Full Time Community Relations Coordinator

The Community Relations Coordinator is responsible for the design, implementation and management of the fund development, communications, and marketing plans that support the London Community and Family Services ministry units’ strategic priorities. This includes the planning and coordination of creative, strategic, and meaningful appeals, campaigns, and activities to engage new and existing funders, donors, supporters and volunteers.

They are also responsible for successfully managing the annual Christmas Kettle Campaign and providing leadership and/or support  to other Community and Family Services programs and special events.

General

• Ensure that all duties are completed in accordance with the principles, standards, policies, and procedures of The Salvation Army.
• Maintain a strong understanding of the directions and strategic priorities set by The Salvation Army Territorial and Divisional Development and Public Relations (Marketing & Communications) Departments, ensuring London Community and Family Services fundraising and communications plans align with these priorities.
• Provide oversight and leadership to relevant London Community and Family Services programs and special events (including Christmas Kettle Campaign, Santa Shuffle, CANstruction, Donut Day, Salvation Army Proclamation Week etc.), ensuring ministry and program objectives are consistently met within Salvation Army mission, vision, policies, funder expectations and all legal requirements.
• As required, support and participate in other ministry unit programs/events.

Fund Development/Communications and Marketing

• Through consultation with the London Community and Family Services management team, design, implement and manage fund development, communications, and marketing plans that support the ministry units’ strategic priorities.
• Maintain regular contact with ministry unit leads to ensure donor communication and stewardship efforts align with current fundraising goals and initiatives.
• Liaise with ministry unit employees, volunteers and program participants to develop a strong understanding of the organization’s programs and their impact; leading to the creation of inspiring stories that attract community giving.
• Responsible for creating, updating and maintaining engaging, high-quality marketing and communications materials for all programs, including emails, letters, videos, stewardship stories, donor appeals, marketing collateral, social media, and web content, in keeping with The Salvation Army brand and marketing/communications standards and guidelines.
• Ensure a dynamic online presence to market the organization, promote programs and fundraising activities, and acknowledge donors, funders, and supporters.
• Research, evaluate, and recommend new fundraising opportunities (including grants), initiatives and tactics in alignment with the organization’s values, strategic priorities, and program work.
• Assist with the preparation of funding proposals and grant applications as required, developing compelling proposals, reports, and other grant materials that articulate the organization’s accomplishments and aspirations for donors, foundations, and corporate fundraising, including sponsorships,
• Represent the organization at events and public speaking engagements.
• Develop a donor stewardship strategy that increases the ministry unit’s capacity to cultivate and sustain meaningful relationships with existing funders, donors, sponsors, and supporters.
• Strategically identify and cultivate relationships with prospective new funders, donors, sponsors, and supporters who demonstrate an interest in the organizations cause.
• Support Executive Director and program leads in the development of marketing strategies and donor stewardship relating to their specific role/programs, including developing presentations and information packages, creating a donor recognition plan, and scheduling and participating in meetings and site visits.
• Provide support to ministry-unit special events including promotion and “day-of-event” logistical support such as photography, and sponsor and speaker recognition.

Christmas Kettle Campaign

• Responsible for the preparation, management and success of the annual London Christmas Kettle campaign, reaching or exceeding the targeted goal of $580,000.
• Recruit volunteers for Christmas kettles using all means possible, including reaching out to present volunteers, service clubs, schools, churches, volunteer organizations, corporations and businesses, advertising online through social media and using The Salvation Army volunteer program.
• Organize or support efforts to bring attention to the kettles through things such as competitions between groups.
• Review kettle reports daily and make necessary changes and business decisions quickly, i.e., adjusting kettle placement, shift schedules etc.
• Coordinate the delivery and pick-up of kettles to/from sites daily (if necessary), ensuring the security of donations. May deliver and pick-up kettles/supplies in an emergency situation and host at a kettle as required.
• Make sure all money is counted and processed per policy. Input daily kettle totals into TSA Kettle System as well as local spreadsheet.

Human Resources

• Responsible for the direct supervision of the Annual Christmas Kettle Campaign staff; providing ongoing/consistent coaching and performance management.
• Hire, orientate, train, reward, and discipline in consultation with the Executive Director ensuring compliance with and Territorial/National Standards, and the Ontario Division Human Relations Department.
• Provide ongoing, consistent coaching, performance feedback, and manage the evaluation (including probationary evaluations) of employees they supervise, ensuring that they work together to achieve the purpose of the organization and enhance the ministries of The Salvation Army.
• Responsible for the recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, coaching and ongoing supervision of volunteers working in within their programs/special events. Consulting with Volunteer Coordinator as required.
• Ensure all required paperwork/documentation for volunteers has been provided and collected.
• Work closely with the Christmas Kettle Assistant/Coordinator to create volunteer schedules utilizing the kettle campaign volunteer software.
• Ensure that the staff and volunteers work together to achieve the purpose of the organization and enhance the ministries, mission, and vision of The Salvation Army.

Administration

• Maintain accurate written financial reports, records, logs of activities, including activity reports and statistical information.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date donor (and potential donor) information and fundraising data, ensuring compliance with privacy and data protection regulations.
• Prepare and distribute quarterly updates about the work of The Salvation Amy London Community and Family Services; submit a report to business and community partners as directed.
• Ensure the Executive Director is kept abreast of any concerns, successes, etc., and notifying the Executive Director should their involvement be required regarding any complaints or issues that could result in negative public relations.
• Responsible to ensure they work within the budget for their specific programs, providing input to the Executive Director for the preparation of the annual budget.
• Conduct debriefs and submit program evaluation on all events, including Christmas Kettle Campaign, including lessons learned.

Health and Safety

• Understand and work in compliance with the Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure that the measures and procedures prescribed (OHSA) are carried out in the workplace and that every reasonable precaution is taken for the protection of the worker and workplace.
• Identify and implement effective practices for risk management to ensure workplace safety, minimize liability, and uphold the reputation of The Salvation Army and Ministry Units.
• Ensure that equipment, materials, and protective devises as prescribed (OHSA) are provided and maintained in good condition.
• Ensure that proper procedures are followed in the event of a workplace injury or illness and that incident investigations are conducted as applicable.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Salary is based on average minimum weekly hours of 40 per week and hours worked are compensated through the annual salary amount.
• Mostly works regular business hours Monday – Friday – 8:30am-4:30pm (1/2 hour paid lunch break included). Some evenings and weekends will be required, particularly throughout Christmas Kettle campaign.
• This is a hybrid remote position, working at our main office (or a satellite location) 3 days per week, and from home 2 days per week, with the exception of Christmas Kettle Campaign (mid-November – end of December), when all work will be in the office or at various kettle locations/events.  Ideally, candidate lives in the London area.

Start Date:  June 3, 2024

• Required to carry a cell phone and respond to emergencies as needed.
• Requires standing for long periods of time; the ability to lift / move up to 40 lbs.; bending; twisting; keyboarding and sitting for extended periods of time.
• Travel mostly local between multiple locations etc., is associated with this position (approximately 10% travel (higher during Christmas Kettle campaign).

• Minimum of two years post-secondary education in Community Relations, Fundraising Management, Nonprofit Management, or related field.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE:

• Minimum of two (2) years prior related experience in the field of fund development/fundraising and event planning in a not-for-profit environment.
• Minimum of two (2) years prior related experience leading strategic communications, marketing and media relations.
• Minimum of one (1) year of supervisory experience; coaching, leading and motivating staff and/or volunteers.
• media campaigns and content creation using a variety of social media platforms, as well as website development.
• Experience with fundraising database applications (such as Raiser’s Edge NXT), volunteer database applications (such as Better Impact), design programs such as  Adobe and Canva, and Microsoft Office Suite, Teams and SharePoint, with an ability to embrace growing technology needs is required.
• Experience with program funding proposals and grant writing.
• Experience building relationships in the non-for profit sector and/or partnerships with a variety of stakeholder groups that could include corporations, and community groups.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license with access to a personal vehicle and proof of valid insurance and a copy of a driver’s abstract for review and verification that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.

SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES:

• Have a keen interest in the social services sector and possess a genuine concern for and interest in the population supported.
• Strong/demonstrated background building an online presence through the development of engaging social Creative and innovative with an aptitude to develop new and unique ways to promote the organization, including dynamic and engaging presentation skills.
• Effective organizational, time management and attention to detail skills with ability to set priorities, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information, and activities.
• Self-motivated and disciplined self-starter who is flexible and adaptable, working well independently or as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive/effective working relationships with leadership, staff, community partners/donors and the public, in a consultative, diplomatic and tactful manner.
• Strong sense of integrity with professional ethics and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Able to proactively recognize potential risks and issues, respond with solutions and engage others in implementing change.
• Seeks common ground in navigating challenging issues and constructively manages conflict to create win-win solutions wherever possible.
• Teachable spirit with a willingness to be mentored/coached.
• Excellent command of the English language with strong communication skills (verbal and written).
• Ability to undergo applicable screening and background checks successfully that are satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion (i.e., The Salvation Army Abuse Registry) and provide an original copy of a Background Check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Ability 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.

Interested applicants must respond in writing with a written cover letter and current resume.  Please quote Competition # when applying.

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process.  If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

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

You must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.