11-001 - Communications & Marketing Director - SC/ DHQ Carson

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.  Its message is based on the Bible.  Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.  Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Communications & Marketing Director is responsible for the planning and implementation of annual and specific community relations programs for The Salvation Army throughout the Southern California Division.  The director is responsible for planning and implementing communications, marketing and public relations programs that influence goodwill, recognition, personal involvement, and philanthropy in the public and among Salvation Army constituents.

The Communications & Marketing Director will play a central role in the success of the Southern California’s Division’s fund development and outreach efforts, specifically by providing support and resources to all operating units.  The goal is to increase financial support and broaden volunteerism for The Salvation Army: Southern California Division through target audience identification, message development and overall branding strategy.

This position is responsible for enhancing the organization’s media visibility by leading the press and communication strategy for the organization. This includes securing earned media and editorials; fulfilling ad placements; and producing regular reports on audience engagement and reach.  The Communications & Marketing Director works with the Divisional Communications and Donor Services Teams to assist in external communications, direct mail, digital collateral development, and other advertisements.

Supervises the following positions: Digital & Data Strategist, Social Media Coordinator, Digital Marketing Specialist and the Special Events Coordinator.

Essential Functions

• Maintain the vision, mission, priorities, guiding principles and strategic direction of The Salvation Army Southern California Division.
• Develop strategic and annual communications and marketing plans; directing all media relations activities for the organization, developing, and directing the production of publications and special materials to support internal, external and development activities, and special materials in support of major fundraising campaigns and activities.
• Create and promote a clear and integrated brand, supporting the vision for The Salvation Army as a whole, as well as the vision specific to the individual levels and programs.
• Establish goals and benchmarks for the media engagement strategy by developing comprehensive content and public relations plans consistent with the organization’s marketing, strategy, and mission.
• Make strategic decisions on external communications and media inquiries consistent with the organization’s priorities.
• Personal publicist for the Divisional Commander; defining the overall communications strategy and providing all related materials required.
• Oversee editorial calendar and ensure alignment across platforms with regular and relevant content.
• Manages communications team: task assignments, training and coaching, evaluation, ongoing motivation, and interdepartmental staff coordination.
• Provide quality control and copy editing on all collateral and external communications including press releases, op-eds, letters to editor, e-mail marketing, social media, web content, and ads.
• Produce and manage speeches, talking points and internal media guidance for all key issues.
• Develop and execute crisis communications plans; development of the Media Kit and management of all administrative duties related to media requests.
• Manage any controversial public relations issues, preparing spokesperson(s) with key messaging and strategy.
• Conduct media training for staff, clients, partners, experts, and organizational ambassadors, including on-air/camera interviews and public speech prep.
• Expand and maintain relations with local, regional, and national news outlets and editorial boards especially in the Southern California region.
• Research of key media contacts, creating relationships with journalists, and pitching them on an ongoing basis; this includes influencer outreach and recommendation of influencer partners for partnering opportunities.
• Secure media sponsors for events.
• Track audience engagement and produce regular reports of earned media hits, social media metrics, and ad reach using PR measurement trackers.
• Pitch story ideas that educate and shape editorial opinions.
• Produce timely responses to all journalist, influencer, and outlet inquiries.
• Regular social listening and monitoring for comp