Marketing & Communications Director

The Salvation Army's Wisconsin and Upper Michigan Division, based in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, serves 26 Worship and Community Centers (Corps), 67 service extension units, a camp, homeless shelters, thrift stores, and food pantries. The division is dedicated to meeting both spiritual and physical needs through a vast network of officers, employees, volunteers, and community partners.

About the Role

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

Responsibilities

• Strategic Marketing & Communications
  • Develop and lead comprehensive marketing and communications strategies aligned with The Salvation Army's mission and goals.
  • Create compelling stories highlighting the impact of Salvation Army programs, beneficiaries, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
  • Develop annual communication plans supporting fundraising campaigns, community outreach, 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
  • Serve as the primary media contact for The Salvation Army in Milwaukee County and Division-wide.
  • Prepare and disseminate information through newspapers, periodicals, television, radio, and other media, including internal newsletters and magazines.
  • Maintain an up-to-date media list and establish relationships with news directors, assignment editors, and reporting staff.
  • Produce video and multimedia using in-house video editing systems and outsourcing where necessary.
  • Oversee script writing, video equipment and supplies, digital and still photography.
  • Manage audio-visual equipment and library, including photo files, video, and PowerPoint presentations.
  • Coordinate media information and contact for events such as Coats for Kids, Toys for Tots, Feed The Kids Kickoff, Back to School, Wisconsin State Fair Water Patrol, and others.
• Digital Campaign Strategy & Management
  • Develop, implement, and manage the overall online communications strategy for the Wisconsin & Upper Michigan Division.
  • Enhance the online experience to encourage involvement with The Salvation Army (e.g., donating, volunteering, employment, soldiership).
  • Develop and manage promotional programs to build web traffic, including digital campaigns, online advertising, and search engine optimization.
  • Update and expand website content regularly in collaboration with all Corps in the Division and Divisional Headquarters (DHQ).
  • Align digital campaigns with organizational objectives and key messaging in partnership with Strategic Fundraising Partners.
  • Adhere to Salvation Army web linkage policies and determine effective placement and links through partnerships and advertising.
  • Analyze digital metrics and campaign performance to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
  • Maintain current knowledge of and adapt new developments in online strategies and tools.
  • Update all social media platforms regularly.
• Website Management
  • Manage Milwaukee County and divisional websites to support organizational goals and mission.
  • Collaborate with Corps, Milwaukee County programs, services, and Divisional Headquarters department heads to update and expand website content.
  • Field web inquiries, provide feedback, and determine efficient follow-up methods.
  • Design or supervise the use of digitized images, banners, animated graphics, forms, and functions to enhance site appearance.
  • Maintain the site and work with outside vendors, hosting, and 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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, graphic design, or a related field.
• Five years of experience in web-based graphic design, web interface design, digital marketing, advertising, publishing, or a related field.
• Experience in writing news releases and scripts.
• Valid Wisconsin Driver’s license and maintained clearance to drive from TSA’s insurance carrier.

An equivalent combination of training and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may also be considered.