Community Relations 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 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:

The Community Relations Coordinator promotes and increases public awareness of the Mission and Vision of The Salvation Army. The incumbent develops and implements fundraising strategies organizing events and building relationships with donors to secure financial support Markham Community Church and Agincourt Community Church.Key responsibilities include identifying potential donors creating promotional materials managing fundraising campaigns and reporting on campaign success. The goal of this position is to secure grants/funding through government agencies and foundations to assist the Ministry Unit in achieving its mission.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

General

• Ensure that all duties are completed in accordance with the principles standards policies and procedures of The Salvation Army.

• Assist support and influence the community through increased presence public awareness and funding support for local community services / ministries.

• Actively engage current and new community partners to ensure the Mission & Vision of The Salvation Army and the work of The Salvation Army is understood.

• In conjunction with Agincourt CC and Markham CC Corps Officers support and maintain efficient and effective community relationships with business corporations organizations and other potential partners; facilitate the development implementation and evaluation of a short-term and long-range strategic community relations plans.

• Responsible for researching potential funders that align with TSA mission and values writing and submitting proposals for grants to fund MU projects initiatives and new programs from organizations such as government agencies and foundations and other potential partners etc.

• Consult with the Corps Officers before applying for a grant/funding to confirm interest in collaborating with the foundation or agency.

• Manage the grant application process from initial research include narratives budgets goals and supporting documents that effectively communicate the Ministry Unit needs and objectives to potential funders and proposal development to submission and follow-up; may include gathering necessary documentation and ensuring compliance with grant guidelines and deadlines.

• Coordinate the planning and execution of fundraising initiatives.

• Foster and maintain a positive relationship with event participants and partners.

• Build the donor base through follow-up on initial contacts and general leads of various kinds including reaching out to past event participants

• Seek opportunities to build and foster personal relationships & partnerships with local business and community groups; cultivate relationships with donors through visits and general correspondence seeking to gain further commitment and increase their financial support.

• Maintain a presence at local community events and fairs.

• Create and deliver presentations not limited to: Service Clubs and organizations in Agincourt and Markham.

• Maintain frequent contacts by phone email requests for support to the donors throughout the year.

• Ensure that the Corps Officers are informed of any concerns should their involvement be required to address any complaints or issues that could result in negative public relations.

• Conduct debriefs on all events including lessons learned.

Administration

• Establish metrics and evaluation criteria that include expectations for a ROI that demonstrates a funding lift to the Ministry Unit.

• Prepare and submit timely and accurate grant/funding reports to funders detailing project progress outcomes achieved and financial expenditures compliance and grant/funding requirements.

• Ensure that letters to community donors and income tax receipts are issued as required.

• Prepare and distribute quarterly updates regarding the work of The Salvation Amy Markham Community Church and Agincourt Community Church; submit a report to business and community partners as directed.

• Provide donors with acknowledgements of gratitude.

• Provide support to the local team in preparing any correspondence as required.

• Answer incoming phone calls and written correspondence as it pertains to any personal community contact.

• Maintain accurate written financial reports records logs of activities including activity reports and statistical information.

• Develop update and maintain promotional materials including social media postings and CS website.

• Coordinate the planning content creation and deployment of newsletters social media and the Ministry Unit websites.

• Ensure that grant funded activities are conducted in accordance with grant agreements regulations may be involved in developing budgets and financial reports.

Fundraising and Relationship Management

• In coordination with Ministry Leads establish and maintain a coordinated fundraising vision for Agincourt Community Church and Markham Community Church that aligns with The Salvation Armys Public Relations direction vision and messaging.

• Establish a strong working relationship with THQ/DHQ PR departments

• Research understand and align with key corporate messages in all external communications.

• Identify Corporate verse Local Lead so there is no cultivation overlap.

• Identify and use Corporate Marketing appropriate collateral where available.

• Understand and uphold the mission and values of the Salvation Army in all communications.

• Establish relationships with perspective leads such as Local Businesses Service Clubs Charities Elected Officials. Engage the local ministry lead as and when appropriate.

• Collaborate with program staff to gather data and success stories in accordance with TSAs Ethical Storytelling Guidelines.

• Coordinate the use of all marketing collateral (e.g. newsletters) both written and electronic including various social media platforms.

• Research and identify grant opportunities from government foundations and corporate sources

• Write and submit grant proposals letters of inquiry and reports

• Maintain a calendar of grant deadlines and reporting requirements

• Support donor communications and fundraising campaigns

• Track and report on fundraising metrics and outcomes

• In conjunction with the Kettle Coordinator manage the Christmas Campaign locations and messaging liaising with local businesses and venues for kettle placements

• Perform other related duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This is a temporary full-time position based on 37.5 hours per week.

• This position offers a flexible hybrid schedule the number of days on-site will be determined in consultation with the supervisor.

• Requires standing for periods of time; the ability to lift/move up to 29 lbs. setting up displays; bending; twisting; frequent keyboarding/data entry moderate attention when responding to phone inquiries and sitting for extended periods of time.

• Will be required to carry a company issued cell phone.

• Travel mostly local is associated with this position (60%). A company program vehicle will be provided when available. Personal vehicles can be used when the program vehicle isnt available and based upon prior approval. The incumbent would be compensated for mileage where applicable as per TSA policy.

Hours of Work and Work Schedule: as per operational requirements generally regular business hours 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and includes a ½ hour unpaid meal break as necessary however schedule may vary according to requirements of responsibilities some weekend and evening work may be required; flexibility is required as it relates to hours of work.

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Armys Mission Vision and Values in a professional manner upholding our code of conduct.

Education and Experience Qualifications:

Education Qualifications and Certifications

• Completion of a formal post-secondary program in Fundraising Management or related.

• A bachelors degree in communications business or public relations would be an asset.

• Valid Ontario Class G drivers license with access to a personal vehicle is required and provide a current drivers extract.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• Minimum of two (2) years of prior related experience in the field of fundraising grant writing; experience in marketing public relations communications event planning public speaking and experience in a not-for-profit environment.

• Exceptional knowledge of grant proposal submission and fundraising process.

• Budgeting and Financial Management basic knowledge is required.

• Proficiency in computer software programs such as Microsoft Office (Word Excel PowerPoint) and online search tools is required.

• 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.

• Experience with social media platforms; content creation and management and newsletter development would be an asset.

Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills: ability to work independently and collaboratively.

• Strong research skills proficient in research methods and can gather and synthesize information from various sources.

• Ability to relate non-judgmentally with people from diverse backgrounds of culture.

• Strong time management and exceptional organizational skills.

• Able to use initiative and independent judgement within established policy and procedural guidelines.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

• Exceptional analytical skills to sift through high volumes of data and information.

• Tact courtesy and patience with clients staff and community partners.

• Excellent verbal and written communication organizational skills; public speaking skills.

• Ability to build rapport and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders.

• Strong ability to manage multiple projects events and deadlines simultaneously.

• Multitasking organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to manage confidential matters with utmost integrity.

• Ability to study and understand programs and funding requirements of the organization.

• Ability to deal effectively and professionally with the public other professionals and special interest groups and other agencies.

• Self-directed with an ability to work cooperatively with leadership staff community partners and to create a working climate that is positive and mutually supportive.

• Confident self-motivated mission-minded able to work with other staff or independently.

• Willingness to be flexible motivated versatile and able to thrive in a non-profit environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.

• Understand ethical behaviour and business practices and ensure that own behaviour is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.

• Creative innovative and develop new and unique ways to improve and create new fundraising opportunities.

• Understand and work in compliance with the Ontario Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Armys health and safety policies and procedures.

• Set priorities monitor progress towards goals and track details data information and activities.

• Assess problem situations to identify causes gather and process relevant information generate workable solutions and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

• 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 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.

Compensation:

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 if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.