Director of Development

CFRE International; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Assigned vehicle

Cell phone allowance

Health coverage

Retirement plan

Professional development

Paid time off

Job summary

The Salvation Army – Del Oro Division in Sacramento, CA is seeking an experienced Director of Development to lead all fundraising efforts for the division. The role oversees planned giving, major gifts, donor relations, campaigns, and communications to advance the mission.

You will build and mentor a high-impact development team, translate data into strategy, and guide campaigns while maintaining strong partnerships with corporate and foundation donors.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in business, management, marketing, public relations, communications, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive fundraising and management experience, including 5–7 years at Director level.
• CFRE certification is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Direct every facet of development: planned giving, major gifts, donor relations, public relations, capital campaigns, foundation grants, direct marketing, board development, special events, advisory groups, and the Echelon Women’s Auxiliary.
• Build lasting donor relationships and cultivate new revenue streams for the mission.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a development team with vision and direction.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Strategic thinking

Team leadership

Donor relations

Education

Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) in business/management/marketing/public relations

Job description

Director of Development

The Salvation Army – Del Oro Division | Sacramento, California (Divisional Headquarters)

Make a difference that lasts. Build the resources that make it possible.

Every day, The Salvation Army serves thousands of people across Northern California and Nevada—through food assistance, disaster relief, shelter and housing programs, human-trafficking recovery, children's services, and rehabilitation centers. Behind every one of those services is a team of dedicated fundraisers who make the mission real.

We're looking for an experienced, forward-thinking Director of Development to lead that team for our Del Oro Division—and to shape the future of giving across our region.

Why you'll love working here

We believe peace of mind matters. That's why our package is built to support you and your family:

• Competitive salary based on experience
• Assigned vehicle for the travel your role requires
• Cell phone allowance
• Full health coverage for you and coverage options available for your dependents
• Retirement plan to secure your future
• Professional development to keep you growing
• Paid time off so you can recharge

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Divisional Commander, you'll lead the strategy and execution of all fundraising across the Del Oro Division. This is more than a fundraising job—it's a leadership role where you'll:

• Direct every facet of development—planned giving, major gifts, donor relations, public relations, capital campaigns, foundation grants, direct marketing, board development, special events, advisory organizations, and the Echelon Women’s Auxiliary
• Build lasting, meaningful supporter relationships while cultivating new revenue streams to fuel our mission
• Lead, mentor, and grow a development team that looks to you for vision and direction
• Tell our story with impact—from compelling proposals for corporate and foundation partners to divisional marketing materials and press releases
• Guide capital campaigns across the division as a trusted consultant, advisor, and coach to Corps Officers and Advisory Boards
• Translate data into momentum—tracking prospects, analyzing trends, and keeping leadership informed with regular reports to the Command Finance Council
• Bring our digital presence to life through direct oversight of social media and our website
• You’ll be based at our Sacramento Divisional Headquarters, with local travel across Northern California and Nevada.

Who we're looking for

• Your experience: Bachelor's degree (Master's preferred) from an accredited college or university, in business, management, marketing, public relations, communications, or related field; 10+ years of progressive responsibility in fundraising and management, including 5–7 years at the Director of Development level with a proven record of sustaining and growing revenue. CFRE Certification is a plus.
• Your leadership: 6–8 years of management experience, strong strategic thinking, and the ability to guide multiple priorities with confidence
• Your knowledge: A command of the full development landscape—individual, corporate, foundation, direct marketing, events, and campaigns
• Your voice: Outstanding written and oral communication that motivates donors, teams, and stakeholders alike
• Your heart: Genuine alignment with The Salvation Army's mission and the self-motivation to lead others toward it

Why The Salvation Army?

The Salvation Army is a Church—and our work, every single day, reflects that calling. Candidates should recognize and respect this mission and agree to support it throughout their employment.

Ready to lead the mission?

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability. Minorities, women, veterans, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.