Community Engagement Coordinator

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Position Purpose summary:

Community Engagement within the Denominational Services job family group is focused on building and cultivating relationships and increasing the engagement of residents, community partners, and stakeholders whose work aligns with The Salvation Army's strategic goals. Community Engagement Specialist responsibilities are related to community engagement program development through identifying and utilizing various tools designed to build or improve the relationship between The Salvation Army and audience, program evaluation, and on maintaining relationships with organizations, government agencies, and the community by executing effective communications strategies.

The role seeks to connect The Salvation Army and community at large through impactful programming and intentional local support. The role oversees special community engagement and fundraising activities as well as the annual Christmas kettle campaign. The incumbent recruits, orientates, and trains support workers and volunteers associated that work. This role assists in the development and coordination of activities associated outreach programs for children, youth, and young adults and families at the divisional level and with camping programs, where applicable. Engages with key individuals, businesses, and agencies in the community, in order to communicate and share about the good work TSA units are doing for the purpose of making supportive connections that will lead to funding.

Accountabilities:

The incumbent may perform all, some, or similar range of duties.

- Ensures that all community engagement incorporates the values, standards, and philosophy of The Salvation Army and unit’s mission statement(s).
- Develops a strategic plan for Community Engagement for the Ministry Unit(s).
- Responsible for overseeing a range of community and donor relations, marketing, communications, & fundraising activities.
- Overseas the annual Christmas kettle campaign period including preparing the kettle campaign plan, timeline, budget, worker schedule, and final report including future recommendations
- Recruits, orientates, and supervises all kettle campaign employees and volunteers.
- Uses social media, print and other mediums to feature ministry unit programs and to promote volunteer opportunities.
- Works with DHQ’s Public Relations and Donor Development team to ensure everything Community Engagement does is in line with their protocols, procedures, and The Salvation Army brand.
- Develops, implements, and evaluates department goals that support the annual strategic & operational goals.
- Initiates, maintains, and promotes positive working relationships/partnerships and communications with community stakeholders and funders.
- Maintains regular contact with Ministry Unit Leader to stay apprised of community issues and awareness.
- Develops & maintains effective relationships with faith-based organizations, community agencies and community members.
- Works with the Integrated Mission Manager to engage volunteers ensuring policies and protocols are followed.
- Promotes programs, community events, special events, and fundraisers.
- Assures that all Community Engagement services are aligned and comply with TSA Accreditation Standards.
- Prepares and submits documentation, reports and statistics as required, to Ministry Unit Leader, Integrated Mission Manager, and donors.
- Establishes and maintains Community Engagement procedures and protocols ensuring compliance with Territorial standards, policies, best practices, and legal requirements; review policies, procedures and management files annually and as needed.
- Reports significant risk management occurrences to the Ministry Unit Leader.
- Attends required meetings, present community engagement issues, answers to questions and prepare reports as required.
- Attends and participates in meetings/events/committees (internal and external) as required.
- Takes the lead and is the main contact on marketing, communications, and fundraising for Gift In Kind (GIK) drives, such as coat drives, backpack and school supply drives and toy drives for the Christmas Toy Hamper Program.
- Works closely with and support DHQ Public Relations and Donor Development on scheduled fundraising events.
- Works very closely with the Ministry Unit Leader and the Integrated Mission Manager on all events and activities.
- Work closely with the Integrated Mission Manager to ensure volunteers are requested, prepared and supported at events.
- Speaks about the work of The Salvation Army and the Ministry Unit(s) at events, schools, churches, clubs, etc.
- Works closely with DHQ Development and PR teams to engage with and steward donors.
- Establishes and manages a system and process for acknowledging and recognizing donors, as well as maintaining on-going communications and continued cultivation of past & current donors to enhance their relationship with the Ministry Unit(s) and increase the likelihood of continued contributions.
- Builds relationships with companies in the community who can provide Gifts-in-Kind items for the benefit of the Ministry Unit(s) residents and clients.
- Liaises with the donors and program leaders regarding material and supply needs and offers.

Health and Safety

- Identifies and implements effective practices for risk management to ensure safety at community and special events, minimizing liability and enhancing/upholding the reputation of The Army.
- Ensures that the equipment, materials, and protective devices are provided and maintained in good condition.
- Ensures compliance with all Occupational Health and Safety legislation and workplace health and safety policies, procedures, and practices.
Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

Working conditions:

- Working environment involves a combination of office-based work, and outdoor based work. Some car travel within city/town and surrounding areas is required.
- Schedule is flexible – hours will fluctuate from time to time based on the demands of the position. There is periodic evening and weekend work.

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, Experience and Qualifications:

- 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.
- Alternative combination of education and experience may be considered.
Education, Qualifications and Certifications:
- Completion of a formal post-secondary program of two academic years in a related field (i.e., marketing, media relations) is an asset.
- Event Management Certification is an asset.

Experience and Knowledge:

- 3 years relevant experience including facilitation and special event management, fundraising and marketing and/ or media relations.
- Experience in a community services field an asset.
- Satisfactory 3-year driver’s abstract.
- Valid Class 5 driver’s license
- Experience in public speaking.
- Competent at electronic data entry and information management, as well as the ability to analyze data (event successes, community needs).

Skills and Capabilities:

- Proficiency in strategic planning, special events management, event risk management planning, program development and evaluation; creative approach to problem-solving.
- Ability to speak into annual fundraising & GIK goals, establishing & managing information tracking processes regarding acknowledgement, recognition, on-going communications and continued cultivation of past & current donors.
- An understanding of, and ability to create meaningful connections to individuals from various sectors, such as corporate, higher education, social agencies, etc.; an understanding of current community issues/needs.
- Sets clear standards and practices to deliver quality services, intended department outcomes, and resources; monitors and builds an ongoing continuous improvement and learning environment; attention to detail, problem solving and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication skills (oral/written) that are effective with a diverse range of audiences including Executive Team, volunteers, internal staff, faith-based organizations, donors, potential funding partners and our community members; strong sense of integrity and confidentiality with professional ethics and a balanced sense of fairness and flexibility; strong skills in MS Office 365 (Excel, TEAMS, Word, PPT, Project) to prepare/present information.
- Leads with effective volunteer engagement principles to promote excellence and strong teams; sound organizational and management skills including setting direction, managing performance, assessing capability; proven ability to establish and maintain productive relationships with community partners.
- Exemplifying highly ethical standards of conduct; knowledge, understanding, and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Ability and willingness 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 screening.

Compensation:
The target hiring range for this position is $48,339.20 to $60,442.20 with a maximum of $72,527.00.
Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email [email protected] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.