Director of Communications

Application Deadline: 28 August 2026

Department: Office of General Secretary

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Grand Rapids, MI USA or Burlington, ON Canada

Description

PURPOSE

To provide leadership, strategy, planning, and oversight in the communications of the Christian Reformed Church in North America (CRCNA) and its ministries. The Director of Communications will ensure that communications and marketing across the denomination function within the established ecclesiastical and organizational frameworks in a way that supports and facilitates the ministry of the CRCNA and its institutions and agencies, in conformity with the denominational ministry plan.

This position is full-time at 36 hours a week and offers a hybrid work schedule, an attractive benefits package (including retirement fund contribution), and three weeks of vacation.

The starting salary for this position is$107,949/year USD or $108,601/year CAD.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

1. Provide leadership to the CRCNA by thoroughly understanding denominational trends, conducting market research, and anticipating opportunities and challenges in sharing the mission and vision of the CRCNA.
2. Steer conversations and decisions with denominational leaders based on market research and other trends.
3. Steer communications and marketing strategy across CRCNA agencies by meeting regularly with communications staff, chairing monthly communications council meetings, sharing denominational trends and key messages, and providing feedback on material, ensuring a high standard of excellence and effectiveness.
4. Oversee the brand and brand reputation of the CRCNA by establishing and implementing standards that will ensure an appropriate visual identity across all communications platforms.
5. Oversee the brand and brand reputation of the CRCNA by leading and creating strategies for denominational communications channels, including social media, the website, CRC News, the denominational ministries section of The Banner, prayer guides, bulletin announcements, videos, Do Justice, The Network, synod communications, etc.
6. Develop and oversee an integrated communication and marketing strategy for overall denominational funding, with a special focus on the ministry share program.
7. Collaborate with The Banner editor to address strategic communications issues and to coordinate news coverage of the CRCNA.
8. Lead public relations for the CRCNA, including overseeing crisis communications that arise.
9. Recruit, manage, and direct staff assigned to the CRCNA communications and marketing office.
10. Serve as a resource to denominationally-related ministries in their communications and marketing efforts.
11. Perform the duties of Synod News Officer, including directing the work of the Synod News Office.
12. Strengthen efforts to connect to external constituencies to promote ecclesiastical affiliation and appreciation of the CRCNA brand.
13. Other duties as assigned by the General Secretary.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Communications Assistant

Canadian Communications Coordinator

Communications Specialist & Korean Connector

Communications Specialist & Spanish Connector

Network Administrator

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERTISE:

QUALIFICATIONS

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

1. Professing membership in a Christian Reformed congregation, or of a church in communion with the CRCNA, and agreement with the doctrine of the church signified by signing a covenant statement.
2. Thorough understanding of the CRCNA and its ministries, agencies, and institutions.
3. Demonstrated competence in the skills necessary for effective communications and marketing.
4. Experience in leading and directing a communications and marketing team.
5. Fluent in English; knowledge of other languages is an asset
6. Demonstrated strong skills in oral and written communications, including demonstrated skill in editing.
7. An ability to recruit, train, encourage, and support team members in their daily work.
8. Ability to influence and build consensus through both formal and informal leadership in a multifaceted organization.
9. Ability to travel between the United States and Canada as requested.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

1. Bachelor's degree, preferably in an area related to communications or marketing; post-graduate degree preferred.
2. Advanced experience in communications and/or marketing, including significant experience at a non-profit organization.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• The ability to have a weekly presence in the CRCNA denominational offices in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, or Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA.
• The ability to travel within North America and internationally.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• The work location will primarily be at the denomination office located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, or Burlington, Ontario.
• Frequent video calls/meetings are required
• Travel outside of the office, both domestically and internationally, is necessary at times. (approximately 25%)

Full-time Benefits

Benefits may be prorated based on the number of hours worked per week:

• Work-Life Balance
• Full-Time Flexible Work Arrangements
• Generous Vacation and Holiday Time
• Competitive benefits and retirement plan
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Contributing to an organization that is making an impact in the world