Director of Fund Development

Salvation Army USA; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA is seeking a senior leader to guide SAWSO fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and national campaigns. You will coordinate with NCRD, SAWSO, Finance, and Communications to ensure effective reporting and donor stewardship.

The role emphasizes data integrity in Salesforce, campaign planning, and cross-department collaboration to advance global humanitarian priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible fundraising, marketing, or development experience.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience.

Responsibilities

• Leads domestic fundraising strategy and execution for SAWSO priorities.
• Builds and manages a portfolio of SAWSO donors and strengthens donor relationships.
• Coordinates national SAWSO fundraising campaigns, donor communications, and marketing initiatives.
• Serves as liaison between NCRD and SAWSO offices for communication and documentation.
• Oversees donor data entry, maintenance, and reporting in the SAWSO CRM (Salesforce).

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Donor engagement

Campaign coordination

Data analysis

CRM management

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business/Marketing/Communications

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

About the Organization

The Salvation Army is an international movement and an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its mission is to meet human needs without discrimination. National Headquarters (NHQ) supports the work of The Salvation Army across the United States and internationally by providing leadership, resources, and strategic support to territorial and local operations.

Provides senior-level fundraising leadership within the National Community Relations and Development Department with a primary focus (approximately 80%) on the Salvation Army World Service Office (SAWSO). This role advances SAWSO’s domestic fundraising strategy through donor engagement, campaign development, data integrity, reporting, and cross-departmental coordination in support of global humanitarian priorities. The remaining focus (approximately 20%) supports other domestic fundraising initiatives and national projects aligned with NCRD priorities.

The Director is responsible for complex, visible, and highly collaborative development processes; evaluates timelines and deliverables; coordinates and administers campaigns, donor communications, presentations, and reporting; and serves as a key liaison between NCRD, SAWSO, Finance, and Communications. Ensures accuracy and effective use of SAWSO’s Constituent Relationship Management system (Salesforce) and supports gift processing, reporting, and data analysis for NCRD leadership.

Key Responsibilities

SAWSO-FOCUSED RESPONSIBILITIES (PRIMARY – APPROX. 80%)

• Leads domestic fundraising strategy and execution in support of SAWSO priorities, working closely with SAWSO leadership, program staff, Finance, and NCRD Communications.


• Builds and manages a portfolio of SAWSO donors with the goal of increasing annual individual giving and strengthening long-term donor relationships using best-practice development strategies.


• Coordinates national SAWSO fundraising campaigns, donor communications, and marketing initiatives; ensures alignment of messaging, timing, and reporting.


• Serves as the primary liaison between NCRD and SAWSO offices, ensuring consistent communication, documentation, and follow-through.


• Oversees accurate entry, maintenance, and reporting of donor and gift data within the SAWSO CRM (Salesforce); partners with SAWSO and NHQ Finance to ensure financial accuracy and reconciliation.


• Prepares and delivers briefings, presentations, and written reports for NCRD leadership, SAWSO leadership, and national stakeholders related to fundraising performance and strategy.


• Researches, compiles, interprets, and summarizes complex information to support fundraising planning, donor engagement, and leadership decision-making.


• Conducts site visits and meetings, as appropriate, to engage SAWSO program staff and fundraising professionals and to strengthen alignment between programs and donor interests.


• Tracks campaign results, analyzes trends, and reports progress toward goals; ensures activities comply with Salvation Army policies and procedures.

OTHER DOMESTIC FUNDRAISING RESPONSIBILITIES (SECONDARY – APPROX. 20%)

• Supports select domestic fundraising initiatives and national projects led by NCRD, providing coordination, research, reporting, and campaign support as requested.


• Assists with planning and presenting to national groups, task forces, and advisory committees to support aligned fundraising initiatives.


• Participates in cross-departmental special projects, events, conferences, and committee meetings related to domestic fundraising priorities.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Maintains open and proactive communication with supervisors and colleagues; keeps department leadership informed of significant developments, challenges, and opportunities.


• Responds to correspondence and information requests in a timely, accurate, and professional manner.


• Maintains confidentiality and exercises sound judgment in handling sensitive information.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

Performs special projects and related work as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field, and

Five years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, marketing, or development-related work, or

Any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

Valid Driver’s License

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of fundraising principles, donor engagement strategies, and campaign coordination.


• Knowledge of CRM systems and data management; Salesforce preferred.


• Strong analytical, organizational, and project-management skills.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with accuracy and professionalism.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.


• Ability to prepare clear, compelling reports and presentations for senior leadership and diverse audiences.


• Ability to work independently with limited supervision and collaboratively across departments.


• Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships at divisional, territorial, and national levels.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion.