Communications & Events Manager

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army North & Central Illinois Division is seeking a Marketing & Communications Manager in Madison, WI to lead integrated strategies across marketing, communications, public relations, and events. This role blends strategic planning with hands-on execution to raise awareness of programs, fundraising, and community impact.

You will manage campaigns, media relations, content creation, and branding, while supporting donor communications and major fundraising efforts.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or Business Administration preferred.
• 3 years of community engagement, volunteer management, public relations and event planning experience.
• Equivalent training/experience acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Develops and executes marketing, communications, PR, and event strategies.
• Serve as primary communications and media relations contact for Dane County.
• Create and distribute content for social media, website, newsletters, and campaigns.
• Manage website, social channels, and digital communications.
• Lead annual fundraising campaigns and donor communications.

Skills

Marketing strategy

Public relations

Event planning

Content creation

Digital marketing

Education

Bachelor's in Communications

Tools

CMS

Social media platforms

Job description

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

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.