of St. Paul in the Desert will not be considered for this role.

Note: All compensation and benefits are offered according to relevant IRS, Episcopal Church, Diocese of San Diego, and parish policies and procedures

Interested?! Please email a cover letter, a list of two references, sample of graphic design for event communications, and a resume to Dr. Dusty Porter at ------------. Cover letters may be addressed to the Rev. Jessie Thompson and the Rev. Dan Kline, Co-Rectors. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

The Church is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its hiring practices on the basis of age, race, religion, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or any other status prohibited by law. 

Website: ------------       Facebook: @stpaulinthedesert       Instagram: @stpauls_palmsprings