Public Relations Specialist

The Salvation Army Eastern Territory•Hartford, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Support and advance the mission of The Salvation Army within the Southern New England (SNE) Division by developing, managing, and amplifying strategic communications that elevate both the Program and Advancement Departments. Work collaboratively with the supervisor and the Public Relations & Marketing Manager to shape and share compelling, mission-centered stories that reflect transformational ministry, community impact, and donor engagement. Ensure that divisional messaging is consistent, brand-aligned, visually compelling, and strategically deployed across digital platforms, print materials, media outlets, and fundraising campaigns. Play a key role in increasing public awareness, strengthening donor confidence, supporting online programs and fundraising initiatives, and safeguarding brand integrity. Assist in covering divisional events and ministry stories through photography and video, create systems for collecting and managing visual assets, and contribute to email campaigns, donation pages, social media engagement, and media relations efforts. Proactively identify opportunities to tell the story of The Salvation Army’s work throughout Southern New England and position the organization as a trusted, mission-driven leader in meeting human needs without discrimination.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, graphic design, computer science, or a related field is required.
At least two years of public relations, digital marketing, or web/graphic design, preferably within a nonprofit or agency setting.
Ability to interact and work with employees from all levels of the organization.
Excellent analytical ability, attention to detail, and ability to work independently and in teams.
Exceptional writing and editing skills.
Experience and understanding of using WYSIWYG and HTML content management systems.
Great communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
Knowledge and/or understanding of search engine optimization.
Mastery of Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign.
Must be proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
Passion for social media and an in-depth understanding of social media strategy, usage, and tracking.
Photography and image editing experience.
Proven problem-solving skills and must be resourceful and creative with solutions.
Requires excellent time management and the ability to multitask and balance several projects.
Understanding of optimization of graphics for both web and print.
Will respect and promote the interests of The Salvation Army. The individual is not required to embrace the tenets of faith, but they are required to promote and respect The Salvation Army's mission.

Nice To Haves

HD videography, video design skills, non-linear editing, and formatting for use on varied platforms are also highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Apply search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to improve online discoverability and engagement.
Assist in covering program initiatives, community outreach efforts, and fundraising events through photography and video for digital publication.
Create and implement systems for collecting, organizing, and archiving images and video assets for use across webpages, social media, fundraising materials, and print collateral.
Design user-friendly, accessible, and visually compelling digital content that highlights timely events, ministry updates, and impact stories.
Refresh and update content regularly to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with divisional priorities.
Work collaboratively with the Program Department and the Advancement Department to design and develop engaging website content that increases traffic, visibility, and user engagement.
Assist in crisis communication planning and execution as directed.
Build and maintain relationships with local and regional media outlets to promote programs, campaigns, and events.
Ensure consistent messaging that reflects the mission, values, and brand standards of The Salvation Army.
Monitor media coverage and provide summary reports to leadership.
Assist in designing and implementing digital fundraising initiatives, including email campaigns, donation landing pages, and event promotions.
Collaborate with the Advancement Department to develop compelling donor impact stories and campaign messaging.
Support seasonal fundraising campaigns through coordinated digital and social media strategies.
Track engagement metrics and provide performance reports to inform future strategy.
Create and update traffic and effort reports as necessary.
Evaluate and summarize findings and communicate to the appropriate personnel.
Identify threats and opportunities in user-generated content surrounding The Salvation Army brand.
Provide branded templates to the division for reproduction.
Design branded templates and promotional materials for divisional use, ensuring consistency with territorial and national brand standards.
Optimize graphics for both web and print use.
Provide graphic support for program initiatives, fundraising campaigns, and internal communications.
Capture and edit high-definition video content for use across digital platforms.
Provide A/V support at various divisional events, conferences, and fundraising initiatives as needed.
Maintain organized digital asset management systems.
Stay current with trends in nonprofit marketing, digital engagement, and social media strategy.

Benefits

Comprehensive health care coverage, including dental/vision/hearing, with low-cost employee premiums, co-pays, and deductibles
Employer-funded pension plan (100% vested after five years of eligible service)
Telehealth/online doctor visits
$20K Basic Life Insurance including grief counseling services, funeral planning services, and will/power of attorney/legal document preparation (no cost to employee)
Voluntary life insurance
Short-term disability coverage (no cost to employee)
Long-term disability coverage
Supplemental insurance coverage options (Aflac, homeowners, auto, and pet insurance)
Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care
403(b) tax-deferred annuity plan
Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, sick, personal, bereavement, and marriage leave
Eligibility for the federal government’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Most importantly – a job with a great purpose, inspiring you to make a difference every day!