Director of Community Outreach

For 130 years, The Salvation Army of Dane County has offered spiritual ministry, social services, and youth programs to thousands of Dane County residents, without discrimination. We currently serve the most vulnerable members of our community through a wide range of programs, as well as extensive case management services. While we strive to provide compassionate care and a primary goal of all of our programs and services is to improve the life skills and circumstances of those we serve. If you want to help make a difference by serving your community and helping those in need, apply now!

The Director of Community Outreach leads the public relations and marketing efforts for The Salvation Army in Dane County. Recruits and manages volunteers. Also leads in special event planning and engages community support for special events and the Red Kettle Campaign.

Community Engagement Leadership

• Develop and lead a comprehensive community engagement strategy that grows awareness and support for The Salvation Army's mission.
• Build and manage partnerships with corporations, civic groups, schools, faith communities, and service organizations.
• Serve as a primary public representative of the organization at community meetings, fairs, speaking engagements, and partnership events.
• Coordinate community-driven initiatives such as drives, campaigns, and grassroots collaborations.

Volunteer Program Management

• Manage the volunteer program: recruitment, training, placement, supervision, recognition, and retention.
• Design new volunteer roles and programs that support agency operations and program staff needs.
• Ensure volunteer policies, risk management procedures, and compliance with The Salvation Army standards.
• Maintain the volunteer database and provide reporting on volunteer hours, engagement metrics, and program outcomes.

Communications & Brand Management

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications and marketing plan for the organization.
• Manage all digital content platforms including social media, website, newsletters, email campaigns, and digital ads.
• Develop and maintain brand-consistent messaging in alignment with national Salvation Army guidelines.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries.
• Write and distribute press releases; coordinate interviews and media opportunities.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and media outlets.
• Oversee production of video content showcasing programs, donor impact, and community stories.
• Coordinate photo/video shoots and manage digital asset libraries.
• Work with program staff to gather client stories and impact data for communications use

Events Management

• Lead the planning, budgeting, execution, and evaluation of all organizational events including fundraising events, community engagement activities, volunteer appreciation events, and awareness campaigns.
• Develop sponsorship strategies for events in collaboration with development staff.
• Oversee logistics, vendor management, event promotion, and post-event reporting.
• Ensure events support larger organizational goals and community engagement strategies.

Red Kettle Engagement

• Recruit and coordinate volunteer bell ringers, including individuals and groups.
• Build partnerships with churches, service clubs, and community organizations for volunteer participation.
• Support volunteer appreciation and retention efforts related to the Kettle seasons.
• Develop all public-facing marketing materials, digital content, press releases, social media campaigns, and video content for kettles.
• Support Director of Strategic giving in special kettle-related events such as the Red Kettle Kickoff, media days, and volunteer appreciation activities.

Education: Bachelor's degree in one of the following or a related field: Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration

Experience: 5 years of progressively responsible experience in community engagement, volunteer management, public relations and event planning, with leadership experience.

Certifications: Valid Wisconsin Driver's License with clearance to drive from TSA insurance.

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.