Full Time Community Relations Representative

The Community Relations Representative initiates and builds relationships, fosters active stakeholder communications to include, but not be limited to community members, local business, volunteers, and Church members, with the goal of enlisting the ongoing support of our mission and delivery of programs and services.  The incumbent will provide leadership to the development and delivery of events and fundraising opportunities and be a transforming influence within our community

General

• Ensure that all duties are completed in accordance with the principles, standards, policies, and procedures of The Salvation Army.
• Assist and support the local church ministry team to achieve its mission and influence in the community through increased presence, public awareness, and funding support for local community services / ministries.
• Actively engage current and new community partners to ensure the Mission & Vision of The Salvation Army and the work of The Salvation Army in Central York Region is understood.
• Work in cooperation with local support personnel as well as support from the Divisional Development and Public Relations Department.
• Assist in maintaining government and community relationships (in partnership with the Corps officers & DHQ).
• In conjunction with the Corps Officer, support and maintain efficient and effective community relationships with business, corporate, organizations and other potential partners.
• In conjunction with the Corps Officer facilitate the development, implementation, and evaluation of a short-term and long-range strategic community relations plans.
• Participate in regular staff meetings; provide regular reports related to community relations.
• Maintain and initiate new contacts updating main database with inputs from CFS.
• In cooperation with the Business Coordinator, create and maintain social media postings for volunteer and events.
• Pending approval of the innovation grant, some level of responsibility will be required to enhance community engagement.
• Assist the team as required to maintain smooth operations.

Program

• Actively engage/enlist the community members, and local business to provide both volunteer services and monetary support where able; including but not limited to the Annual Christmas Kettle Campaign.
• Provide administrative, organization and practical support to Christmas Kettle Campaign and other fundraising initiatives; assume the role of Christmas Kettle Coordinator.
• Solicit program funding proposal opportunities from business, corporate, organizations and various levels of government, and other potential partners.
• Prepare and submit program funding proposals and grant applications as required.
• Plan and organize or support organizers of fundraising events including, Annual Golf Tournament, Annual Red Shield Hockey Tournament, The Santa Shuffle, and other events as required/requested.
• Seek opportunities to build and foster personal relationships & partnerships with local business and community groups.
• Maintain a presence at local town community events, fairs (at least one per town /year).
• Create and deliver presentations not limited to: Service Clubs, Churches, organizations, schools in Central York Region.
• Create new fundraising initiatives and provide ongoing updates, in coordination with Community & Family Services (CFS) Manager and Leadership teams.

Administration

• Maintain accurate written records, logs of activities, including activity reports and statistical information.
• Maintain frequent contacts, by phone, email, requests for support to the donors throughout the year.
• Provide volunteers and donors with acknowledgements of gratitude.
• Seek input from the Corps Officer about program/funding needs.
• Provide support to the local “team” in preparing any correspondence as required.
• Answer incoming phone calls and written correspondence as it pertains to any personal community contact
• Respond to community donations – letters / receipts.
• Prepare and distribute quarterly updates about the work of The Salvation Amy Northridge Community Church and Family Services; submit a report to business and community partners as directed.
• Conduct debriefs on all fundraising events and Christmas Kettle Campaign including lessons learned.

Volunteers

• Utilize the volunteer software scheduler plan – build campaign schedule and monitor and schedule emails.
• Assist with recruiting volunteers and provide applicable training for the Annual Christmas Kettle Campaign Coordinator Assistants and develop execution team. (i.e., deliver & pick up of kettles).
• Coordinate, organize and schedule and volunteers for Christmas Kettles, programs, events, etc.
• Provide direction and support to volunteers and ensure that they work together to achieve the purposes of the organization.
• Develop strategies and recommendations for volunteer development.
• Actively promote The Salvation Army Central York Region’s volunteer opportunities for events.
• Ensure that all volunteers maintain any mandatory training or certification; identify any training needs and report to supervisor.

Perform other duties as required.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications:

• Minimum of two years post-secondary education in Community Relations or Fundraising Management.
• Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s License, personal vehicle required and insurance, current copy of driver’s abstract that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.
• Must provide an original copy of a Background Check that is satisfactory to The Salvation Army, in its sole discretion, is required.  The screening is secured either through the national Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) or through a local police detachment
• May require screening through The Salvation Army Abuse Registry.
• Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

• Minimum of two years of prior related experience in the field of fundraising, experience in communications, event planning, public speaking, and experience in a not-for-profit environment.
• Minimum of one year of supervisory experience; coaching, leading and motivating volunteers.
• Experience with program funding proposals and grant writing.
• Experience building relationships in the non-for profit sector and/or partnerships with a variety of stakeholder groups that could include corporations, and community groups
• Proficient in working in a computerized environment; must demonstrate strong skills using Microsoft Office Suite: (Excel, Word, Publisher, PowerPoint).
• Ability to embrace growing technology needs – able to post to Social media platforms and aptitude to develop online communications.
• Develop an understanding and support for the mission and purpose of The Salvation Army in Canada and its implications as related to position responsibilities.

Skills and Capabilities:

• Ability to deal effectively and professionally with the public, other professionals and special interest groups and other agencies.
• Self-directed with an ability to work cooperatively with leadership, staff, community partners and to create a working climate that is positive and mutually supportive.
• Teachable spirit / provides and takes direction / a willingness to be coached.
• Confident, self-motivated, mission minded, able to work with other staff or independently.
• Willingness to be flexible, motivated, versatile, and able to thrive in a non-profit environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Understand ethical behaviour and business practices and ensure that own behaviour is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.
• Creative, innovative and develop new and unique ways to improve and create new fundraising opportunities.
• Set priorities, monitor progress towards goals, and track details, data, information, and activities.
• Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.
• Work independently; maintain confidentiality; projecting a positive, professional, and helpful attitude.
• Communicate effectively, and exercise good interpersonal skills by displaying tact, courtesy and patience with clients, staff, and community partners.
• Work in compliance with OH&S Act and Regulations and abide by The Salvation Army’s health and safety policies and procedures.

HOURS: 35 hours per week

Flexibility in scheduling required, some weekend and evening work required.  The work schedule is determined in consultation with your supervisor and may vary according to requirements of responsibility.  Applicable shifts include a ½ hour unpaid meal break. Travel is required. Ability to lift/move up to 40 lbs.

Permanent full-time employment with The Salvation Army (25+ hours per week) will provide you with a competitive compensation and benefits package that includes vacation time, sick days, employer matching RRSP contributions, Medical, Dental and Vision Benefits, Christmas Grants and Employee and Family Assistance Program [EFAP] benefits.

The Salvation Army offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities in its recruitment process.  If you are contacted to participate in an interview or screening process, please advise us if you require accommodation.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

Internal applicants must advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.