Communications & Events Manager

Job Objective:
Develops and executes integrated marketing, communications, public relations, and event strategies that increase awareness of The Salvation Army's mission, programs, fundraising efforts, and community impact. This position serves as the organization's primary marketing and communications professional, responsible for both the strategic planning and hands-on execution of communications, digital marketing, content development, media relations, brand management, and special events. The position also supports organizational advancement efforts through donor-focused communications, major fundraising initiatives, and strategic organizational projects.

Essential Functions:
This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the position. Other job-related responsibilities and tasks may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Marketing & Communications Management

• Develop and execute marketing, communications, and public relations strategies that increase awareness of The Salvation Army's mission, programs, services, fundraising efforts, and community impact.
• Serve as the primary communications and media relations contact for the organization in Dane County. Build and maintain relationships with media outlets and community partners and coordinate media opportunities, interviews, and public announcements.
• Create, write, edit, and distribute content for social media, website, email campaigns, newsletters, press releases, fundraising appeals, annual reports, presentations, and other marketing materials.
• Manage and maintain the organization's website, social media platforms, and digital communications channels.
• Develop and execute digital marketing campaigns that increase engagement, event participation, volunteer involvement, and donor support.
• Create and coordinate photography, video, graphics, and other visual content that communicates mission impact and organizational priorities.
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all communication channels in alignment with Salvation Army standards.
• Support fundraising, donor stewardship, major organizational initiatives, and capital projects through strategic storytelling, communication planning, and promotional materials.
• Lead all marketing, communications, media relations, and promotional activities for the annual Red Kettle Campaign and Capital Campaign.
• Monitor and report on communications and marketing performance metrics and recommend strategies for increasing reach and engagement.

Events Management

• Plan, coordinate, execute, and evaluate organizational events that support fundraising, community engagement, donor stewardship, and public awareness goals.
• Manage event logistics including timelines, budgets, venues, vendors, registrations, event communications, and promotional activities.
• Develop and implement event marketing strategies to maximize attendance, engagement, sponsorship visibility, and community awareness.
• Create event materials including invitations, programs, presentations, signage, digital content, and post-event communications.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer & Community Outreach Manager to identify volunteer needs for events and coordinate volunteer support activities.
• Track RSVPs and maintain event attendee records.
• Follows up with donors and community partners after events with thank you notes; follow up communication to community and internally; performs related date entry.
• Assist in preparing marketing materials such as emails, social media posts, newsletters, and print pieces.
• Acquire and maintain photo, testimonial, and storytelling files for development use.

Capital Campaign and Community Engagement

• Gather community feedback, success stories, testimonials, and participant experiences that can be shared with the Director of Strategic Giving regarding campaign communications and storytelling efforts.
• Support campaign leadership by coordinating logistics for community-focused campaign activities and promotional events.
• Assist in preparing engagement and marketing campaign materials for donor meetings, presentations, and reports.
• Support the Director of Strategic Giving in tracking campaign pledges, gifts, and campaign-related documentation.

Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal education, experience, skills, and/or abilities required for this position.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in one of the following or a related field: Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration Preferred

Experience: 3 years of progressively responsible experience in community engagement, volunteer management, public relations and event planning

- OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Certifications: Valid Wisconsin Driver’s License with clearance to drive from TSA insurance.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.

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

Why work for us?
The Salvation Army’s brand promises to Do the Most Good® - and it’s our employees that help us get there.  At every level, you can have a real impact on your community through the work done inside our walls every day.  
We are as impassioned about our employees as we are about our mission to help anyone in need without discrimination. Our culture reflects this quality, which makes our offices a seriously great place to work. Just walk inside our doors and you’ll quickly see that our employees are proud to support programs that make a difference.

The Salvation Army recognizes that peace of mind is important to employees and their families.  Because of this, we offer :

• Competitive Salary
• Flexible schedules and a casual dress environment
• Generous paid time off benefits (vacation, sick time, personal time, and 11 paid holidays)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 support, resources, and referrals to help you in your work and personal life
• Insurance benefits: excellent health, dental, vision, life, disability
• Discounts available for pet insurance, auto insurance, and home insurance  

Full-time employees scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week will be eligible for full benefits, including health, dental, vision and hearing benefits, basic and voluntary life benefits, holiday pay and paid time off, which is pro-rated based on their regularly scheduled work week.

Exempt Employees: Health, dental, vision, and hearing benefits, as well as basic and voluntary life benefits, will begin on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment.

Other Benefits and Perks Offered:

• Work-life balance,
• Full health coverage,
• Time off benefits,
• Retirement
• Competitive compensation

At The Salvation Army - We honor the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual. We are dedicated to fair pay practices, ensuring equal compensation for equal work, regardless of gender, race, or other factors.
Be part of something meaningful. Whether you're supporting those in need, assisting with disaster relief, or working in areas like finance or fundraising, each role offers a chance to make a lasting impact. If you're looking to align your career with your values, explore opportunities at The Salvation Army and help us create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Compensation: $31.25/hour, based on experience.