Corps/County Development Director

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory; Muskegon Charter Township (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Central Territory is seeking a Corps/County Development Director to lead fundraising and community relations efforts in the local area. The role focuses on increasing charitable giving through strategic plans, donor engagement, campaigns, and events.

The position requires strong leadership, 3+ years in fund raising/public relations, and the ability to manage volunteers and collaborate with the divisional team. Local travel and a mission-driven focus are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree is required or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in public relations and fundraising.
• Background in fundraising principles and marketing preferred.
• Minimum 1 year of supervision required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive fundraising plan for the local Corps/County in coordination with the Corps Officer.
• Oversee donor relations across individuals, corporations, and foundations within the community.
• Engage in donor development, manage capital campaigns, participate in grant writing, special events, media opportunities, etc.
• Advance development team capability and systems (donor relations, mail appeals, media campaigns, events, planned giving/legacies).
• Utilize donor management systems to track communications, gifts, and fundraising reports.
• Recruit, train and engage volunteers for short- and long-term support of the Corps Development and community engagement.

Skills

Fundraising

Public relations

Donor relations

Grant writing

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Teams

SharePoint

Job description

At The Salvation Army our employees are the heartbeat of our mission. We foster a community of passionate people dedicated to changing lives and bringing hope to those who need it most.

Position Summary:

The Corps/County Development Director is the primary fundraising professional responsible to achieve the financial, media, and community relations goals and generate increased charitable giving through the design and implementation of short and long-term development strategies and goals in the assigned Corps/County area. Responsibilities include various development activities critical to the acquisition of resources needed to advance the organizational mission and coordinate with the divisional development team.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Administration
  • Manage, direct and coordinate the implementation of a comprehensive fundraising plan for your location in coordination with the Corps Officer.
  • Oversee individual donor, corporate and foundation relations in your local community.
  • Engage in donor development, manage capital campaigns, participate in grant‑writing, special events, media opportunities, etc.
  • Advance the capability of the development team and systems (donor relations, mail appeal, media campaigns, special events, planned giving/legacies, etc.).
  • Utilize current donor management system to track donor communications, gifts and annual fundraising reports.
  • Recruit, train and engage volunteers in both short‑and‑long‑term opportunities to support the Corps Development and maintain a strong volunteer base for community engagement.
• General Fundraising Activities
  • Manage all aspects of the mail appeal, operating, capital and endowment fundraising campaigns, and coordinate this activity with the Divisional Development team.
  • Work closely with the Corps officers/leadership team to plan fundraising strategies, develop agendas and recommendations for current and future fundraising initiatives.
  • Establish and maintain excellent relationships with donors while ensuring timely and appropriate communication with donors.
  • Work with your Corps officers to set and achieve annual fundraising goals based on Corps needs. Goals will be reviewed on an annual basis by the Senior Director of Development and agreed upon with the Corps Officer.
  • Work with Divisional mail appeal vendor to develop direct mail fundraising strategies.
  • Work closely with Corps Officer to plan and promote all Christmas fundraising activities such as Red Kettle Kick‑off, counter kettles, and other seasonal fundraising events during Christmas.
  • Develop, manage and promote annual or special fundraising events benefitting The Salvation Army such as civic dinner, back‑to‑school drive, golf classic, etc.
• Philanthropic Fundraising Activities
  • Work with the Senior Director of Philanthropy on Major Gift, Planned Giving, Corporate, and Primary contact donor assignments and strategies.
  • Personally prospect, solicit, cultivate, and close gifts while maintaining a portfolio of 25-50 individuals, corporations, and foundations who give $5,000+.
  • Work within the Divisional Major Gifts framework coordinating with other Philanthropy staff under the direction of the Senior Director of Philanthropy.
  • Track and maintain records of all assignments, tasks, and gifts in Salesforce.
  • Identify community grants and submit grant funding proposals.
  • Refer all Planned Giving Prospects to the Senior Director of Philanthropy.
• Public Relations
  • Coordinate local media and public relations outreach (print, radio, television, service clubs, community organizations etc.) with assistance from the Divisional Communications team.
  • Oversee the updating of website and social media sites to ensure the local community is aware of the programs and services in your community.
  • Identify public relations opportunities to share the work of the local Corps.
  • Attend community events on behalf of The Salvation Army.
• Advisory Organizations
  • Serve as liaison to the Advisory Board as requested.
  • Assist Corps Officers with recruitment of new board members.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; or any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities
• Minimum 3 years' experience in the field of public relations and fund raising

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities:

• Background in the principles of fundraising, and marketing preferred
• Minimum 1 year of supervision required

Computer Skills:

• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365
• Working knowledge of TEAMS and SharePoint
• Willingness to learn new software as needed

Certificates and Licenses:

• Must have and maintain a current valid driver's license and pass the Salvation Army Motor Vehicle Record check (MVR)
• Complete Safe From Harm training, and keep current as needed