Communications Specialist

Denver Seminary; Colorado; On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Denver Seminary seeks a Communications Specialist to serve as the primary writer and editor for publications, websites, and executive communications. You will ensure a consistent institutional voice aligned with the Seminary’s mission, brand standards, and AP style across all channels.

Responsibilities include writing stories, managing Engage Magazine and key reports, drafting talking points for leadership, and applying SEO and accessibility best practices while collaborating with Marketing and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, or related field.
• Minimum three years of professional writing and editing across print, web, and email.
• Demonstrated command of AP Style and ability to apply an institutional style guide.

Responsibilities

• Writes and edits feature stories, profiles, announcements, and program content.
• Produces and manages institutional publications and web content.
• Maintains the organization’s style guide and AP standards.
• Drafts talking points, remarks, and executive communications for leaders.
• Writes website copy with attention to SEO and brand consistency.
• Coordinates with Marketing on site structure and content performance.

Skills

Writing

Editing

AP Style

SEO content

CMS

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/journalism/English

Tools

WordPress

Slate

Mailchimp

Job description

Denver Seminary is a multidenominational graduate school committed to preparing men and women to engage the needs of the world with the redemptive power of the gospel and the life-changing truth of Scripture. Through rigorous educational programs and a mentoring-focused community, the Seminary challenges students to grow spiritually, intellectually, and professionally, equipping them to lead God’s people in accomplishing His mission in the world.

General Statement of Duties

The Communications Specialist serves as Denver Seminary’s primary institutional writer and editor, developing clear, accurate, and compelling content for publications, websites, media relations, executive communications, internal announcements, email campaigns, and other institutional channels. Reporting to the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Success and collaborating closely with the Director of Marketing and the Social Media Specialist, this role stewards a consistent institutional voice and ensures communications reflect Denver Seminary’s mission, Charter, and brand standards.

Essential Functions

• Writes and edits feature stories, student and alumni profiles, faculty announcements, program content, and other institutional materials.
• Produces and manages institutional publications, including Engage Magazine, the President’s Report, and the Advent Devotional.
• Maintains and applies the Denver Seminary style guide, informed by the Seminary Charter and AP Style.
• Serves as the final proofreader for institutional communications originating outside Marketing and Communications, as assigned.
• Drafts talking points, remarks, correspondence, and other executive communications for the President and Executive Leadership Team.
• Writes and maintains website copy, with particular attention to program pages, admissions pathways, news, accuracy, and brand consistency.
• Applies current search engine optimization and content-discoverability practices to published content.
• Coordinates with the Director of Marketing on site structure, content updates, and content-performance improvements.
• Follows applicable digital-accessibility standards and promotes accessible content across published communications.
• Drafts and distributes press releases and media advisories and maintains accurate media contact lists.
• Builds professional relationships with religion, education, and local media contacts and monitors relevant coverage and mentions.
• Prepares faculty and institutional leaders for interviews through briefing documents, talking points, and message guidance.
• Produces internal announcements and community updates in coordination with the Vice President of People and Culture and other institutional leaders.
• Maintains crisis-communication templates and supports timely, accurate responses under the direction of the Vice President of Enrollment and Student Success.
• Manages confidential and embargoed announcements with discretion, including appointments, transitions, and campaign milestones.

Secondary Functions

• Writes and edits email communications for prospective students, alumni, donors, and other Seminary audiences.
• Coordinates editorial calendars to sequence institutional messages effectively and reduce competing communications.
• Supports communication for key institutional events, including run-of-show materials and follow-up messaging.
• Supports change-management communication during institutional transitions and strategic initiatives.
• Completes other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Education/Training

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, or a related field required; an equivalent combination of education and directly related experience may be considered.
• Minimum of three years of professional writing and editing experience across print, web, and email channels.
• Demonstrated command of AP Style and experience maintaining or applying an institutional style guide.

Qualifications

• Committed personal relationship with Jesus Christ and a lifestyle consistent with the Seminary’s Community Values and Behavioral Commitments.
• Agrees with Denver Seminary’s Statement of Faith and communicates theological conviction with grace and humility.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and fact-checking skills, including the ability to communicate theological concepts clearly without oversimplifying them.
• Sound editorial judgment and the ability to recognize content requiring verification, approval, or escalation before publication.
• Demonstrated discretion when handling confidential, sensitive, or embargoed information.
• Ability to write credibly in multiple voices and formats, including institutional, executive, journalistic, and promotional communications.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and produce accurate work under time constraints.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills with the ability to work effectively across departments and leadership levels.
• Working knowledge of content management, customer relationship management, and email marketing platforms; experience with WordPress, Slate, or Mailchimp preferred.
• Experience in higher education, theological education, nonprofit, or ministry communications preferred.
• Familiarity with media relations, crisis communication, accreditation, and denominationally diverse Christian institutions preferred.

Outcomes

Denver Seminary prepares men and women to engage the needs of the world with the redemptive power of the Gospel and the life-changing truth of Scripture. Through our educational programs and mentoring process, the Seminary challenges students to grow spiritually, intellectually, and professionally to lead God’s people in accomplishing His mission in the world. The position of Communications Specialist supports this mission through the following outcomes:

• Institutional publications and executive communications are accurate, compelling, consistent with Denver Seminary’s voice, and delivered on schedule.
• Website and email content remains current, accessible, audience-centered, and effective in supporting institutional priorities.
• Media and public communications strengthen the Seminary’s reputation and are handled accurately, professionally, and with appropriate discretion.
• Editorial standards and Charter-informed language are applied consistently across departments, reducing corrections and strengthening message alignment over time.
• Demonstrates continuous personal, professional, and spiritual growth that contributes positively to the Seminary community.

Typical Physical Demands and Working Conditions

Normal office environment with regular computer use, including extended periods of sitting and occasional standing, walking, stair climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Occasional evening or weekend availability may be required for events, urgent communications, or time-sensitive announcements.

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, in a manner 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.