Full Time Exempt Director of Development

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The Salvation Army USA Western Territory in Sacramento is seeking a Director of Development to lead the Del Oro Division's fundraising efforts, plan long‑range programs, and oversee donor relations and communications.

You will supervise staff, develop capital campaigns, identify new funders, build sustainable revenue streams, and ensure programs stay within budgets while advancing the division's mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree; Master’s preferred in business, marketing, or related field.
• AFP CFRE certification desirable.
• 5–7 years at Director level with proven revenue growth.
• 6–8 years progressive management with strategic thinking.
• 7–10 years fundraising experience with leadership responsibilities.
• Knowledge of development programs and donor engagement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee development staff and ensure fundraising goals are met.
• Lead production of donor communications and funding proposals.
• Plan and supervise capital campaigns and major gifts.
• Maintain donor relationships and cultivate new revenue sources.
• Coordinate fundraising strategies and policy implementations.

Skills

Fundraising leadership

Strategic planning

Donor relations

Team leadership

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Masters preferred

Tools

CRM software

Donor management systems

Job description

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army 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.

Basic Purpose

Under the direction of the Divisional Commander, the Director of Development will provide professional leadership and direction to the fundraising effort in the Del Oro Division. Will plan, organize, and direct all ongoing and special project-funding programs for the Del Oro Division. Will oversee all areas of development including planning, interpretation, coordination, implementation, and management of fundraising activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Oversee the production of high quality written communication for funders at all stages of the development process, including communicating the Salvation Army's vision, mission and strategic priorities; develop proposals for foundation and corporate prospects; divisional marketing materials; and press releases; understanding inherent trends and communities they will continually build our knowledge base of current and potential supporters in the funding community by identifying and contracting new funders to generate new revenue streams.
• Ensure that the following programs are appropriately staffed and run productively and efficiently within their budgets: Planned Giving, Financial Development, Donor Relations, Public Relations, Capital Campaigns, Major Gifts, Board Development, Special Events, Advisory Organizations, and Echelon Women's Auxiliary and Foundation Grants. Oversight includes planning, coordination, implementation, and management of fundraising activities with a focus on teamwork and integration among disciplines.
• Prepare strategic plan with short and long‑range goals to meet funding objectives. Coordinate and evaluate fundraising strategies, regulations, and procedures.
• Ensure that existing donor relationships are maintained, and new income sources are cultivated. Oversee advanced research in locating and nurturing new prospects.
• Appoint, lead, evaluate and manage development staff to ensure established goals are met.
• Provide consulting support to locations that may be anticipating or planning capital fund campaigns. Provide assistance and leadership to areas throughout the division on capital campaigns.
• Establish development policies, systems, and procedures. Implement all administrative decisions and policies involving the Director of Development and its programs and keep the administrative advised of those changes and actions.
• Direct oversight for Social Media and website management.
• Provide regular updates and reports to Command Finance Council regarding the alignment of goals and objectives for the Division and the results.
• Plan and coordinate fund and solicitation drives for ongoing and special projects. Identify potential contributors through examination of past records, individual and corporate contracts, and knowledge of community.
• Develop donor strategy for Capital Campaign, follow program and acquisition.
• Inform potential contributors of special needs and encourage individuals, corporations, and foundations to establish or contribute to special funds through donations, endowments, trusts or bequests.
• Provide direction as resident consultant to Corps Officers, program Directors, Program advisory Boards, and other entities regarding fundraising. Provide advice, training, and mentoring to corps officers, professional development staff, and Advisory Boards on CRD related matters, including all discipline areas of fund development, board development and management, crisis management, disaster media relations, studies, and campaigns.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Qualifications Requirements

• At minimum, a Baccalaureate Degree; Masters preferred - in business, management, marketing, public relations, communications or another field.
• Degree from an accredited college or university in Fund Raising, Business Administration, Marketing, or related field.
• Associate of Fundraising professional (AFP) Certificate or Certified Fund‑Raising Executive (CFRE) desirable.
• Five to seven professional paid work experience at the Director of Development level with a proven track record to maintain existing and generate new revenue streams.
• Six to eight years progressive management experience; demonstration of strategic thinking; the ability to successfully multi‑task; and demonstration of strong oral and written communication skills.
• Seven to ten years' experience with progressive responsibility in fundraising and management.
• Knowledge of all components of a total development program; effective communication skills both oral and written; experience in planning, organizing, staffing, directing and controlling delegated resources; sensitivity to the comprehensive mission of the Salvation Army; must be self‑motivated, reliant, and the ability to motivate and lead others.
• Knowledge of the Salvation Army's mission, philosophy, and strategic priorities within the Del Oro Division. Knowledge of principles and practices of individual, corporate, foundation, grants and budgetary areas.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Must possess a valid California Class C Driver license and ability to drive a Salvation Army vehicle.
• Must be 21 years or older.
• Must be able to successfully pass a criminal background check to include a DOJ livescan Fingerprint check.
• Complete 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 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.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities.

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.