External Communications Manager

JOB SUMMARY:

Supports the Director of Communications as contact for incoming internal and external news requests; triages those requests and is responsible for helping to identify spokespersons at NHQ or in the Territories; supervises the Social Media Coordinator responsible for social media and owned digital channels, and serves as contact to internal and agency teams on social media strategy and content on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and other social channels; serves as the primary communications contact for corporate partner communication efforts, supports the Director of Communications during emergency response situations involving National Headquarters, Territorial and Divisional Headquarters and other emergency responder agencies as may be involved; works with the national website team to utilize the national web site as a dynamic public relations tool for The Salvation Army and maximizes their capabilities in building a loyal e-community; identifies ways to merge proactive media relations with owned content; develops and maintains year-round integrated communications plans for multiple pillar moments through the year; assists the Director of Communications in managing the on-going relationship with the Army’s national public relations agency.

Responsible for assisting with the overall external communications strategy for paid, earned, owned, and shared media as the primary external communications support for the NCRD Communications department.

Media Relations

Serves as the primary in-house media contact for The Salvation Army National Headquarters and SAWSO, screening/responding to all news inquiries from national news outlets and coordinating response for local news inquiries.

As a primary in-house contact for incoming Salvation Army and SAWSO requests, the External Communications Manager is responsible for assisting with requests, developing recommendations for spokespersons, drafting initial messaging for review and approval from the Director of Communications, providing background on reporters and media outlets, preparing national spokespersons for media interviews, etc.

Content Development

Researches, writes, edits and distributes press releases, articles, opinion pieces, brochures, etc., ensuring communications are technically correct and error-free to appropriate media and outlets.

Works with other members of the in-house communications team, including the Multimedia and Digital Communications Developer, Art Director, Graphic Designer and Social Media Coordinator, and the national public relations agency of record to ensure all materials are scheduled and delivered for national and field integration in a timely manner, are aligned with the Army’s mission, vision, and values, and achieve strategic communications objectives.

National Agency of Record

Supports the Director of Communications with guidance of The Salvation Army’s national public relations agency.

Takes part in regular agency meetings, reviewing news media, social media and special event strategies from the agency.

Strategic Owned Communications

Works with the agency to monitor and measure the Army’s earned and paid media presence and plans strategies accordingly.

Supports the Director of Communications and the public relations agency in the planning and implementation of the national Red Kettle-Kickoffwith the Dallas Cowboys.

Collaborates with the in-house communications team and public relations agency to plan all content for national social media pages, including written content for the Army’s national website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others, as well as all SAWSO digital channels.

Corporate Partner Communications

Assists the Director of Communications and the Director of Brand Management with developing public relations strategies involving The Salvation Army’s corporate partners.

Serves as direct contact with corporate partners communications/public relations teams, preparing messaging and appropriate news release materials for corporate partners, and ensuring corporate partners are kept apprised with up-to-date information.

Emergency Disaster and Crisis Communications

Serves as primary external communications support for the Director of Communications when The Salvation Army’s national emergency response process is initiated.

Assists in the coordination of all external communications intended for national media affiliates, including but not limited to interviews with national, territorial and divisional spokespersons.

Team Collaboration

Assists in the establishment and implementation of strategic department and external communications goals.

Supervises the Social Media Coordinator.

Provides training as requested on branding, effective media relations, public relations, media interviewing, crisis communications, social media strategy, and other public relations topics. Participates in planning of national conferences and training resources as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, Marketing or related field,

and

three to five years’ experiencein related field at an organization;

or

any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed in a normal office environment.

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.