Marketing & Communications Director

The Salvation Army's Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Division is located in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. The division is home to 26 Worship and Community Centers (Corps), 67 service extension units, a camp, as well as multiple homeless shelters, thrift stores and food pantries. Service extension units are branches of The Salvation Army in communities where Corps are not located but service is provided by committees of volunteers. As a whole, our organization is made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, adherents, employees, volunteers and other individuals all working together to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people, as well as working to meet the physical needs of those less fortunate. The Salvation Army Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Division is the administrative unit which provides services to people in need in Wisconsin and Upper Michigan. We are an organization dedicated to Doing the Most Good in your community! Apply now!

The Marketing and Communications Director provides strategic leadership for all marketing, communications, media relations, public relations, digital engagement, and brand management activities for The Salvation Army. This position is responsible for increasing public awareness of The Salvation Army's mission, programs, services, fundraising initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and community impact across the Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Division.

Strategic Marketing & Communications:

• Develop and lead comprehensive marketing and communications strategies aligned with The Salvation Army's mission and goals.
• Develop compelling stories that highlight the impact of Salvation Army programs, beneficiaries, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
• Create annual communication plans that support fundraising campaigns, community outreach initiatives, special events, volunteer recruitment, and program awareness.
• Ensure consistent branding and messaging across all communication materials and platforms.
• Advise executive leadership on communication strategies, public perception, and reputational considerations.
• Identify opportunities to increase public awareness, community engagement, and stakeholder support.

Media Relations:

• Serves as the primary media contact for The Salvation Army in Milwaukee County and Division-wide. Prepares and disseminates information through newspapers, periodicals, television, radio and other forms of media, including internal articles for newsletters and magazines
• Maintains up-to-date media list and establishes relationships with news directors, assignment editors, and reporting staff.
• Produces video and multimedia using in-house video editing system and outsourcing where necessary.
• Provides oversight for script writing, video equipment and supplies and digital and still photography.
• Provides oversight for audio visual equipment and library, including photo files, video, and PowerPoint presentations.
• Coordinates media information and contact for the following events: Coats for Kids, Toys for Tots, Feed The Kids Kickoff, Back to School, Wisconsin State Fair Water Patrol and other events, programs and services as needed.

Digital Campaign Strategy & Management:

• Develops, implements, and manages the overall online communications strategy for the organization in the Wisconsin & Upper Michigan Division.
• Enhances the online experience to encourage involvement with The Salvation Army (e.g. donating, volunteering, employment, soldiership, etc.)
• Develops and manages promotional and visibility programs designed to build web traffic such as digital campaigns, online advertising and search engine optimization.
• Works with all Corps in the Division as well as DHQ to update and expand web site content on a regular basis.
• Works closely with Strategic Fundraising Partners to align digital campaigns with organizational objectives and key messaging.
• Adheres to Salvation Army web linkage policies, and determines effective placement and links through partnerships and advertising.
• Analyze digital metrics and campaign performance to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Maintains current knowledge of and adapts new developments in online strategies and tools.
• Updates all social media platforms on a regular basis.

Website Management: 

• Manages the Milwaukee County and divisional web sites to support the goals and mission of the organization.
• Works with Corps across the division, Milwaukee County programs and services and Divisional Headquarters department heads to update and expand content on the web site on a regular basis.
• Fields web inquiries, provides feedback, and determines the most efficient and effective way to address and follow-up.
• Designs or supervises the use of digitized images, banners, animated graphics, forms and functions to enhance the appearance of the site.
• Maintains site and works with outside vendors, hosting, and site updates to ensure websites are accessible for all users.

Crisis Management:

• Lead crisis communication planning and response efforts, including Emergency Disaster Response communication.
• Develop crisis communication protocols and messaging frameworks.
• Provide rapid-response communications support during sensitive or high-profile situations.
• Collaborate with leadership and legal counsel on reputation management issues.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, graphic design, or related field

Experience:  Five years of experience in web-based graphic design or web interface design,  digital marketing, advertising, publishing or related field. Experience in writing news releases and scripts.

- OR Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Certifications:  Must have valid Wisconsin Driver’s license, and maintain clearance to drive from TSA’s insurance carrier.

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.

Who we are:

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

Why work for us?

The Salvation Army’s brand promises to Do the Most Good® - and it’s our employees that help us get there.  At every level, you can have a real impact on your community through the work done inside our walls every day.  

We are as impassioned about our employees as we are about our mission to help anyone in need without discrimination. Our culture reflects this quality, which makes our offices a seriously great place to work. Just walk inside our doors and you’ll quickly see that our employees are proud to support programs that make a difference.

The Salvation Army recognizes that peace of mind is important to employees and their families.  Because of this, we offer :

• Competitive Salary
• Flexible schedules and a casual dress environment
• Generous paid time off benefits (vacation, sick time, personal time, and 11 paid holidays)
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program, providing 24/7 support, resources, and referrals to help you in your work and personal life
• Insurance benefits: excellent health, dental, vision, life, disability 
• Discounts available for pet insurance, auto insurance, and home insurance  

Full-time employees scheduled to work 30 or more hours per week will be eligible for full benefits, including health, dental, vision and hearing benefits, basic and voluntary life benefits, holiday pay and paid time off, which is pro-rated based on their regularly scheduled work week.

Exempt Employees: Health, dental, vision, and hearing benefits, as well as basic and voluntary life benefits, will begin on the first day of the month following 30 days of employment.

Compensation:

At The Salvation Army - We honor the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual. We are dedicated to fair pay practices, ensuring equal compensation for equal work, regardless of gender, race, or other factors.

Be part of something meaningful. Whether you're supporting those in need, assisting with disaster relief, or working in areas like finance or fundraising, each role offers a chance to make a lasting impact. If you're looking to align your career with your values, explore opportunities at The Salvation Army and help us create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

Compensation: $66,268 - $82,836/year, based on experience.