Job Information
The Salvation Army Northwest Division Donor Relations Director - Western Washington in Seattle, Washington
Description DEPARTMENT: Development POSITION TITLE: Donor Relations Director - Western Washington STATUS: Regular Full-time/Exempt JOB SUMMARY: Based in Seattle, Washington. The Donor Relations Director (DRD) plays a key and integral role in the success of the Northwest Division's fundraising efforts, specifically through ongoing and proactive relationship management, strategic communications plans, gifts cultivation, and solicitation activity with an assigned caseload of major donors and smaller group (10%) of assigned qualified significant gifts prospects. In this role, the DRD will identify, qualify, be assigned, cultivate, solicit, and steward major gift donors (90%) and prospects (10%), acting as the primary contact between The Army and the assigned caseload, with an emphasis on securing gifts of $5,000 and much higher, increasing significant gifts to The Salvation Army while retaining and strengthening existing giving. This individual will focus on raising funds in Western Washington. ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS: Reflects The Salvation Army's mission and values through one's professional responsibilities and behavior. Bachelor's degree or comparable experience, plus a minimum of five years of experience in a non-profit or equivalent fundraising role with a proven track record of major gifts success. Effective interpersonal, conversational, and presentation skills, demonstrating emotional intelligence, situational awareness, excellent writing abilities, and strong case development and pitching skills. Proven expertise in developing and maintaining positive relationships with diverse individuals, including executives, leadership, volunteers, major donors, and internal stakeholders. Enjoy problem-solving, think strategically and creatively, take the initiative, and consistently follow through. A high level of comfort with direct donor interaction, including discussing personal and family finances and asking for significant financial commitments, is a must. Willingness and ability to travel regularly to attend board meetings and events at managed facilities. A valid Driver's License is required. Able to work independently in a fast-paced environment without extensive administrative support. Experience working with comparable customer relationship management software. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Manages a caseload of 150 assigned and qualified major donors. Additionally, seeks to engage with a small prospective donor list. Creates a caseload communications plan, including individual fundraising goals and personalized strategies, to effectively steward, educate, cultivate, and solicit gifts from major donors each fiscal year, emphasizing $5,000 and higher gifts. Works diligently to meet agreed-upon monthly and annual activity and income production goals. Leads in one-to-one solicitation, gift acknowledgments, and stewardship communications. Develops research and briefing memorandums in preparation for team discussions. Meets regularly with supervisor and territorial major gifts management (in person and virtually) to discuss and refine caseload plans, donor strategies, and progress tracking. Participates in regional training, virtual meetings, conferences, and other professional development opportunities as budget allows. Works closely with other development staff and officers, pursuing and contributing to harmonious collaboration between direct marketing, social media, foundation, corporation, and planned giving activities for optimal integrated strategies. Works closely with local officers, program, finance, development marketing and communications, and administrative support staff to develop a "development plan" (comprehensive communications plan) as well a portfolio of giving opportunities that outline program costs, impact, outcomes, shortfalls, and exciting mission advancement opportunities. Presents these opport