Communications and Public Relations Supervisor

Position Summary: The Communications and Public Relations Supervisor is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy to enhance The Salvation Army's visibility and reputation. This role oversees media relations, public messaging, storytelling, and crisis communication, working closely with internal teams and external PR agencies to support organizational goals.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Create a sustainable public relations strategy and manage the development of supporting assets that may include, but are not limited to, press releases, media pitches, direct mail, print, radio, television, web, online announcements, billboards and social media campaigns
• Develop and implement an annual integrated communications plan aligned with organizational objectives
• Oversee content creation for newsletters, brochures, annual reports, and all digital platforms including:




• Print collateral including, but not limited to, content development and design of newsletters, brochures, annual reports, news releases and other media materials, promotional flyers, etc.
• Website and other electronic communications to ensure consistent messaging and timely posting of new and updated information such as event announcements, client testimonials, etc.
• Manage media relations--both proactive and reactive-as well as help strategize media responses in crisis situations
• Broadcast, digital and/or print advertising, creative ad placement as well as video production




• Collaborate with PR agencies and internal teams to ensure consistent messaging between markets
• Cultivate and maintain productive relationships with local and regional media outlets (print, radio, television, digital), including advertising buys throughout Michigan
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Marketing to ensure consistent and integrated messaging across all channels
• Provide leadership and support to all field units and collaborate with THQ and NHQ on communications efforts
• Support leadership with strategic communication initiatives and public speaking materials
• Track and measure the effectiveness of integrated communications efforts, providing recommendations for program adjustments, as necessary
• Provide content and direction to the Manager of Creative Services in developing print and electronic collateral materials and websites
• Work with The Salvation Army's existing public relations agency in determining initiatives and tasks according to scope of work and budget agreements
• Represent the organization in public forums and support community engagement efforts across the Great Lakes Division

Supervise staff responsible for public relations, storytelling and media production which includes the Divisional Content Creator and the PR Coordinator Additional Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations or related field
• 7+ years of experience in communications and public relations, preferably in the non-profit sector
• Proven ability to manage media relations and develop strategic messaging
• Experience managing teams and working with external agencies
• Proficiency in social media, digital communication tools, and media monitoring platforms

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Ability to take knowledge and transform it into exciting and useful messages and disseminate it to the right audiences through the best distribution channels
• Successful writing and editing experience (externally focused) with a variety of print and online communications media
• Creative, thoughtful, and capable of working within the ever-changing social media landscape understanding best practices in utilizing new media technologies
• Demonstrated skill and comfort in proactively building relationships with top tier reporters and editors, and in successfully positioning subject matter with the media to achieve high-impact placements

Computer Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365
• Working knowledge of TEAMS and SharePoint
• Proficient in Social Media Platforms
• Understanding of Graphic Design Tools
• Data Analytics Tools
• AI Marketing Tools
• Email Marketing Platforms (Knowledge with Classy is preferred)
• Understanding of Video Editing Software
• Customer relationship management tools (knowledge with Salesforce is preferred)
• Presentation Software
• Willingness to learn new software as needed

Certificates and Licenses:

• Complete Safe From Harm training, and keep current as needed
• Must have and maintain a current valid chauffeurs driver's license and pass the Salvation Army Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR). (Candidates will have 30 days to acquire a chauffeurs driver's license after hire date).
• Additional certification(s) (ie. PRSA Accreditation) or an advanced degree a plus