Development Associate (Holiday Campaigns)

The Salvation Army Southern California; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army Southern California is seeking a Development Associate in Sacramento. This role is crucial for ensuring timely delivery of donor communications and supporting fundraising campaigns. Candidates must possess strong project coordination skills and a Bachelor's degree in a related field.

This position involves drafting donor communications, maintaining records, and assisting with event logistics. A minimum of 2-3 years of experience in a relevant field is also required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2-3 years of experience in administration or development support.
• Proficiency in basic computing systems.
• Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality.

Responsibilities

• Draft and proofread donor-facing communications.
• Coordinate development campaigns and projects.
• Maintain accurate donor records in the CRM.

Skills

Project coordination

Communication

Microsoft Office

Data management

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Adobe Acrobat

WordPress

Job description

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love for God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Job Overview

Serving as the operational hub of the department, the Development Associate ensures timely delivery of donor communications, campaigns, and projects while maintaining consistency, quality, and alignment across all development activities. This position strengthens the donor experience and improves fundraising effectiveness through reliable follow-through on departmental priorities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Draft, edit, and proofread donor-facing communications, including emails, updates, and basic collateral.
• Support development, communication calendars and scheduling of donor outreach.
• Coordinate production of communication materials with internal staff or external vendors.
• Ensure consistency with Salvation Army messaging and communication standards.
• Assist in coordinating development campaigns, mailings, and departmental projects.
• Maintain project timelines, task trackers, and follow‑up schedules.
• Support preparation of reports, proposals, and donor materials.
• Ensure deliverables are completed on time and communicated effectively.
• Maintain accurate donor and constituent records in the CRM/database.
• Assist with acknowledgment tracking, data updates, and list preparation.
• Perform basic data quality checks and support reporting needs.
• Support segmentation and preparation of mailing and communication lists.
• Assist with planning and coordination of donor events and development activities.
• Support event logistics, including materials, lists, and follow‑up communications.
• Provide general development support, including meeting coordination and documentation.
• Work closely with key staff such as the Donor Relations Director, Planned Giving Directors, Annual Giving Team, and assist with PR, Marketing, and Events.

SEASONAL FUNDRAISING COORDINATOR (KETTLES)

• Track list of potential kettle sites in each corps area (including those used in the past).
• Develop program of thanks for kettle sites, Kettle Club, Red Kettle, and year‑round cultivation and engagement.
• Create and maintain the Holiday Tool Kit.
• Coordinate with Development and online teams for each section, Volunteers, Kettles, PR, Online, Corporate Relations, and Advisory Organizations.
• Work with the online team to keep the online toolkit up‑dated.
• Include action plans for volunteers and kettles and send monthly reminders to the field.
• Organize the Christmas Orientation for corps officers and their employees; put together schedule, topics, and assigned speakers.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator for volunteer recruitment.
• Disburse information to the field and keep officers and kettle coordinators updated on all National and Territorial agreements during the Christmas season.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
• Minimum of 2‑3 years of experience in administration, project coordination, communications, or development support.
• Ability to prioritize work and multitask simultaneous projects.
• Proficiency in working with basic office computing systems and equipment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Publisher, Excel, Access, WordPress, social media platforms, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Must be able to work independently in campaign settings.
• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver license and ability to drive a Salvation Army vehicle.
• Must be 21 years or older.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check, including a DOJ Livescan Fingerprint check.
• Complete the Salvation Army vehicle course training.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, OR REGISTRATIONS

• Valid California Class C Driver license and ability to drive a Salvation Army vehicle.
• 21 years of age or older.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check, including a DOJ Livescan Fingerprint check.
• Completion of the Salvation Army vehicle course training.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit, walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis.
• Ability to grasp, push, and/or pull objects.
• Ability to reach overhead.
• Ability to operate a telephone.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. for administrative positions.
• Ability to operate a computer.
• Ability to process written, visual, and/or verbal information.
• Ability to operate basic office equipment and tools (PC, fax machine, telephone, calculator, copier, printer).

EEO STATEMENT

Qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential duties of the position with or without accommodation. A qualified person with a disability may request a modification or adjustment to the job or work environment in order to meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army will attempt to satisfy requests as long as the accommodation needed would not result in undue hardship.