Public Relations and Media Specialist

Job Objective: This position is responsible for engaging the community with The Salvation Army through community relations, partnership programs with media, public relations information, and events.

Essential Functions:

• Design and implement an Annual Media Plan under the supervision of the Director of Development and support from the Divisional Director of Public Relations and Integrated Communications
• Provide messaging about The Salvation Army to media outlets on a regular basis as defined in the Media Plan.
• Design marketing materials in coordination with Divisional staff for each program and for the SCAC with the intent of increasing financial assistance to The Salvation Army.
• Assist in the development of presentations for fundraising opportunities, volunteer information events, outreach events, that increase community awareness and assist in fundraising.
• Provide materials for the design of the SCAC website and the Corps' websites to keep each site up to date and engaging while working with the appropriate staff at Divisional Headquarter (DHQ) and the Director of Development.
• Coordinate media contacts, interviews, and disburse media releases as approved by the Director of Development.
• Develop and distribute digital format communication for various stakeholders on a monthly basis.
• Coordinate public relations, media and digital communications with the Director of Development.
• Develop timely and appropriate content for social media.
• Identify, document, and build relationships with key influencers to generate positive exposure with their fans.
• Research and follow social media trends for all ages. Be able to positively interact on social media platforms with an understanding of generational differences.
• Moderate SCAC social media and act as brand ambassador by interacting with followers. Alert the Director of Development when there is any impactful discussions or comments.
• Study social media analytics, explore ways to enhance The Salvation Army presence, and keep the Director of Development informed.
• Develop a working network of reporters, cameramen, producers, DJs, and others in the media field.
• Work in tandem with all program directors to gather information, photos, and videos of program activities to use for public relations. Follow all policies regarding client rights and using release forms. When assigned, this position is responsible to interview clients, take photos and /or videos and write articles. The program directors are responsible to alert the PR and Media Specialist to strong stories and make the introduction to appropriate clients.
• Document events with photographs and videos and interviews when appropriate.
• Create public signage as requested.
• Work cooperatively with Divisional Headquarters Development Team on projects, utilizing their expertise in the areas of design, media, and messaging under the direction of the SCAC Director of Development.
• Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, or similar field.

Experience: Minimum three years' experience in public relations, media, and marketing; proven experience in all social media platforms; connections to the Wichita area media is a plus.

Certifications/Licenses: None

Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to work independently and reach set goals in a timely manner
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills required
• Follow written and verbal instructions
• Work requires continual attention to detail in composing, typing and proofing materials, establishing priorities and meeting deadlines
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Physical Requirements: Include sitting; climbing and/or balancing; stooping, kneeling, bending, stretching, crouching and/or crawling; standing; walking; manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; use of vision; driving a vehicle; pushing/pulling/lifting/carrying 25 pounds; traveling by airplane; both outdoor and indoor navigation of settings, and standing and/or walking up to 12 hours per day. Reasonable accommodation may bemade to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job.

Mental Demands:

• Work under stressful conditions
• Interact with others with courtesy and tact
• Manage and prioritize multiple projects in an organized and efficient manner to meet tight deadlines
• Respond to crisis situations in a calm and effective manner
• Complete projects on schedule
• Maintain confidentiality
• Maintain regular and punctual work attendance

Communication Demands:

The position requires: professionally communicating verbally with co-workers, other departments and program staff, clients, vendors, donors, volunteers, board members, philanthropic decision-makers, and officers; written communication; talking on the telephone; responding to written or verbal requests; training/giving verbal and written instructions; receiving verbal and written instructions; writing/composing written language; reading; visiting/working at other worksites and non-worksite locations; communication via the latest technologies.

Travel: Occasional throughout the Division and Territory; average one week per month

Driving: Driving is required. Must possess a valid driver's license from the state in which you reside. Must be approved through The Salvation Army Fleet Safety Program to drive either a Salvation Army or personal vehicle on Salvation Army business.

Working Conditions: Work is performed in a typical office environment. However, the office is located in a service center and this position may interact with clients who have substance use issues or mental health issues occasionally. Clients may not always be appropriate in language or conversation; they may lack social skills.

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.

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

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.