The Board for Communication Services (BCS) is seeking nominations for the position of director of News and Information. The individual in this position reports to the executive director of Communications and is responsible for serving as the executive editor of the Synod’s official periodicals and provides for the gathering of appropriate news and information and the dissemination thereof, through appropriate media, to the church and its publics — for the purpose of strengthening ministry at all levels of the Synod. Specifically, he/she will assist the executive director in implementing and evaluating the programs and performing the functions of the department as articulated in the synodical Bylaws and policies and procedures of the BCS; supervising the day-to-day administration of the Division of News and Information; serving as a chief spokesperson for the Synod and/or its ministries; maintaining liaison with departments, institutions, and agencies for the purpose of news gathering; monitoring public and ecclesiastical developments and events; assuming editorial responsibility for the Synod’s official periodicals, providing for their publication and distribution and providing for news releases through the various media; assuming oversight responsibility for the corresponding Web sites of the Synod’s official periodicals; contributing to the ongoing content, look, and feel of the Synod’s Web site; establishing and maintaining a news bureau at Synod conventions; overseeing the staff of the department’s Editorial Services division; and developing and maintaining relationships with appropriate and significant professionals and groups involved in news and information services outside the Synod.
Qualified nominees must have a minimum of five years of practical experience in communication fields; hold a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in fields related to communications or theology; have the demonstrated ability to effectively communicate Lutheran theology, preferably having a formal theological education; be adept in oral and written communication; have an interest in and possess above average knowledge related to the use of electronic media; be capable and interested in writing and editing as evidenced by published materials or other written materials; be able to travel as needed; be able to work with people both within and outside the church; be an active member of a Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod congregation, faithful to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions, and supportive of the Synod’s Constitution, Bylaws, and policies.
Nominations should be submitted by May 15 to Barbara Ryan, Executive Director of Human Resources, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122; barbara.ryan@lcms.org; fax (314) 996-1121.
Posted March 27, 2008
