Community Engagement Specialist

The Salvation Army; Surrey; On-site; CAD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Community Engagement Coordinator to foster connections with the community and enhance outreach programs. This role involves developing strategic engagement plans, managing fundraising activities, and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance community service initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in community relations, fundraising, and event management, as well as excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of experience in community services or fundraising.
• Proficient in data management and analytics.
• Valid Class 5 driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Developing and overseeing community engagement strategies.
• Collaborating with public relations and donor development teams.
• Managing fundraising initiatives and community events.

Skills

Community Engagement

Strategic Planning

Event Management

Communication

Fundraising

Education

Post-secondary program in marketing or media relations

Event Management Certification

Tools

MS Office 365

Job description

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:
The role aims to connect The Salvation Army with the community at large through impactful programming and targeted local support. This role assists in the development and coordination of activities associated with outreach programs for children, youth, young adults and families. Engages with key individuals, businesses, and agencies in the community to communicate and share the good work that TSA units are doing, fostering supportive connections that will lead to funding opportunities.

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

• Ensures that all community engagement incorporates the values, standards, and philosophy of The Salvation Army and the 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.
• Collaborates with DHQ’s Public Relations and Donor Development team to ensure that all Community Engagement activities align with their protocols, procedures, and The Salvation Army brand.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates department goals that support the annual CS(C) strategic & operational goals.
• Initiates, maintains, and promotes positive working relationships/partnerships and communications with community stakeholders and funders.
• Maintains regular contact with MU leaders to stay informed about community issues and CS(C) awareness.
• Develops & maintains effective relationships with faith-based organizations, community agencies and community members.
• Collaborates with the Volunteer Services department to engage volunteers, ensuring compliance with CS(C) policies and protocols.
• 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 the Executive Director, management, and donors.
• Establishes and maintains Community Engagement procedures and protocols, ensuring compliance with Territorial standards, policies, best practices, and legal requirements; reviews policies, procedures and management files annually and as needed.
• Reports significant risk management occurrences to the Executive Director.
• Attends required meetings, presents community engagement issues, answers questions and prepares 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 supports DHQ Public Relations and Donor Development on scheduled fundraising events.
• Collaborates closely with the Volunteer Coordinator and Communications Coordinator on all events and activities.
• Work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator 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 ongoing communications and cultivating past and current donors to enhance their relationship with the Ministry Unit(s) and increase the likelihood of continued contributions.
• Plans, implements and supports the annual Kettle Campaign initiative.
• 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 risk management practices to ensure safety at community and special events, minimizing liability and enhancing/upholding the reputation of The Salvation 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.
• Writes Grant Proposals

Performs other work-related duties as assigned.

CRITICAL RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT:
Internal:

• Works closely with the Ministry Unit(s) Volunteer & Communication Coordinators.
• Support and leadership given to volunteers at events.
• Develops working relationships with The Salvation Army Divisional Public Relations and Development department.
• Collaboration required with Leadership Team.

External:

• Promotes The Salvation Army through positive professional presence with the public.

MANAGERIAL/TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reports directly to the Corps Officer / Director
Direct reports: none. Workflow coordinator. The incumbent is responsible for volunteers and students who may be supporting an event.

FINANCIAL AND MATERIAL MANAGEMENT:

• Minor financial responsibility (e.g., banners, booklets, etc.).
• Regular responsibility for minor financial matters and the wise use of one's resources.
• May be authorized to handle small amounts of cash.
• Little input to annual budget or revenue projections. Speaks into the annual budget for Community Engagement and monitors expenditures only.
• Monitors financial transactions for the Community Engagement activities.
• The above responsibilities must be discharged in accordance with The Salvation Army’s Mission Statement, professionally, and in a manner that upholds our code of conduct.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• The working environment involves a combination of office-based work and outdoor-based work. Some car travel within the surrounding areas is necessary.
• Schedule is flexible – hours will fluctuate from time to time based on the demands of the position. There is periodic evening and weekend work, especially Saturdays, during November and December

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, professionally, 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 combinations 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) required.
• 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 within a BC or Canadian context.
• Experience in the community services field is an asset within Canada.
• Satisfactory 3-year driver’s abstract.
• Valid Class 5 driver’s license.
• Experience in public speaking.
• Competent in 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, ongoing 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.

Compensation:

The target hiring range for this position is $0.00 to $0.00 with a maximum of $0.00.

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 [e-mail] if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.