Community Relations Director

Job Title: Community Relations Director

FLSA Status: Full Time - exempt
Reports to: Colorado Springs Corps Officers

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 40hrs/week
Supervises: Grant Writer, Volunteer Coordinator, and Public Relations Manager

Rate of Pay: $68,000-$78,000 annually

Closing Date: 05/04/2025

Benefits: Standard; Full-Time, Exempt employees are eligible for but not limited to the following:

• Health, vision, dental, life as well as voluntary life and disability insurance
• Sick leave benefit – 1 day per month, 12 sick days per year (accrual and availability begins at hire)
• Vacation benefit – 20 vacation days per year, accrued at the rate of .0769 hours for each hour worked (accrual begins at hire but may not be used until the completion of six months of employment)
• One floating day off for use (accrued immediately, and again annually, but may not be used until the completion of the initial three-month introductory period of employment)
• Pension Plan (after one year of continuous service)
• Voluntary Tax-Deferred Annuity Plan (403(b)plan)

Function

The Community Relations Director overseas and guides the development and execution of strategic communication initiatives to enhance employee engagement, align with organizational goals, promote a positive workplace culture, and build relationships throughout El Paso County with government officials and departments, corporations and their owners, and other key stakeholders in the community to further advance the brand and awareness of The Salvation Army. This senior-level position is part of the Executive Team overseeing key programs and staff within The Salvation Army in El Paso County and ensuring program effectiveness.

Duties and Responsibilities

Main Task

• Responsible for the supervision of the Grant Writer, Public Relations Manager, and Volunteer Coordinator and each respective program.
• Executive Team member providing high-level strategic guidance and insight for leadership and El Paso County.

• Responsible for development, implementation, and overall effectiveness of comprehensive public relations, marketing, special events, and fundraising strategies in El Paso County.
• Maintain close working relationships with local media representatives and outlets, including television, radio, and print media to ensure media coverage for activities, events, and breaking media stories
• Craft compelling messages and promotional content to highlight events and programs
• Develop and manage all local social media including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X etc.
• Help manage El Paso County online web presence and website content: HelpColoradoSprings.com
• Write press releases, create media kits, and respond to media inquiries as needed
• Ensure all materials and communications align with The Salvation Army’s mission, values, and branding according to The Salvation Army Brand Standards Manual

Main Responsibility

• In partnership with the program managers and the Finance Department, supervise and provide technical assistance in the development of program annual budgets, adherence to budgets and revision of program budgets, as necessary.

• Provide leadership, strategic direction, and administrative support across multiple programs

• Holds weekly in-person supervision with direct reports.
• Develops local policies and procedures to support effective delivery of services.
• Represents The Salvation Army at collaborative agency meetings and other community events as needed.
• Ensures a positive, safe, and Christ-centric atmosphere throughout Development department, expecting all staff to participate in accomplishing these aims.
• Will assume other duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, Skills, Qualifications

• Education/Experience
  • BA in Communications, Public Relations
  • 7 years’ experience in case management and experience in program management at an administrative level
• Skills
  • Ability to work independently with little or no supervision
  • Ability to access and produce information from a computer
  • Ability to speak publicly about The Salvation Army and our programs
  • Ability to collect and maintain statistics for billing and calendar planning
  • Ability to work with a diverse population in a professional manner building relationships (including vendors & donors)
  • Ability to motivate and encourage staff and volunteers
  • Ability to interview and on-board new staff members
  • Ability to create and maintain a budget
  • Microsoft Word, Excel, PPT and Outlook
  • Working knowledge of integrated database applications and ability to use new software programs with basic training
• Background Check
  • Continued employment will be contingent upon a biennial (every two years) background check that is processed in accordance with The Salvation Army’s policies.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to maneuver.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position.
• Ability to grasp, push, pull, and reach overhead.
• Ability to operate telephone.
• Ability to lift 25 pounds.
• Ability to access and produce information from the computer.
• Ability to understand written information.
• Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation.

A request to modify or adjust these requirements may be made to your supervisor and HR. The Salvation Army would attempt to satisfy requests if the accommodation needed is reasonable and presents no undue hardship.

Experience

• 7 year(s): experience in case management and experience in program management at an administrative level

Education

• Bachelors or better in Public Relations
• Bachelors or better in Communication

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)