Assistant Senior Director of Communications

THE SALVATION ARMY

NORTH & CENTRAL ILLINOIS DIVISION

Divisional Headquarters

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Assistant Senior Director of Communications

LOCATION/DEPT: Divisional Headquarters

PAY GRADE: 410

PAY RANGE: $84,898-$104,000

WHO WE ARE

At The Salvation Army, we are dedicated to Doing the Most Good. We are made up of thousands of officers, soldiers, staff, volunteers, donors, and partners working together to holistically meet the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of our most vulnerable neighbors.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Assistant Senior Director of Communications manages the day-to-day operations of the divisional communications team, ensuring alignment across content, media relations, digital engagement, and community outreach. This role facilitates internal communications, supports divisional storytelling and editorial strategy, and ensures that all communication initiatives reflect The Salvation Army's mission and priorities.

The Assistant Senior Director of Communications collaborates with divisional leadership, supervises key communication staff, and maintains messaging consistency across the Chicago, Northen, and Central regions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operational Oversight & Team Coordination

• Implement divisional communications strategies, ensuring timely and effective execution.
• Manage workflows, project timelines, and content priorities to align with divisional objectives.
• Ensure cross-functional coordination between content development, regional relations, digital engagement, and public relations teams.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Senior Director of Communications and divisional communications staff, ensuring collaboration and clear directives.
• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for communication effectiveness and team impact.

Internal Communications

• Lead the internal communications program, enhancing engagement among staff, officers, and volunteers.
• Oversee internal newsletters, executive messages, and organizational updates to reinforce strategic priorities.
• Partner with HR and divisional leadership to implement employee engagement initiatives and internal messaging strategies.
• Establish and maintain internal communication channels, ensuring timely and consistent messaging.

Content & Editorial Management

• Direct content development and editorial planning, ensuring consistent messaging across platforms.
• Oversee the Content Development Director in executing storytelling and messaging initiatives that support fundraising, public relations, and community engagement.
• Approve and refine communication materials, reports, and press releases for accuracy and alignment with The Salvation Army's mission.
• Maintain editorial calendars and content strategies, ensuring timely execution of communication priorities.

Media & Public Relations

• Provide strategic guidance on public relations efforts, coordinating with the Network Relations Directors in each region.
• Oversee media relations, press materials, and public announcements, ensuring alignment with divisional goals.
• Develop and review crisis communication plans, ensuring preparedness and consistency across all media interactions.
• Strengthen relationships with media outlets, community stakeholders, and partner organizations to expand The Salvation Army's public presence.

Digital & Multimedia Strategy

• Support the Digital Communications & Analytics Director in advancing social media, web content, and digital advertising strategies.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Creative & Production to align video, multimedia, and creative production efforts with divisional messaging.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This position reports to the Senior Director of Communications.

Direct Reports

• Content Development Director
• Network Relations Directors (Chicago, Northern, and Central Regions)
• Associate Director of Annual Campaigns

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and support direct reports in achieving divisional communication goals.
• Establish clear performance expectations and conduct regular evaluations.
• Ensure collaboration across teams, aligning messaging and outreach strategies.
• Oversee resource allocation, workload distribution, and project prioritization to maintain team efficiency.
• Provide professional development opportunities and ensure ongoing skill-building for team members.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES:

This individual will be evaluated on how effectively the outcomes of this position are achieved, as well as the timeliness, accuracy and completeness of accomplishing assigned goals.

• Effectiveness in overseeing divisional communications operations.
• Alignment of internal and external messaging with organizational priorities.
• Timeliness and quality of communication initiatives and content development.
• Success in managing and mentoring direct reports.

A 30, 60, and 90-day performance review will be conducted. A 30, 60, and 90-day performance review will be conducted.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in communications, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Expertise in internal and external communications strategies.
• Proficiency in content development, public relations, and editorial oversight.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and manage multiple projects efficiently.
• Experience with crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, and performance measurement.

COMPENTENCIES

• Willingness to promote the mission of The Salvation Army.

• Maintain a positive work atmosphere, fostering collaboration among team members.
• Resolve conflicts constructively, ensuring alignment with organizational values.
• Treat staff, clients, and stakeholders with professionalism and respect.
• Ensure clear, mission-driven communication across all levels of the organization.

JOB LIMITATIONS

• This individual will only commit Army resources that have been allocated or approved.
• This individual will keep the Corps Officer(s) informed on all critical issues relating to their area of responsibility.
• This individual will adhere to all policies and procedures in carrying out the responsibilities of this position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT

• This position requires light to moderate physical work.

• In order to successfully perform the essential functions of this position, the employee is regularly required to use standard office equipment.

• Maintain a positive work atmosphere by behaving and communicating in a manner that fosters and maintains positive relationships with co-workers and supervisors. This would include but not be limited to such actions: resolution of conflicts in a positive manner; courteous treatment of staff, clients and visitors; respect of others' property and person, professional and appropriate communication to and about co-workers, supervisors and subordinates. Support the Mission of The Salvation Army by treating every donor, contact and colleague with respect and dignity, and without discrimination of any kind.

TRAVEL: Regular travel within the division, including occasional evenings and weekends.