Community Relations & Communications Manager

THE SALVATION ARMY•Austin, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This position is responsible for being the strategic voice and face of TSA Austin, serving as chief spokesperson and media liaison across Travis and Williamson Counties. The role involves building civic and media relationships to foster philanthropic opportunities, translating brand strategy into measurable donor engagement and fundraising growth through storytelling and campaigns, and leading direct mail strategy with external vendors. Additionally, the position focuses on building community partnerships with nonprofits, schools, churches, and civic organizations, identifying volunteers, sponsors, and matching-gift partners, and championing the Mission in Motion through community outreach initiatives to build trust and long-term donor relationships.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Relations, Communication or a related field.
At least four years progressively responsible experience managing a public relations program.
Valid State Drivers License.

Nice To Haves

Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Responsibilities

Serve as chief spokesperson and media liaison across Travis and Williamson Counties.
Build civic and media relationships to turn visibility into philanthropic opportunity.
Translate brand strategy into measurable donor engagement and fundraising growth.
Lead direct mail strategy, planning and producing locally-written, story-driven mail campaigns.
Cultivate and formalize new alliances with nonprofits, schools, churches, and civic organizations.
Identify volunteers, sponsors, and matching-gift partners to grow the pipeline.
Help lead quarterly community outreach and other initiatives, creating authentic touchpoints.
Plan, direct, monitor, and evaluate all internal and external media and public relations functions.
Serve as Public Information Officer for all disaster services of the Area Command.
Serve as liaison to all media ensuring the desired message is communicated.
Take photographs and write articles covering Salvation Army events.
Plan, direct, and supervise the work of assigned staff.
Train and instruct employees in proper methods and procedures.
Monitor work in progress and upon completion, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
Conduct performance evaluations and provide hiring/firing recommendations.
Supervise all aspects of Area Command Development Department in the absence of the Director of Development.
Represent The Salvation Army to the press and public as chief corporate spokesperson.
Field and direct responses to all media-related inquiries.
Maintain database of public relations contacts.
Develop ideas and opportunities for feature articles, interviews, presentations, and other public relations activities.
Attend special events for the purpose of recording the event in photograph and writing.
Conduct research and develop a file of stories and testimonials.
Submit news and press releases of special Salvation Army events, meetings and projects to local media and internal outlets.
Assist with the development of promotional or fundraising tools.
Develop local public relations guidelines and procedures.
Assist and coach company staff with public speaking engagement, presentations, and preparation of articles.
Work in cooperation with the Director of Development in developing and implementing media interview training for officers and staff.
Serve as Public Information Officer (PIO) for all disaster services.
Serve as representative to the local American Red Cross, City and County Disaster Planning and VOAD organizations.
Develop printed materials such as brochures, flyers, posters and other related matters.
Coordinate special mass mailings to the general public.
Prospect new donors.
Plan and coordinate media advertisements.
Ensure that the image projected is in compliance with The Salvation Army standards and mission.
Evaluate appropriateness and effectiveness of public relations efforts.
Write and submit news and press releases to radio, television and print media.
Design, develop, write and prepare a regular newsletter for supporters.
Organize, develop and ensure an annual report is prepared.
Assist in the design and usage of Salvation Army web site and related social media and electronic communication mediums.
Develop contacts and relationships with media representatives.
Seek opportunities for promotion of Salvation Army programs.
Create general awareness of The Salvation Army in the community.
Maintain communication with the DHQ PR division of the Development Department.
Prepare and conduct presentations for community and public relations groups.
Serve as Salvation Army spokesperson to groups at civic clubs, corporations, small businesses, colleges and universities, schools, other non-profits, and churches.
Establish and maintain strong relationships with volunteers and leaders of key organizations.
Manage relationships to meet short and long term goals of developing target market opportunities, creating organizational alliances and requesting financial support.
Identify, cultivate, recruit, motivate and coach all level volunteers.
Plan and implement organization’s media relations strategies, policies, and procedures.
Evaluate the effectiveness of all strategies and make recommendations for change.
Quantify results of media placement for Area Command for analysis, trends and management reports.
Develop crisis response in cooperation with the Area Commander and respond to negative publicity.