Job Title: Communications Manager
Organization: First United Methodist Church of Evanston
Hours: Part-time (20+ hours / week)
Comp: $30-36/hr

Position Overview
First United Methodist Church seeks a part-time Communications Manager to oversee and grow our communications across all platforms, especially digital. This individual will be responsible for communicating our mission as part of cohesive efforts to grow our ministries and engage members, visitors and the wider community. The individual will report directly to the Senior Pastor and collaborate with that person to ensure content is theologically sound and effectively carries the voice of First Church across all platforms.

First United Methodist Church of Evanston is a community of faith seeking the transformation of the world through Jesus’ courageous love. We practice inclusivity, foster spiritual growth and are committed to social justice. We invite all people to grow in their relationship with God and to live their faith in the world. We’re looking for someone who can reflect those values across our platforms.

Key Responsibilities
This role will oversee the communications strategy, planning and execution for First United Methodist Church of Evanston, grounded in strong collaboration and relationship with members, lay leaders, staff and community partners. The right candidate will have strong storytelling skills, deliverable in both short video formats and in written narrative. Deliverables will include:

Content Development and Delivery: Proactively create and implement content across various media and platforms. Take photos and short videos of members, staff, congregational events, and ministries on an ongoing basis, and collaborate with lay volunteers for additional content. Develop and maintain a church communications calendar that aligns with congregational events and liturgical calendars. Coordinate with the Front Desk Office Assistant to provide content for worship bulletins and other print pieces not under the purview of the Communications Manager.
Event promotion: Promote First Church events, programs and initiatives through comprehensive digital media, internal communications and community outreach.
Website Management: Update website pages to ensure content is current, accurate and on brand, and that the site is user-friendly. Work with staff and lay leaders to produce new copy/content as necessary. Maintain fresh, engaging images and video throughout the site.
Social Media Management: Oversee and manage First Church social media accounts (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) including campaigns, content creation, scheduling and engagement.
Email Communications: Coordinate and produce digital communications such as email newsletters and announcements.
Analytics, Measurement and Documentation: Track, analyze, and report digital engagement (website traffic, email open rates, social media metrics) and adjust strategies accordingly. Document and maintain processes and workflow approvals for ongoing digital communications.
Continuing Education: Stay current on communication trends, especially in the digital arena, and recommend updates and innovations.
Involvement with Lay Leaders: Serve as the staff liaison on the Communications Committee.

Qualifications & Skills

Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to communicate clearly, warmly and in the First Church voice
Basic knowledge of video technology and video editing software
Basic graphic design skills (e.g. Canva or similar tools)
Experience managing WordPress or similar CMS
Experience managing Constant Contact or similar platform
Experience managing social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube)
Knowledge of accessibility best practices for digital content

Core Competencies

A self-starter who proactively identifies opportunities to achieve communication goals
A creative thinker adept at the use of storytelling and data to meet strategic objectives
Flexible, collaborative and skilled at building strong relationships; engages with people in a positive manner and manages conflict effectively
Organized and prioritizes competing demands, effectively managing multiple projects to deliver on deadline
Seeks feedback and is committed to improvement
Self-directed learner of new skills, processes and technologies as needed
Some knowledge of Methodist or other mainstream Protestant theology, traditions and practices is useful

Compensation and Schedule
$30-36/hr based on experience. The role includes remote and on-site work, plus Sunday morning services/meetings, occasional evening programs, weekly team meetings, and some all-church events.

How to Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume to the NextGroup website at https://recruitcrm.io/apply/17896750422950029972etH

About NextGroup

NextGroup is Chicagoland's leading executive search firm and nonprofit talent network connecting mission-driven organizations with exceptional leaders who drive impact. We customize talent solutions with our nonprofit partners, recruiting permanent, fractional, and interim professionals across executive leadership, finance, development, and operations.

We have a network of 12,000+ professionals in Chicagoland and beyond. We reject cookie-cutter approaches and instead partner with you to build human capital strategies that match your unique growth and capacity-building needs. NextGroup also provides career coaching and transition services to professionals advancing in the social impact sector.

Communications Manager (Part-time, Hybr...