Job Description

As a part of a diverse community of faculty and staff who represent many faith systems and worldviews, Marian University seeks an Assistant Director of Mission Communications and Storytelling for the Franciscan Leadership Institute (FLI). This position promotes the Catholic Franciscan mission and identity of Marian University through strategic communications, mission-centered storytelling, digital engagement, and relationship-building with students, families, alumni, faculty, benefactors, and ministry partners.

The Assistant Director is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies that advance the mission of the Franciscan Leadership Institute, with particular emphasis on the San Damiano Scholars Program. Through compelling storytelling, multimedia content, and mission-focused communications, this position helps recruit, form, and inspire young people to live as missionary disciples and transformational leaders. The ideal candidate is a collaborative communicator, creative storyteller, and faith-filled professional who can accompany students in their faith journey while supporting institutional goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Actively engage the Catholic Franciscan mission and identity of Marian University by modeling the Franciscan Sponsorship Values and honoring the legacy of the founding congregation through transformative education, unity in diversity, leadership through service, integrating faith and life, and institutional policies.

• Mission Communications and Storytelling (35%): Develop and implement strategic communication and storytelling initiatives that advance the goals of the Franciscan Leadership Institute and communicate its impact to internal and external audiences.

• Content Development and Digital Engagement (35%): Create and manage mission-driven multimedia content, including written stories, photography, video, social media, digital communications, and marketing materials that strengthen engagement, recruitment, formation, and community awareness.

• Student Formation and Program Support (20%): Assist in the formation and accompaniment of San Damiano Scholars and support Franciscan Leadership Institute programs through mentoring, event participation, and mission-focused engagement.

• Additional Responsibilities (10%): Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and objectives of the Franciscan Leadership Institute and Marian University.

University Expectations

• Knowledge of and commitment to the mission of Marian University.
• Adherence to Marian University policies and procedures.
• Professional and respectful interactions with students, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Regular communication with supervisors regarding departmental priorities and initiatives.
• Participation in departmental planning, assessment, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Support of strategic goals and stewardship of departmental resources and budget.

Required Qualifications

• Baptized, practicing Catholic in good standing with the Catholic Church.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, Theology, Ministry, Business, or a related field.
• Experience in mission communications, storytelling, content creation, marketing, or communications within a Catholic or mission-driven organization.
• Experience promoting ministry, faith formation, educational, or leadership development programs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with social media, digital communications platforms, and content management tools.
• Experience with graphic design, video production, photography, and multimedia storytelling tools.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and project management ability.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build positive relationships across multiple constituencies.
• Strong work ethic, initiative, adaptability, and commitment to mission.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree or graduate coursework in Theology, Ministry, Communications, or related field.
• Knowledge of the Franciscan charism, spirituality, and tradition.
• Five or more years of relevant communications, ministry, or higher education experience.
• Competency in Spanish.
• Experience working with high school and/or university students.
• Familiarity with Vatican II documents and the Catholic intellectual tradition.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.

For Consideration All Applications Require:

1. Cover Letter
2. Current resume or CV
3. Contact information of three professional references. The reference contact information must be entered after the application is submitted in the "My Presence" section of the applicant profile.
4. Responses to the supplementary mission & identity questions.

Please Review Marian University’s Mission & Identity Statement before responding to the supplementary questions on your application:

https://www.marian.edu/faith

Essential Functions:
Work hours necessary to perform job requirements satisfactorily on a regular basis. Manage absence from work in responsible manner to ensure service to clients, work teams, and coworkers. Comply with Marian University policies and practices and seeking clarification of them when necessary.

Physical Requirements:
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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use their hands to handle or feel objects, equipment, or controls; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with their hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Limitations and Disclaimer:
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.

All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee occupying this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and States Laws.

Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities. To perform this job successfully, the employee must possess the abilities or aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. Continued employment remains on an “at-will” basis.