Public Relations Officer

The Salvation Army; Headquarters; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Reasonable accommodation

Job summary

The Salvation Army in Canada & Bermuda Territory is seeking a Public Relations Officer to lead crisis communications, media relations, and community engagement in Eastern Ontario. You will serve as the regional spokesperson and drive mission-driven storytelling to support fundraising and partnerships.

This hybrid role requires travel across Kingston, Ottawa and surrounding areas, with a focus on timely, accurate communications and brand-consistent materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in journalism, marketing or PR required.
• Minimum five years of writing/communications experience in an organizational setting.
• Experience in non-profit sector is an asset.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead media relations and crisis communications end-to-end.
• Develop earned media strategies to position the organization as a knowledge leader.
• Oversee editorial quality and brand alignment across communications.
• Lead compelling mission-driven stories to demonstrate impact and support fundraising.
• Coordinate communications for campaigns, events, and partnerships.
• Support kettle campaigns and community events.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis communications

Storytelling

Public relations

Project coordination

English writing

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing or public relations

Tools

WordPress

Publishing tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Who We AreFor 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 StatementThe 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 PurposeThe Public Relations Officer is responsible for a comprehensive communications and community engagement strategy that supports the strategic priorities of The Salvation Army; while upholding and promoting the values, policies, procedures, codes and conduct and ethics of The Salvation Army Canada & Bermuda Territory.The Public Relations Officer is responsible for crisis communications, earned media, events, supporting public affairs, Advisory groups, and the annual kettle campaign in a particular region. Supporting the Divisional Secretary for Public Relations, the Public Relations Officer is the spokesperson for The Salvation Army within the region, through regular interface with public forums and media to communicate the vital mission impact of The Salvation Army.Key AccountabilitiesServe as divisional spokesperson, leading all media relations, releases, quotes, and responses to protect and strengthen The Salvation Army’s reputationDirect crisis and disaster communications end-to-end, ensuring timely updates, message accuracy, consistency, and post-response evaluationDevelop and execute earned media strategies that position the organization as a trusted knowledge leader and innovative community partnerOversee editorial quality and brand alignment across all communications, including social media, video captioning, and public-facing materialsLead the creation and delivery of compelling mission-driven stories that demonstrate impact, inspire action, and support fundraising and partnershipsCoordinate media communications for major campaigns, special events, disaster responses, and corporate partner commitmentsDistribute timely, accurate information to media outlets and support senior leadership with holding statements and crisis materials as neededPlan and manage community engagement, fundraising, and stewardship events to grow attendance, donor acquisition, brand awareness, and revenueSupport divisional kettle campaigns and event communications by promoting opportunities, sharing resources, and reporting outcomesFacilitate Advisory Board operations by coordinating meetings, agendas, and minutes while strengthening community engagement and governance supportEducation and Experience QualificationsCompletion of a 3 or 4 year bachelor degree in journalism, marketing or public relations is requiredMinimum five years related writing/communications/web/social media experience in an organizational setting, with previous non-profit experience an assetDemonstrate strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, WordPress, publishing tools, and the ability to quickly learn new technologiesApply excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills to manage multiple projects and competing prioritiesExhibit outstanding time management, attention to detail, and the ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environmentCommunicate clearly and professionally using strong written and verbal English across print, digital, and media platformsCollaborate effectively within a team while taking initiative, maintaining a positive, solution-focused approach, and meeting tight deadlinesDeliver high-quality customer service and creative planning for projects and special eventsThis is a hybrid role which requires extensive travel across Eastern Ontario. Kingston / Ottawa and surrounding areas as candidate locations are preferred.Compensation:The target hiring range for this position is $70,241.60 to $87,796.80 with a maximum of $105,372.80.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.