Communication Specialist, Asia

Background
In grateful response to God’s grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod is vigorously to make known the love of Christ by word and deed within our churches, communities and the world. 

The Office of International Mission, which relates to the Board for International Mission and implements its policies, is responsible to the President of the Synod through the Chief Mission Officer for the work of the Synod in foreign countries as stated in the Bylaws.

Reporting Relationships

• This position is accountable to the Shared Ministries Manager.
• Works closely with the LCMS Communication staff to inform and involve LCMS constituents in a meaningful way in the work of the OIM on the field through support-building, newsletter-writing, and home-service presentation reporting.
• Maintains a strong working relationship with the International Mission Communication Specialist

Essential Job Functions

• Commit to an ongoing schedule and strategy for ministry support raising, (Network Support Model) Orientation and initial support building is typically six (6) months.
• Communicate via monthly newsletter to and maintain a relationship with the sending church that includes Together-In-Mission (TIM) congregations as well as other supporting churches, groups, and individuals.
• Complete missionary training and language acquisition plan under the direction of the Regional Director and the Director of Missionary Services.
• Serves as the regional representative with LCMS Communications to prioritize stories and updates.
• Communicate the OIM mission strategy and work clearly and effectively.
• Cover events in the Region, take video and photographs, draft articles, edit and publish requested mission news for publication in media such as reports, websites, blog sites and LCMS print media in consultation with the Regional Director and the LCMS Communications Department.
• Support proper communication for the FORO model in the region.
• Assist missionaries and field leadership in communication of field activities by providing materials for presentation development.
• Review and edit communications from the region to ensure appropriate message and brand.
• Assist in providing good project descriptions and reporting to support donor communication.
• This position may travel up to 25% of the time.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in public affairs, public relations, communication, journalism or related field.
• Experience in a communications related field preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Active member of an LCMS congregation or of a congregation of any of its partner churches and personal faithfulness to the Holy Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions.
• Solid comprehension of confessional Lutheran theology and ability to clearly articulate same.
• Demonstrated ILR 2 proficiency in local Language preferred. If not proficient, a willingness to participate in a language learning program to achieve such proficiency.
• A demonstrated ability to maintain performance expectations in diverse cultural contexts, psychologically stressful environments and physical hardship conditions with limited resources.
• Ability to develop and manage a broad multi-faceted program, develop inspiring communication tools, and prepare written and oral reports.
• Ability to prepare written and visual material, prepare and make oral presentations, and effectively develop and present information in a variety of formats within tight deadlines.
• Demonstrated skill in communication, both oral and written.
• Ability to utilize standard technology on the field – laptop, smartphone, and basic connectivity troubleshooting.
• Ability to use the Microsoft Office suite, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and the email functions and calendar functions of Microsoft Outlook.

Supervisory Responsibility

• This position may supervise other local or expatriate communications personnel.
• Responsible for managing project teams as designated.