Area Relations Manager

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

. Serve as the primary Church Communication Department contact and trusted advisor for assigned Church Areas .

Posted 10/30/2026full-timeSalt Lake City • Utah • United StatesMid-LevelSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in strategic communication, media relations, and reputation management while effectively advising and collaborating with senior leaders and cross-functional teams. Proficient in developing and executing integrated communication strategies aligned with organizational objectives and cultural sensitivities.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic CommunicationMedia RelationsCrisis CommunicationReputation ManagementInterpersonal Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Communication Strategy DevelopmentPublic AffairsInstitutional MessagingGovernment RelationsStorytellingAP-Style WritingProject ManagementOrganizational Change SupportCross-Functional Initiative SupportAudience Engagement

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingConsultingStrategic ThinkingSound JudgmentCollaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree in CommunicationMaster's Degree in Communication (Preferred)

Industry Keywords

Church CommunicationCrisis Communication PlanningReputation ManagementLeadership DevelopmentCultural SensitivityVolunteer LeadershipDigital CommunicationSocial MediaPrint CommunicationBroadcast Communication

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as the primary Church Communication Department contact and trusted advisor for assigned Church Areas
Partner with Area Directors of Communication and Publishing, Area Managers of Public Affairs, and other Area communication leaders on strategic planning, staff development, and day-to-day communication needs
Counsel Area leadership and communication teams on emerging needs, opportunities, and challenges
Build relationships with Area Presidencies, Directors for Temporal Affairs, communication committees, and other Church leaders
Connect Area teams with Church headquarters resources, subject matter experts, and other Areas
Support development and execution of integrated Area-wide communication strategies aligned with prophetic priorities, Area objectives, and the Church's global communication strategy
Support strategic planning, annual planning, and coordinated communication initiatives
Support government relations and opinion leader engagement strategies
Advise Area communication teams on media relations, public affairs, and reputation management
Provide or coordinate media engagement training
Counsel leaders and communication professionals on crisis communication planning, issue management, and sensitive situations
Strengthen use of digital, social, print, broadcast, and other communication channels
Help develop communication capabilities for Area initiatives, Church leader visits, and significant events
Mentor and support Area communication professionals in leadership, strategic planning, and communication skills
Facilitate training and development for full-time employees and volunteer communication leaders
Support development of National, Coordinating Council, and Stake Communication Directors and Councils
Help Area teams identify staffing needs and develop effective communication organizations
Encourage collaboration, knowledge sharing, and adoption of proven communication practices across Church Areas
Connect Church Areas, Church headquarters, and other departments to coordinate priorities and resolve challenges
Advocate for Area needs and perspectives in headquarters planning, campaigns, products, and initiatives
Collaborate on communication planning and execution for temple open houses, dedications, and related events

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree in communication, marketing, public relations, or a related field, or equivalent significant demonstrated professional experience
Six to seven years of relevant professional experience in strategic communication, public affairs, media relations, reputation management, institutional messaging, government relations, or related fields
Demonstrated experience developing and executing communication strategies
Experience supporting organizational change, leadership development, and cross-functional initiatives
Strong strategic thinking, sound judgment, and ability to translate organizational objectives into actionable communication plans
Excellent relationship-building, consulting, and interpersonal communication skills
Exceptional storytelling, grammar, editing, and AP-style writing skills
Demonstrated ability to advise senior leaders, influence without direct authority, and collaborate across teams and organizational boundaries
Strong understanding of media relations, crisis communication, audience engagement, and reputation management
Ability to navigate complex organizational structures, cultural differences, and sensitive communication issues with professionalism and discretion
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple geographic Areas
Must be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and currently temple worthy
Preferred: Master's degree in communication, public relations, marketing, or a related field
Preferred: Second-language proficiency and/or international or global experience
Preferred: Experience working closely with senior Church leadership

Benefits

Comp & perks

Many benefits of Church Employment (specific benefits not listed)
Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities