Community Engagement & Resource Manager

The Community Engagement and Resource Manager contributes to the work of the management team, offering expertise and strategic oversight of community engagement initiatives and special community-based events that support relationship-building and donor base expansion (both financial and in-kind donations), supports development as well as provides supervision of all Thrift Store Managers and oversight to all retail operations.

Hours:

• 40 hours per week

Community Engagement: 30%

• Applies best practices and TSA strategies for engaging external business partners in support of OC3’s mission and programs.
• Serves as the MU’s liaison/representative to local Service Clubs. Full membership of key Clubs will be supported by the MU.
• Works to ensure maximum community exposure to TSA programs/services is realized through event participation.
• Continually works to create external partnerships to open up new opportunities for external Drives in support of OC3’s ministries/services and cultivate/strengthen the already existing relationships.
• May assist the Volunteer and Kettle Coordinator in planning/executing Volunteer Appreciation Events annually.
• May assist in planning/executing a Staff Appreciation Event annually.
• Assists the Corps Officers regarding liaison and communication work with local MLAs and MPs.
• Seeks new product sources in support of the MU’s retail operations.
• Contributes to OC3s financial sustainability by providing grant-writing and follow-up reporting admin supports to all Managers/Supervisors/Coordinators.
• Researches grant opportunities on behalf of MU and makes recommendations to Operations Director.
• Work in collaboration with Volunteer and Kettle Coordinator to recruit and retain volunteer groups to support our ministries/services and fundraising initiatives (i.e., Service Clubs, Schools, Seniors’ Groups, churches, businesses, etc.).
• Builds on partnerships created through participation in these external events to enhance and support ongoing mission.
• Attends and directly supports special events, as needed.

Retail Development and Oversight: 40%

• Builds and maintains relationships with donors, volunteers, and community partners to foster support and drive engagement with the store's mission and activities.
• Supports budget planning by advising on maximizing the store's fundraising potential and operational effectiveness.
• May design and implement fundraising initiatives to generate financial support and donations, in alignment with TSA's goals and values.
• Provides direction and supervision to all store managers, ensuring the stores remain on mission while cultivating welcoming and supportive environments for mission partners and customers, and meeting or exceeding sales targets.
• Ensures profitability of stores by setting budgets for both stores, setting and meeting sales targets, managing staffing costs, and by procuring new in-kind donations of product to sell at the stores.
• Trains, supports and equips Store Managers so they lead stores that are designed for people, meeting internal Salvation Army Best Practices as well as industry standards.
• Performs PEACs for Store Managers and Merchandizing Supervisor
• Oversees all terminations and supports store managers with the hiring of new staff
• Supports Store Managers with annual PEAC’s and with determining merit increases.

Communications: 30%                

• Strategizes and maintains social media accounts to highlight ministries, recruit volunteers and secure monetary and gift-in-kind donations.
• Manages WordPress website(s) with updates, maintenance, SEO optimization and relevant local content production with the support of territorial public relations stories, assets, and events.
• Provides in-house graphic support to assist with the design and production of collateral materials including, but not limited to, advertising, brochures, newsletters, info graphics, annual reports, impact reports, online promotions, etc.
• Produces quarterly email newsletters featuring local programs, staff, volunteers, and the global Salvation Army.
• Works in collaboration with THQ PR to create and disseminate press/media release in support of OC3.
• Provides on-site support for media relations events, photo shoots and video productions.
• Produces various written materials such as posters, brochures, press releases, proposals, thank you letters, etc.
• May serve on in-house Committees (i.e., Kettle Planning Committee, Christmas Gifts of Hope Committee, etc.)
• Promotes the MU’s participation in community events: Summer Fest, Light Up events, Westside Daze (and equivalents in Kelowna/Lake Country/Peachland), Volunteer Fairs, etc.
• Supports seasonal Toy Drives and Food Drives on behalf of the MU (i.e. Fill the Van for the Sally Ann, Tiny Tim Breakfast, Stutters Toy Drive, etc.) by leading the communication and promotion of the events

Critical Relationship Management:

Governance Boards and Councils: N/A

Internal: Supervisors/Managers at OC3, Volunteer and Kettle Coordinator at OC3, THQ PR, Community Engagement & Special Events Coordinators at other BC Ministry Units, OC3 volunteers

External: External partners and donors, Community Organizations, Municipal Offices, MLA and MP offices

Material and Financial Responsibilities:

• Moderate material responsibilities (potential access to private information, proper use of software, safekeeping and distribution of brochures, involvement with the store management, etc.).
• Regular responsibility for minor financial matters and for wise use of own resources.
• May be authorized to handle small amounts of cash.
• May support preparation of annual budget for the areas of responsibilities.
• Limited input into new policies development.

Managerial Responsibility:

• Reports to Corps Officer
• Direct reports: Store Manager – Retail Operations, Store Manager – Warehouse Operations, Merchandizing Supervisor
• Indirect reports: paid and volunteer retail staff
• Provides general on-site supervision to volunteers and employees supporting special events.

Working Conditions:

Serves in an office environment and within community. The location of work may create a possibility of experiencing the following disagreeable conditions:

• People with challenging behaviour
• Verbal abuse,
• Minor risk of harm, injury, illness due to physical attacks from others and/or exposure to infectious diseases.

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Education and Experience:

• Completion of a formal post-secondary/college program of two academic years in a related field

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• At least three years of related experience, including Managerial experience in a thrift store environment.
• Digital Marketing expertise with strategies for marketing and promotions in non-profits.
• Characteristics: energetic, takes initiative, team player, organized and productive.
• Volunteer coordination experience.
• Knowledge and skill in social media platforms and management (Facebook, Instagram, Google Business, Google Ads, Later)
• Basic Knowledge in website management (WordPress and plugins).
• Knowledge and skill in Microsoft Office (including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Knowledge of digital production and graphic design (Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign, Photoshop, Flash, and Illustrator).
• Knowledge of Volunteer Management database system (Salesforce) is an asset.
• Media relations skills/training is an asset.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Willingness to develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide an original copy of a Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required, including Child Check (if appropriate).
• Creative and flexible with the ability to adapt based on team, program, and service needs
• Strong communication skills – written and oral/public speaking – comfortable being “on camera”

Successful candidates, prior to hiring, may be required to provide:

• Background check consent.
• A clear vulnerable sector screening.
• A clean drivers abstract.
• Completion of our online Armatus Abuse Training and required Health and Safety training.

The Salvation Army will accommodate candidates as required under applicable human rights legislation.   If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please inform us of your requirements. 

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

Internal Applicants, please advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.