Summary
Description
The Director of Brand & Communications is a strategic storyteller and brand architect responsible for shaping and communicating FOCUS’ brand through integrated messaging, visual identity, and media relations. This role ensures that all external communications consistently reflect the mission, values, and vision of FOCUS—building recognition, trust, and connection with key audiences including donors, clergy, college students, parishioners, and alumni.
Reporting to the Senior Director of Marketing, the ideal candidate brings deep expertise in brand strategy, positioning, and narrative development, with a strong track record of executing communications that drive clarity and resonance. They will oversee the development of FOCUS’ brand voice and messaging architecture, guiding the creation of content and campaigns that are both mission-aligned and audience-specific.
In this role, you will lead the organization’s media relations and external communications strategy, ensuring alignment across departments and platforms. You will work closely with executive leadership, Internal Communications, and key stakeholders to elevate FOCUS’ visibility, steward its reputation, and ensure that messaging and media outreach advance organizational priorities with consistency and impact.
Position Responsibilities
Brand Strategy & Visual Identity
- Develop and oversee the implementation of FOCUS’ comprehensive brand strategy to reflect the mission, values, and vision of the organization.
- Lead the development, evolution, and governance of the visual brand, including logos, color palettes, typography, and design systems.
- Ensure brand consistency across all digital and print materials, events, campaigns, and public communications.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to maintain brand standards and deliver cohesive, high-impact visual communications.
- Conduct regular brand audits and lead updates to brand guidelines to reflect organizational growth and strategic shifts.
External Communications & Messaging Strategy
- Create and execute integrated communication plans that align with FOCUS’ organizational goals and annual priorities.
- Develop and maintain a strong, unified brand voice and ensure consistency across all platforms.
- Oversee the approval of messaging for high-impact initiatives, campaigns, and other public-facing efforts.
- Track and report communication performance metrics, refining strategies as needed.
Public Relations & Media Engagement
- Serve as the primary Marketing spokesperson and media contact for the organization.
- Direct all public relations efforts, including press releases, interview coordination, and media training.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with media, influencers, and key partners.
- Identify and pursue proactive opportunities to increase FOCUS’ visibility in Catholic and secular media.
- Lead all PR efforts related to SEEK and other major organizational initiatives, including press strategy, messaging, and on-site media coordination
- Develop media kits and talking points for key spokespeople during high-profile campaigns and events.
Content Development & Oversight
- Oversee message development that optimally and authentically expresses FOCUS' mission, values, and impact.
- Manage content review and editing across key platforms, including blog articles, newsletter content, marketing copy, and organizational messaging—ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with brand voice.
- Curate and maintain a stories library showcasing missionaries, students, alumni, donors, partners, and FOCUS events (e.g., SEEK conference, mission trips).
Unified Communications Approach
- Collaborate with the Internal Communications team-who leads staff and leadership messaging efforts-to ensure alignment across organizational communications.
- Partner with the Internal Communications team to ensure clear and consistent messaging across the organization, supporting alignment between internal and external communications.
Leadership & Team Development
- Foster a culture of creativity, clarity, and collaboration within the team and across the Marketing department. Ensure all staff follow communication protocols, editorial standards, and brand guidelines.
Qualifications
· Deep alignment with the mission and values of FOCUS.
· Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field.
· 5–10 years experience in communications and brand strategy.
· Demonstrated success developing and implementing strategic communications plans.
· Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
· Understanding of the Catholic media landscape and Church culture is preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
For this role, we anticipate paying $100,000 – $125,000/year. (This role is also eligible for bonus pay.) This range is an estimate. The actual amount may be higher or lower than the provided range and will be adjusted based on various factors including qualifications, experience, abilities, geographic location, and duties.
As a FOCUS Mission Foundation staff member, you and your family will have access to several benefits that are designed to help care for the whole person and make your career with us rewarding. You will receive:
- Medical, Vision and Dental insurance
- Ability to contribute to a Health Savings Account
- Employer-provided life insurance
- Long-term disability insurance
- Option to purchase additional life insurance for yourself, your spouse and your child(ren)
- 403(b) retirement plan with a discretionary employer-match for eligible staff
- Option to purchase LifeLock Identity Protection
- Integrity-based Paid Time Off
- Paid parental leave
- We observe many paid holidays recognized by fellow Americans and also some of the feast days of Holy Mother Church. In addition, we recognize the Sacred Christmas Respite by closing the office from December 24-January 1 each year.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold (full-time, part-time or temporary), and your tenure with FOCUS Mission Foundation. Specific benefits may change at our discretion.
