Primary Objectives

The Communications & Digital Media Officer leads the external communications function for the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst (CDOS), ensuring consistent, professional and engaging communications that support the Diocese’s mission, strategic priorities and public profile.

The role is responsible for the development and delivery of the Diocese’s external communications strategy, digital communications, website, social media, media relations and multimedia content. As the Diocese’s sole communications professional, the position provides trusted communications advice to the Bishop, Executive Director and Diocesan leadership while promoting the life, ministries and mission of the Diocese to parish communities, stakeholders and the broader public.

The role plays a critical part in protecting and enhancing the Diocese’s reputation through effective storytelling, strategic communications, strong stakeholder engagement and contemporary digital practices.

Organisational Environment

The mission of the Diocese is to proclaim the Reign of God and continue the mission of Jesus, under the direction and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The values of peace, forgiveness, justice, love and healing which Christ lived and modelled in his own ministry are the same values of the Diocesan community. The Diocese contributes to the life and mission of the Catholic community in Australia.

The Diocese is a child safe and equal employment opportunity employer. It has a zero-tolerance of any abuse to children; it encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The Chancery is responsible for supporting the Bishop of Sandhurst, as well as provision of back office administrative and financial services to the Diocese.

Key Accountabilities

1. Communications Strategy and Leadership

• Develop, implement and continuously improve the Diocese’s external communications strategy aligned with organisational priorities.
• Provide strategic communications advice to the Bishop, Executive Director and senior leaders.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the Diocese’s profile, reputation and community engagement.
• Develop communication plans for significant initiatives, campaigns, events and organisational priorities.

2. Digital Communications

• Lead the Diocese’s digital communications across website, email communications and digital publications.
• Manage and maintain the Diocese’s website, ensuring information is accurate, accessible and engaging.
• Optimise digital content using contemporary communication practices, analytics and search engine optimisation.
• Monitor digital performance and recommend continuous improvements to increase audience engagement.

3. Social Media and Community Engagement

• Develop and manage the Diocese’s social media strategy across all relevant platforms.
• Create, schedule and publish engaging digital content that reflects the mission and values of the Diocese.
• Build online communities through authentic engagement and effective storytelling.
• Monitor platform performance, audience growth and emerging digital trends to maximise reach and impact.

4. Content Creation and Publications

• Produce high-quality written, photographic and video content for digital and print communications.
• Develop stories highlighting the ministries, parishes, clergy, volunteers and communities across the Diocese.
• Coordinate the production of diocesan publications including newsletters, annual reports, brochures, promotional material and campaign resources.
• Maintain a contemporary library of digital assets including photography, video and branded resources.

5. Media Relations and Reputation Management

• Act as the primary communications contact for external media enquiries.
• Prepare media releases, public statements, speeches, briefing material and key messaging.
• Build productive relationships with local, regional and Catholic media organisations.
• Monitor media coverage and provide advice on reputational risks and emerging communication issues.

6. Brand Management

• Protect and strengthen the Diocese’s visual identity and communication standards.
• Ensure consistency of messaging, branding and tone across all external communications.
• Develop communication templates and brand resources for diocesan use.
• Provide communications guidance to parishes and diocesan ministries to support consistent external messaging.

7. Campaigns and Events

• Lead communications planning and promotion for diocesan events, liturgical celebrations, appeals and major initiatives.
• Attend key diocesan events to capture photography, videography and digital content.
• Coordinate promotional campaigns across digital and traditional communication channels.
• Evaluate campaign outcomes and recommend future improvements.

8. Stakeholder Engagement

• Build collaborative relationships with clergy, parish staff, diocesan ministries and external stakeholders.
• Encourage and support parishes and ministries to share stories and communication opportunities.
• Provide communications advice and support across the Diocese.
• Coordinate external suppliers including photographers, designers, printers and media providers where required.

9. Governance, Compliance and Risk

• Ensure communications comply with copyright, privacy legislation, safeguarding requirements and diocesan policies.
• Obtain and maintain appropriate permissions for photography, video and published content.
• Contribute to communication planning during organisational issues and critical incidents.
• Maintain appropriate records and archives of communications and digital assets.

10. Compliance, Safety and Other Duties

• Ensure communications activities support the Diocese’s mission and strategic objectives.
• Take reasonable care for personal and workplace health and safety, and that of others.
• Undertake other duties as required, commensurate with the role’s responsibilities and capabilities.

Safety of Children and Vulnerable Adults

• Ensure compliance with the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst commitment to best practice in the care and safety of children and vulnerable adults.
• Every person involved in the Catholic Church has a responsibility to understand the important and specific role he/she plays individually and collectively to ensure that the wellbeing and safety of all children is at the forefront of all they do and every decision they make.
• Understand the process for reporting allegations or concerns of possible abuse.

 

Job Competencies (skills)

• Demonstrated experience leading organisational communications, preferably within a complex or multi-stakeholder environment.
• Exceptional written communication skills with demonstrated experience producing media releases, web content, speeches, publications and digital communications.
• Demonstrated experience managing websites, digital communication platforms and social media channels.
• Strong photography, videography and multimedia content creation skills.
• Experience using graphic design and video editing software including Canva and/or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement communication strategies and campaigns.
• Experience analysing digital performance and using data to improve communication outcomes.
• Strong understanding of media relations, reputation management and stakeholder engagement.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes with minimal supervision.

 

Personal Competencies (attributes)

• Tertiary qualifications in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or a related discipline.
• Ability to work collaboratively within and across departments, agencies, ministries and parishes of the Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst and its partners.
• Demonstrated initiative, creativity and sound professional judgement.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build trusted relationships with clergy, senior leaders, parish communities and external stakeholders.
• Sound time-management skills and ability to prioritise competing deadlines.
• Well-developed issue management and problem-solving skills.
• Eligibility to work in Australia, with required National Police Check and Working with Children Check.