Summary

The Director of Communications advances Denver Seminary’s mission and reputation through integrated, strategic communications. Reporting to the President’s Office, this role develops and executes strategies that strengthen our brand, expand our reach, and deepen engagement with students, alumni, donors, churches, media, and the broader community.

Description

General Statement of Job Function

Join Denver Seminary at a pivotal moment in our 75-year history as we expand our global impact and pioneer the future of theological education. As Director of Communications, you’ll serve as chief storyteller and brand advocate, uniquely positioned to communicate how we equip leaders for joyful service in God’s work of reconciliation—the redemption, healing, and renewal of the world.

Working closely with the VP of Enrollment and Student Success and Marketing Director, the Director oversees our brand identity across all platforms while focusing on reputation management, storytelling, media relations, and internal communications.

Why This Opportunity Matters

In this role, you will:

Shape the Future: Position Denver Seminary for continued relevance and growth in Christian higher education’s evolving landscape
Expand Our Reach: Leverage our strong brand to cultivate new audiences across all 50 states and dozens of countries where our graduates serve
Lead Innovation: Embrace new methods and technologies while maintaining unwavering commitment to biblical and theological truth
Connect Locally and Globally: Advance Denver Seminary’s local impact and global reach

Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Communications

Execute a comprehensive communications strategy in partnership with the President’s Office
Collaborate with VPESS and Marketing Director for brand consistency across all media
Align messaging across departments in coordination with senior leadership
Monitor public perception and advise on adjustments to strengthen the Seminary’s reputation.
Develop audience-specific strategies for prospective students, alumni, donors, churches, media, and partners

Storytelling and Content Strategy

Lead storytelling initiatives showcasing student transformation, alumni impact, faculty insights, and institutional distinctives
Manage content strategy across publications, web, social, email, podcasts, blogs, and internal channels.
Oversee key institutional publications (Engage Magazine, President’s Report, Advent Devotional)
Lead communications for key institutional events, ensuring alignment with mission and follow-up strategy.
Develop content that advances redemptive cultural engagement, equipping leaders to inhabit the world with hope

External Relations & Media

Build relationships with media, higher education peers, ministry networks, and local churches to elevate visibility and thought leadership
Manage press releases, media outreach, crisis communications, and PR strategy
Represent the Seminary with external organizations to promote institutional goals and mission
Support Advancement communications and donor engagement initiatives

Digital Strategy and Analytics

Partner with VPESS, Marketing Director, and CIO on web strategy, SEO, and AI-optimization to improve visibility and performance
Track and report performance metrics from digital platforms.
Stay current on communications trends in PR, digital media, and higher education
Implement AI-driven insights and content creation strategies to enhance engagement and automation
Ensure ADA compliance and digital accessibility across platforms

Internal Communications & Project Oversight

Work with Executive Leadership Cabinet and VP of People and Culture on internal communication strategies
Provide consistent updates about institutional priorities, faculty developments, and key milestones
Manage communication project plans for events, campaigns, and strategic initiatives
Supervise vendors and freelancers while coordinating with other Seminary departments
Oversee annual communications budget
Support organizational culture by promoting stories of spiritual growth, community engagement, and institutional milestones.
Advance change management communication during periods of transition or institutional initiatives

What You Bring

Required Experience

B.A. degree required, Master’s degree preferred
5+ years strategic communications experience with digital communications expertise
Proven ability to collaborate across marketing and communications functions
Experience advising senior leaders and cross-functional teams

Core Competencies

Theological Understanding: Deep appreciation for Denver Seminary’s “charitable orthodoxy”—communicating conviction with grace and humility
Diverse Audience Engagement: Proven experience with varied denominational audiences (we attract students from 40+ denominations)
Communication Excellence: Exceptional writing skills with ability to make complex theological concepts accessible and engaging

Leadership Qualities

Wisdom and experience to handle confidential information
Strategic thinker with a gift for storytelling
Collaborative and relational leadership style
Organized, adaptable, and responsive to shifting priorities
Committed to excellence, integrity, and mission alignment
High emotional intelligence, discernment, and interpersonal tact
Ability to manage ambiguity and communicate with clarity and grace during crises or transitions

Preferred Background

Experience in nonprofit, higher education, or fundraising environments
Familiarity with crisis communications and reputation management
Knowledge of alumni relations and donor engagement strategies
Working knowledge of theological education trends, accreditation, and Christian institutional ecosystems
Experience with CMS, CRM platforms, and email marketing tools (e.g., WordPress, Salesforce, Mailchimp)

Faith Alignment

Authentic personal relationship with Jesus Christ
Lifestyle reflecting Denver Seminary’s Community Values and Behavioral Commitments
Full agreement with the Seminary’s Statement of Faith

What Success Looks Like

Communications Excellence

Measurable increases in Seminary reputation reach and effectiveness
Demonstrable improvements in Advancement and Admissions conversion rates
Enhanced productivity and professional standards across all communications channels

Brand & Reputation Management

Increasingly favorable public perception among external constituents
Effective social media engagement fostering community and maintaining institutional reputation
Website that communicates strategic messages with focused, compelling content

Quality Standards

Superior writing, proofreading, and editing across all communications
Timely, effective completion of all responsibilities
Established benchmarks for measuring communications impact

What We Offer

High-Impact Team: Join gifted, strategically aligned leadership advancing theological education
Professional Growth: Build skills in digital communications, brand development, and market analysis
Strong Network: Connect with committed alumni, business leaders, ministry executives, and foundation representatives
Institutional Potential: Steward relationships at an institution with deep roots, strong fundamentals, and enormous growth potential

Typical Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Normal office working conditions, including computer usage, may require occasional standing, walking, long periods of sitting, climbing stairs, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Equal Opportunity & Faith Commitment

Denver Seminary is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence in all areas of ministry and operations. As a faith-based institution, Denver Seminary exercises its legal rights to prefer candidates who affirm and support our Statement of Faith and Community Values, consistent with applicable religious exemptions under federal law.

Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Applicants who require accommodation during the application process should contact Human Resources.

Note: Employment is contingent upon proof of eligibility to work in the United States and successful completion of a background check.