Community Relations & Development Coordinator_NE-TX_301-Corps Program

The Salvation Army, an internationally recognized non-profit, faith-based organization, has an opening for a Community Relations / Development Coordinator for the Corps located in McAllen, Texas. 

Job Summary: Plans, coordinates, implements, administers, evaluates and monitors an aggressive Community Relations and Development Program, targeting the designated geographical area for the assigned Salvation Army Region; raises visibility, volunteers and monies to enable the ministry of The Salvation Army; coordinates and secures gifts to reach/surpass fund-raising goals established annually through the gifts generated from individuals, corporations and foundations.

Community Relations/Public Relations Responsibilities (30%)  Strengthens communication with donors, prospective donors, volunteers, media personnel, civic club leadership and local government leadership,  maintains open and direct channels of communication including written documentation showing a personalized plan for each donor; ensures that donors are treated fairly and with sensitivity; resolves problems and responds to questions; ensures that all prospects and donors are serviced in a timely, efficient and tactful manner; ensures the accuracy and completeness of all information provided.

 Organizes media coverage and social media information for special events such as luncheons, banquets, groundbreakings, building dedications, special programs, etc. Writes various articles and media releases and takes photographs in order to communicate and promote the service and progress of The Salvation Army in the community; provides articles to magazines internet, Southern Spirit, War Cry, newsletters, billboards, Speaker’s Bureau, Public Service Announcements and paid advertising for television and radio as well as drop in ads for all printed publications. Designs, develops and prepares brochures, annual reports and a quarterly newsletter designed to keep donors, clients, media and those requesting information of The Salvation Army up to date on the activities of The Salvation Army in the local area; works with advertising agencies, interns and subordinate staff to secure assistance for preparing the same.  Creates and updates the crisis management plan and works with Disaster Services to position The Salvation Army as a leader in disaster services; keeps Army presence in front of media and general public during times of disaster through news releases, in-kind donation drives, billboards, celebrity endorsements and various visibility opportunities. Prepares and maintains records of all phone calls, correspondence, visitation, and a calendar of all contacts; receives and responds to donors and prospects mail. Raises visibility through coordinating with local and regional print and broadcast media; Civic Clubs; Churches; Educational Institutions; Businesses and Corporations, TSA Advisory Board and Advisory Organizations, Social Media sites [Facebook / TSA Website].

Development Responsibilities (15%) Under the guidance of the Corps Officers, plans, coordinates, implements, administers and sustains an aggressive, robust Community Relations and Development plan focused on:

• Assisting the RRDD & RPGD through working with current and prospective donors; foundations; Corporations and businesses; Civic Clubs; United Way; Grant Writing; and Special Events.
• Working with the Divisional Development Director and the Regional Resource Development Director and the Regional Planned Giving Director:
  • Plans, coordinates, and initiates a strategy to generate giftsfrom individuals, corporations and foundations for support of the programs and services of The Salvation Army; cultivates and maintains an effective method of communication with individual, corporate and foundation qualified prospects and donors.
• Working with the RRDD and the PGD, establish a “caseload” of donors for cultivation and solicitation.
• Raising funding goals as set by the Corps Officer, Advisory Board and approved local budget.
• Developing and maintaining a donor base for the local Thrift/Salvage operations via furniture distribution centers, retail stores and malls, clothing and furniture outlets, electronics retail, and other retail vendors to donate items for resale, thus increasing funds raised from the Thrift/Salvage operations.
•  

Coordinates, establishes and maintains a listing of donors/prospects; ensures that all requests from donors/prospects for information and clarification are responded to in an accurate, timely and professional manner; evaluates day-to-day efforts to ensure that goals established are met and/or surpassed. Prepares and monitors quarterly reports illustrating progress; establishes and maintains an organized and efficient donor record-keeping system ensuring that accurate and complete records are prepared and maintained for each donor and identified prospect. Communicates with the Officer(s)-in-Charge, their boards and committees to develop local marketable service outlines; conducts presentations to the advisory boards dealing with gift related matters; works with other Regional Officers to determine a schedule of appointments with media, individuals, current donors, government leadership and civic club leaders for appropriate communication.

Volunteer Coordination Responsibilities (30%) Maintains ongoing development and promotion of a range of volunteer opportunities with The Salvation Army local Corps; recruits, trains, interviews and screens all volunteers needed to support Corps projects. Coordinates all volunteer activities and work assignments; reviews written reports and observes work activities of volunteers to evaluate performance; assists in identifying and recommending changes in assignment of volunteer staff; informs volunteers of policies, procedures, and standards of service. Prepares and maintains up-to-date records on all volunteers; prepares timely statistical and activity reports on volunteer and corporate and community participation; prepares annual report regarding the status of the corporate and community relations program.

Coordinates volunteer recruitment for Christmas campaigns; contacts participating mall offices; acknowledges on-site Angel Tree sponsors to ensure they are properly recognized and thanked for their service; acknowledges on-site Kettle volunteers / sponsors to ensure they are properly recognized and thanked for their service.

Event Coordination Responsibilities (25%) Coordinates, assists, and oversees special events, speaking engagements, the United Way campaign projects, Annual Meeting, volunteer appreciation, and other events as assigned; supports and assists when needed in special event planning. Assists in securing corporate sponsors to underwrite the cost of the Annual Meeting as assigned; works with hotel catering service in executing the design and set-up for the Annual Meeting; coordinates menu selections; provides assistance with the floral and table decorations.

Other Responsibilities: Maintains an effective working relationship with the Regional Resource Development Director and the Planned Giving Directors by referring specific qualified prospects and sharing information that may enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the Community Relations and Development Department efforts. Assists with seasonal program events as assigned. Performs other duties as assigned.

Materials and Equipment: Personal Computer, General Office Equipment, Audio Visual Equipment, social media Mgt [Facebook / TSA Website Mgt, Twitter, etc.]

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of the principles and practices to interact with, and generate ongoing print and broadcast media stories, interviews and marketing. Ability to present a positive and professional image of The Salvation Army. Ability to learn by method of on-the-job training including ability to follow instructions. Ability to conduct the affairs of this position responsibly, efficiently, and economically, and to motivate the staff and volunteers to do likewise. Ability to design, plan, administer and monitor the day-to-day operations of a Regional Community Relations and Development Program and to ensure compliance to the mission of The Salvation Army. Ability to work with volunteer Boards and Committees. Ability to lead, motivate, encourage and inspire volunteers working in activities. Ability to demonstrate a daily commitment to the stated vision and mission of the Resource / Development Department. Knowledge of the principles and practices of individual, corporate and foundation communication techniques that will generate gifts. Knowledge of donor records management and administration as well as data and trend analysis. Ability to work effectively with Divisional administration, field staff, legal counsel and office staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

Education and Experience: Bachelor's Degree, from an accredited college or university in Community Relations, Non-Profit Administration/Management, Marketing or a related field, and one to three years of progressively responsible experience in media relations or development functions, or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Certifications: Valid State Driver's License

 Physical Requirements: Ability to meet attendance requirements.  Ability to drive a vehicle safely. Ability to read, write and communicate the English language effectively. Ability to travel throughout the Hidalgo Valley area to perform public relations functions. Ability to spend the night away from home due to disasters, conferences, etc. as needed.  Ability and willingness to perform all duties with an understanding of the mission, ministry, philosophy, culture, and protocol of The Salvation Army and conducts all duties in accordance with the ministry of the organization and its Christian principles; conducts all communications and job duties with the highest level of professionalism. Duties may be performed seated.  Sitting may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of standing or walking. Duties require frequent periods of physical mobility including but not limited to standing, walking, climbing, bending, squatting, and lifting. Physical duties may be relieved by brief or occasional periods of sitting. Overall limited amount of physical effort required associated with walking, standing, lifting and carrying light objects (less than 25 lbs.) Certain projects may require strenuous, heavy work involving the lifting and carrying of heavy objects. Extensive amount of physical effort required associated with lifting, moving and carrying heavy objects (more than 50lbs.), as required.

Working Conditions:   Work may be performed in an office environment where there are some physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like but not limited to the office environment.  Work also requires traveling throughout the area where there may be discomforts associated with changes in weather, disagreeable sites and traffic.

Additional Comments:  All employees recognize The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission. 

To apply, please select the "Apply Now" icon at the bottom of this page.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. 

Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Veterans/Disabled