Community Relations Coordinator

Who We Are

For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.

Job Description:

Position Purpose summary:

The Community Relations Coordinator promotes and increases public awareness of the Mission and Vision of The Salvation Army. The incumbent develops and implements fundraising strategies and builds relationships with donors to secure financial support for Markham Community Church. Key responsibilities include identifying potential donors, managing fundraising campaigns, and reporting on campaign success. The goal of this position is to secure grants/funding through government agencies and foundations to assist the Ministry Unit in achieving its mission.

ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. General

• •Ensure that all duties are completed in accordance with the principles, standards, policies, and procedures of The Salvation Army.
• •Assist, support, and influence 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 is understood.
• •Responsible for researching potential funders that align with TSA mission and values , writing, and submitting proposals for grants to fund MU projects, initiatives, and innovative programs from organizations, such as government agencies and foundations, and other potential partners etc.
• •Consult with the Corps Officer before applying for a grant/funding to confirm interest in collaborating with the foundation or agency.
• •Manage the grant application process from initial research, include narratives, budgets, goals, and supporting documents that effectively communicate the Ministry Unit needs and objectives to potential funders and proposal development to submission and follow-up; may include gathering necessary documentation and ensuring compliance with grant guidelines and deadlines.
• •Coordinate the planning and execution of fundraising initiatives.
• •Build the donor base through follow-up on initial contacts and general leads of various kinds, including reaching out to past event participants.
• •Create presentations not limited to: Service Clubs, and organizations, in Markham.
• •Maintain frequent contacts, by phone, email, requests for support to the donors throughout the year.
• •Ensure that the Corps Officer is informed of any concerns should their involvement be required to address any complaints or issues that could result in negative public relations.
• •Conduct debriefs on all events including lessons learned.

2. Administration

Establish metrics and evaluation criteria that include expectations for a ROI that demonstrates a funding lift to the Ministry Unit.

• •Prepare and submit timely and accurate grant/funding reports to funders, detailing project progress, outcomes achieved and financial expenditures compliance and grant/funding requirements.
• •Ensure that letters to community donors and income tax receipts are issued as required.
• •Maintain accurate written financial reports, records, logs of activities, including activity reports and statistical information.
• •Ensure that grant funded activities are conducted in accordance with grant agreements, regulations may be involved in developing budgets and financial reports.

3. Fundraising and Relationship Management

• •In coordination with Corps Officer, establish and maintain a coordinated fundraising vision for Markham Community Church that aligns with The Salvation Army’s Public Relations direction, vision, and messaging.
• •Establish a strong working relationship with THQ/DHQ PR departments.
• •Research, understand and align with key corporate messages in all external communications.
• •Identify, Corporate verse Local Lead so there is no cultivation overlap.
• •Identify and use Corporate Marketing appropriate collateral where available.
• •Understand and uphold the mission and values of the Salvation Army in all communications.
• •Establish relationships with perspective leads such as Local Businesses, Service Clubs, Charities, Elected Officials. Engage the Corps Officer as and when appropriate.
• •Research and identify grant opportunities from government, foundations, and corporate sources.
• •Write and submit grant proposals, letters of inquiry, and reports, maintain a calendar of grant deadlines and report requirements.
• •Support donor communications and fundraising campaigns; track and report on fundraising metrics and outcomes.

Perform other related duties as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• •This is a temporary part-time position based on 20 hours per week.
• •This position offers a flexible hybrid schedule; the number of days on-site will be determined in consultation with the supervisor.
• •Requires standing for periods of time; the ability to lift/move up to 29 lbs. setting up displays; bending; twisting; frequent keyboarding/data entry, moderate attention when responding to phone inquiries, and sitting for extended periods of time.
• •Will be required to carry a company issued cell phone.
• •Travel, mostly local, is associated with this position (20%). A company program vehicle will be provided when available. Personal vehicles can be used when the program vehicle is not available and based upon prior approval. The incumbent would be compensated for mileage where applicable as per TSA policy.

Hours of Work and Work Schedule: as per operational requirements, generally regular business hours, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and includes a ½ hour unpaid meal break as necessary, however, schedule may vary according to requirements of responsibilities – some weekend and evening work may be required; flexibility is required as it relates to hours of work.

The above responsibilities must be performed in keeping with The Salvation Army’s Mission, Vision and Values, in a professional manner, upholding our code of conduct.

Education, Qualifications and Certifications

• •Completion of a formal post-secondary program in Fundraising Management or related.
• •A bachelor’s degree in communications, business, or public relations would be an asset.

Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license with access to a personal vehicle is required and provide a current driver’s extract.

Experience and Skilled Knowledge Requirements

Minimum of two (2) years of prior related experience in the field of fundraising, grant writing; experience in marketing, public relations, communications, and experience in a not-for-profit environment.

• •Exceptional knowledge of grant proposal submission and fundraising process.
• •Budgeting and Financial Management basic knowledge is required.

• •Proficiency in computer software programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and online search tools is required.
• •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.

Alternative combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Skills and Capabilities:

• •Excellent interpersonal skills: ability to work independently, and collaboratively.
• •Strong research skills, proficient in research methods and can gathe