Marketing Communications Lead

Diocese of Joliet in Illinois; Crest Hill (IL); On-site; USD 76,000 - 86,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Vision benefits

Dental benefits

Basic life insurance

Pension (403(b))

Paid time off (PTO)

Select holidays

Job summary

Diocese of Joliet is seeking two Marketing Communications Leads in the Office of Communications. You will shape how the diocese communicates with leadership, parishes, schools, ministries, donors, media, and the broader community.

Under the Chief Communications Officer, develop integrated strategies to elevate our mission, promote ministries, and share faith-driven stories that engage diverse audiences. A Catholic, mission-driven background is preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, digital media, or related field.
• Five to eight years of progressively responsible communications, marketing, PR, journalism, or digital engagement.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing and executing strategic communications plans, marketing campaigns, and digital engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead Strategic Communications: Develop and implement marketing and communications plans that advance diocesan priorities.
• Tell Compelling Stories: Create engaging content, including feature stories, press releases, newsletters, speeches, donor materials, and digital content.
• Drive Digital Engagement: Share website content, email marketing, social media strategy, and digital audience engagement.
• Build the Diocese’s Brand: Maintain consistent messaging, visual identity, and brand standards across communication platforms.
• Strengthen Media Relations: Coordinate media outreach, respond to inquiries, support public relations, and assist with crisis communications.
• Bring Ideas to Life: Collaborate on photography, video, livestreaming, graphic design, multimedia storytelling, and integrated marketing campaigns.
• Use Data and Innovation: Evaluate campaign performance, analyze audience engagement, and explore emerging technologies and AI-assisted tools to improve communication effectiveness responsibly.
• Build Meaningful Partnerships: Work with diocesan departments, parishes, schools, ministries, vendors, and creative partners to deliver high-quality communications.
• Lead Projects with Purpose: Coordinate initiatives, manage deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and ensure goals are met.”

Skills

Exceptional writing

Verbal communication

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Creative storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Digital Media, or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365

Content management systems

Email marketing platforms

Google Analytics

Canva

Adobe Creative Cloud

Photography

Video production

Livestreaming

Job description

Marketing Communications Lead (2 Openings), Strategic Marketing, Digital Media & Storytelling

Put your creativity, strategic thinking, and communications expertise to work for a mission that matters.

Are you a creative storyteller, strategic thinker, and relationship builder who knows how to turn ideas into meaningful engagement? Do you enjoy developing compelling content, leading innovative marketing initiates, and connecting people through powerful communications?

The Diocese of Joliet is seeking two talented Marketing Communications Leads to join its Office of Communications. These professionals will play an important role in sharing the stories of our Catholic community, strengthening engagement across the Diocese of Joliet, and advancing the mission of the Catholic Church through strategic, creative, and effective communications.

This is an exciting opportunity for communications professionals who want to combine their marketing expertise, digital skills, creativity, and collaborative spirit to make a meaningful difference.

About Opportunity

As a Marketing Communications Lead, you will help shape how the diocese communicates with its many audiences, including diocesan leadership, parishes, schools, ministries, donors, media outlets, and the broader community.

Working under the direction of the Chief Communications Officer, you will help develop and execute integrated marketing and communications strategies that elevate the Diocese’s mission, promote its ministries, strengthen its public presence, and share the stories of faith, service, and community that define our Catholic identity.

We are looking for professionals who bring fresh ideas, strong communication skills, sound judgment, and the ability to turn strategic priorities into engaging, results-driven communications.

What You Will Do

• Lead Strategic Communications: Develop and implement marketing and communications plans that advance diocesan priorities and support evangelization, stewardship, fundraising, vocations, and ministry initiatives.
• Tell Compelling Stories: Create engaging content, including feature stories, press releases, newsletters, speeches, executive communications, donor materials, and digital content.
• Drive Digital Engagement: Help share website content, email marketing, social media strategy, and digital audience engagement.
• Build the Diocese’s Brand: Maintain consistent messaging, visual identity, and brand standards across communication platforms.
• Strengthen Media Relations: Coordinate media outreach, respond to inquiries, support public relations, and assist with crisis communications.
• Bring Ideas to Life: Collaborate on photography, video, livestreaming, graphic design, multimedia storytelling, and integrated marketing campaigns.
• Use Data and Innovation: Evaluate campaign performance, analyze audience engagement, and explore emerging technologies and AI-assisted tools to improve communication effectiveness responsibly.
• Build Meaningful Partnerships: Work closely with diocesan departments, parishes, schools, ministries, vendors, and creative partners to deliver high-quality communications.
• Lead Projects with Purpose: Coordinate multiple initiatives, manage deadlines, adapt to changing priorities, and help ensure projects meet established goals.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking communications professionals who combine technical expertise with the interpersonal skills, creativity, and judgment needed to succeed in a collaborative, mission-driven environment.

Required and preferred qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Digital Media, or related field required.
• Five to eight years of progressively responsible communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or digital engagement.
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and storytelling, and verbal communication skills.
• Experience developing and executing strategic communications plans, marketing campaigns, and digital engagement initiatives.
• Experience with Microsoft 365, content management systems, email marketing platforms, Google Analytics, Canva and/or Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Working knowledge of photography, video production, livestreaming, and visual content development.
• Strong project management, organizational, problem-solving, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders and coordinating creative projects or external partners.
• Spanish-language proficiency preferred.
• Experience in a Catholic, non-profit, educational, healthcare, or other mission-driven organization is highly desirable.

The Skills That Will Set You Apart

• Communication: You communicate clearly, listen actively, and know how to tailor messages to different audiences and platforms.
• Critical Thinking: You evaluate challenges, anticipate risks, interpret information, and develop thoughtful, effective solutions.
• Creativity: You bring fresh perspectives, develop compelling stories, and identify innovative ways to connect with audiences.
• Adaptability: You respond effectively to changing priorities, emerging technologies, evolving communication needs.
• Collaboration: You build strong working relationships, value diverse perspectives, welcome feedback, and work toward shared goals.
• Leadership and Accountability: You take initiative, exercise sound judgment, manage projects responsibly, and follow through on commitments.

Why Join the Diocese of Joliet?

At the Diocese of Joliet, communications is more than delivering a message. It is an opportunity to connect people, strengthen communities, celebrate the work or our ministries, and share the impact of our Catholic faith.

As a member of the Office of Communications, you will have the opportunity to:

• Make a meaningful contribution to a mission-centered organization.
• Help shape communications strategies and creative initiatives across the Diocese.
• Work with a diverse network of leaders, parish communities, schools, and ministries.
• Apply your talents in storytelling, marketing, digital engagement, and emerging communications technologies.
• Collaborate with colleagues who share a commitment to service, community, and the mission of the Catholic Church.

Position Details

Position: Marketing Communications Lead

Number of Openings: 2

Department: Office of Communications

Report To: Chief Communications Officer

Employment Status: Full-time, exempt

Benefits: Health, Vision, Dental, Basic Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Pension, 403(b), PTO, and select holidays

Salary Range: $76,000 - $86,000 dependent on relevant education and experience

Location: Blanchette Catholic Center, Diocese of Joliet

Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Additional time, as necessary on evenings and weekends.

Travel: Local travel throughout the Diocese of Joliet is required, reliable transportation is necessary.

Candidates should be practicing Catholics in good standing or demonstrate a strong commitment to supporting the mission, values, and teaching of the Catholic Church.

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you are passionate about strategic communications, inspired by creative storytelling, and motivated by work that serves a greater purpose, we invite you to explore this opportunity.

Bring your ideas. Share your talents. Help tell the story of our Catholic community.