Staff Officer: Publications & Communications

Department: General Convention Office
Date Posted: 3/28/2008
Closing Date: 4/14/2008

Job Description

The General Convention is the governing body of The Episcopal Church that meets every three years. The Executive Offices of the General Convention support the work of the Committees, Commissions, Agencies and Boards of General Convention and also facilitate the planning and operation of each General Convention.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position serves to provide an authentic record of the acts of the General Convention through the following:

1. Supervision of the production of the canonical and functional books of General Convention
2. Collaboration on the Legislative process of Convention
3. Assistance with the related work of Archives, particularly relating to the documents of Convention.

The incumbent will work from the Episcopal Church Center which is located in New York City.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• This position has primary responsibility for managing, coordinating, administering and participating in the design, editing and publishing of General Convention publications.
• In collaboration with the Executive Officer and the Deputy, this position coordinates and oversees publication of the Journal of the General Convention, the “Blue Book,” the Constitution and Canons, the Bishop and Deputy Handbook, Draft Budget, Budget and procedures materials.
• Following the triennium timeline, the incumbent produces and gathers the materials, data, reports and commentaries to enable the timely production and publication of the "Blue Book" and other pre-Convention materials related to the functioning of various work groups, including the draft budget, Bishop and Deputy Handbook and other documents.
• During Convention, the incumbent oversees the minute-taking process and collaborates with other co-workers on the legislative process.
• After Convention and continuing to follow the timeline, produces and publishes the Summary of Actions, the Constitution and Canons and the Journal of Convention.
• Assists with the preservation of GCO records, collaborates with the Archives in understanding and developing complementary protocols related to publishing and record-keeping.
• Supervises the production of selected materials in Spanish and French.
• Locates and commissions part-time or temporary staff during phases of intense activity, and deployment of specifically qualified individuals who are able to facilitate the work during these times.

The incumbent works in close collaboration with:
The Secretary and Deputy in seeking to continuously refine the process of production.
The Staff Assistant for Legislation, Database and Web Manager and other staff in preparing and maintaining the legislative process and legislative database.
The Deputy in assessing Reports for publication.
The Database and Web Manager in gathering lists for publication.
The DFMS Treasurer in preparing the Draft Budget and the Budget.
The Staff Assistant for Legislation, the Archives and all available resources, including Convention secretariat staff, special committees and others, in assembling materials for the post-Convention Canonical books.
The Archives in developing logical and efficient system-output protocols, and in maintaining timely removal of materials for the permanent history of the Convention.

Job Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for this position and not necessarily the skills you bring to the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE and SKILLS

• Bachelor’s degree and/or several years of relevant experience.
• Candidates must have excellent oral and written communication skills with experience in editing and publishing.
• A thorough knowledge of the Episcopal Church and its polity is desired.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word and Excel, knowledge of XML (preferred) and other software as necessary.
• This position requires excellent project management skills.
• This position requires above-average interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate on complex projects.
• Excellent writing skills are essential as is the ability to present ideas in verbal form in a clear manner.
• This position requires the ability to exercise good judgment and the ability to solve problems.
• The position requires travel and several overnights stay during the triennial General Convention and for other work related meetings.

Work Environment

Salary and Benefits

Salary is commensurate with experience and provides a generous benefits package. Episcopal Church Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks applications from members of protected groups.

How to Apply

To apply, submit a cover letter with salary requirements and a resume to eccjobs@episcopalchurch.org and indicate in the subject line “Staff Officer: Publications & Communications”. Please, no telephone inquiries. Qualified applicants will be contacted.