Director of Communications & Storytelling

RiseMe; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 57,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland is seeking a Director of Communications to lead media relations and manage an editorial board and story bank. You will gather information, conduct interviews and produce publication-ready content for media, website, newsletters and annual reports.

The role requires coordinating with an external PR agency, maintaining editorial standards and building strong relationships with reporters and community partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, English or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum three years of professional experience in media relations, journalism, editorial content, public relations or organizational communications; nonprofit, human services or mission-driven experience preferred.
• Demonstrated portfolio of media materials and multi-channel editorial content, with evidence of strong interviewing, writing, editing and storytelling skills.
• Experience responding to reporters, developing pitches, preparing spokespeople and managing communications through review and approval.
• Experience developing editorial calendars, managing content workflows or maintaining a story bank, content library or digital asset system.
• Ability to translate complex programs, impact data and sensitive topics into clear, credible and audience-centered communications.
• Excellent judgment, discretion and attention to detail, including fact-checking, privacy, consent, brand consistency and trauma-informed storytelling.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders, manage competing priorities and work independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 and content management or project management tools; familiarity with media monitoring, CRM, digital asset management, Adobe Acrobat, InDesign or Photoshop is a plus.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and travel throughout the service area; valid Ohio Driver's License and reliable transportation required.
• Final applicant is required to be fingerprinted to complete a background check.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with external PR partner to align messaging and manage media relations.
• Partner with program leaders to gather information and verify facts for content.
• Serve as liaison with Catholic Community Foundation for annual appeal storytelling.
• Maintain editorial standards for accuracy, clarity, privacy, and consent.
• Manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and status reporting.
• Attend events to report stories and support media opportunities.
• Activate message platform across media outreach and executive communications.
• Coordinate briefs, timelines, and media lists with the PR agency.
• Triage inquiries, coordinate interviews, and prepare spokespeople.
• Draft and edit press releases, advisories, statements, FAQs and op-eds.
• Build relationships with reporters and monitor coverage.
• Support crisis communications with fact-gathering and approved materials.
• Lead cross-functional editorial board and develop an integrated editorial calendar.
• Create and maintain a searchable story bank with summaries, interview notes, and assets.
• Interview staff, clients, donors, volunteers to build a steady story pipeline.
• Write and repurpose content for web, newsletters, annual reports, brochures and speeches.
• Recommend stories based on audience needs and priorities.

Skills

Interviews

Writing

Editing

Storytelling

Public relations

Media monitoring

CRM

CMS

Adobe Acrobat

InDesign

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, English or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365

CMS

Project management tools

CRM

Digital asset management

Adobe Acrobat

InDesign

Photoshop

Job description

Catholic Charities, Diocese of Cleveland is seeking a Director of Communications to lead media relations and manage an editorial board and story bank. You will gather information, conduct interviews and produce publication-ready content for media, website, newsletters and annual reports.

The role requires coordinating with an external PR agency, maintaining editorial standards and building strong relationships with reporters and community partners.