ELCA Indigenous Ministries is hiring: Communication Coordinator in Chicago

Join to apply for the Communication Coordinator role at Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Location:
Nairobi, Kenya

Agreement Term:
Full Time, Two Years

Anticipated Start Date:
July 13, 2025

Agreement Type:
Global Mission 2-year (GM2)

Description:
The Communication Coordinator will manage the Communication Department and work as part of the Kenya Evangelical Lutheran Church (KELC) under the secretariat (commonly referred to as the Head Office). The position will offer leadership training in communication and implement the communication functions in KELC. This position will work cooperatively with the communication committee, all heads of departments, staff, interns, and volunteers within the Church.

The coordinator will ensure management of the KELC’s integrated communication, publicity, and public relations. The coordinator will also work with both external and internal actors and constituencies to promote excellence in communication. This position shall formulate and disseminate, in constant consultation with the top leadership and management team of KELC, the organization's messages and ensure overall continuity of institutional brand and consistency of identity and image.

Job Description:
The communication coordinator is responsible for the overall planning, organization, and direction of KELC’s communication strategies and public information activities. The coordinator will promote effective and timely communication to media, policymakers, partners, donors, members of KELC, and other intended consumers of information connected with KELC.

The coordinator is responsible for fostering and maintaining relationships with the media, partner organizations, national and international institutions, government officials, KELC staff, and members. They will foster awareness about KELC and facilitate opportunities for KELC to increase its general and online visibility to the public and to partners.

Timeline:

• Application Opens: February 2025
• Interviews: February – April 2025
• ELCA Orientation in Chicago: July 13 – 25, 2025
• Deploy to Kenya: August/September 2025

Assignment Includes:

• Planning, organizing, and directing overall communication strategies and public information dissemination for KELC.
• Formulating, planning, directing, and implementing a proactive communication program to enhance the reputation and visibility of KELC locally, internationally, and online.
• Overseeing internal and external communications and presentations, in close relation and consultation with the top leadership of KELC and its departments and committees.
• Overseeing KELC's digital communication, including managing the content for the website, social media platforms, and print media.
• Preparing, publishing, and disseminating for members and partners the “Messenger” and periodic newsletters publication that circulates updated news about KELC, its membership, development areas, and progress.
• Attend church events and activities and document the happenings for posterity and for sharing with members and partners.
• Attend press activities, such as press releases and events in which the church has an interest or stake.
• Maintaining extensive and positive relationships with national and international media, partners, and well-wishers.
• Representing KELC in the media and other relevant events and occasions.
• Preparing and providing detailed relevant reports of the department and its activities.
• Preparing audience-specific reports for consumption by the Church members and partners.
• Supporting communication goals of KELC regarding national and global advocacy around issues relevant to the church, inter-disciplinary and cross-disciplinary debates.
• Participating in the implementation of the church’s Strategic Plan in matters related to communication.
• Identify KELC’s communication needs and goals by conducting periodic need-assessment to understand how KELC communicates internally and externally and identify gaps and opportunities.
• Develop and implement a master "branding" plan for KELC with input from members and stakeholders.
• Develop and implement annual plans that include goals, activities, materials, and performance indicators. Annual plans should be discussed with key KELC leadership.
• Produce content for distribution through several information channels and platforms. Content could be gathered through several mechanisms.
• Working collaboratively with other departments, journal editors, and editorial teams to pick noteworthy and newsworthy items and reflections that should go into KELC’s website, social media, and newsletter.
• Work closely with KELC officers to identify relevant events and opportunities.
• Maintaining an updated database of experts on various technical areas (e.g., health, disaster response, fundraising, media/information policy, environment, politics, race, ethnicity, religion, war/conflict) in order to contact them to address press inquiries and participate in various venues and events.
• Manage and maintain KELC’s various online communication and online platforms like Facebook page, X (Twitter), Instagram, etc.
• Promote the visibility of KELC through relevant journals, publications, media appearances, and links to key institutions and people.
• Manage and keep updated, in conjunction with the developers, the KELC app and the content therein e.g., hymn books and calendar.
• Ensure any expenses or fees for internet and all other communication domains and platforms, if any, are paid on time to avoid disconnection.
• Set-up and manage the online audio-visual and virtual meetings software and hardware infrastructure e.g., Zoom and Skype platforms ensuring they are paid for always.
• Ensure the communication gadgets and implements e.g., projectors and voice-recorders are under safe custody and well maintained and repaired.
• Coordinate/provide logistical support to members, groups, and teams organizing local, national, and international events primarily aimed at raising the visibility of KELC.
• Monitor appearances of KELC and its members in media, as well as participation in forums focused on funding, Church affairs, etc.
• To mentor and build capacity in other people within KELC who shall take over the running of the department upon the expiry of the term of the candidate.
• Travel as assigned by the supervisor or designated superior.

Requirements:

Experience and Skills:

• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Examples: public relations, journalism, communication.
• A minimum of two years professional experience, ideally with some experience with non-profit, religious, or para-church organizations but any other experiences that provide familiarity with the field of communications.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including active listening.
• Attention to details and be results-oriented.
• Working knowledge of media operations and expertise in the field of public relations and release of information for publication will be an added advantage.
• Ability to develop communication strategies related to organizational policies in collaboration with a diverse team.
• Knowledge and experience in the application of theories, principles, and practices of communication as they relate information services.
• Knowledge of the latest advances in effective use of digital and social media for effective corporate communication, including online communities, search engine optimization, and other digital marketing and communication tools.
• Ability to develop and maintain strategic networks of people and institutions to disseminate KELC-related news and information to.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
• Christian faith and a commitment to the mission of the church.
• Openness to various expressions of Christian faith and respect for people of other faiths.
• Respect for beliefs, values, and customs of church and culture where assigned.
• Well-developed inter-personal skills demonstrating understanding and compassion.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out the responsibilities and the ability to adapt to different standards and practices.
• Ability to work within the framework of a local administration.
• Adaptable and flexible - sense of humor - good physical and emotional health.
• Live and serve in a way which reflects the vision and expectations of the ELCA.

Terms And Conditions:

• Global Mission 2-year.
• This position is supported under the Global Mission Two-year (GM2) contract terms and conditions. Basic provisions include: international transportation, transportation related to work assignment, pensions and major medical coverage, housing, utilities, and cash salary which is adjusted according to the goods and services differential for Kenya.
• This position shall work 6 days a week as provided under Kenyan law, including on Sundays, but will have a rest day for every week of work.
• The person filling the position shall regularly attend scheduled Church staff meetings and organized events as planned by KELC and other meetings as needed.
• The position also involves engagements and travels out of the work station i.e., Nairobi to various parts of Kenya.

Physical Efforts:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone. This position requires sitting for long periods of time. Employee will occasionally need to lift boxes or materials up to 15 pounds. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Psychological evaluation is required.

Benefits:
The ELCA offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees, including employer-paid health premiums for employees, life insurance, and a substantial employer contribution to the 403b retirement plan (no match required). We also offer additional benefits upon deployment to the country of service.

Seniority level: Entry level

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries: Religious Institutions