DIRECTOR OF MAJOR GIFTS AND DONOR RELATIONS
THE SALVATION ARMY—SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND DIVISION

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. The organization was founded in 1865 in London, England when ordained minister William Booth and his wife Catherine determined to use their ministry to serve people in the city’s worst poverty-stricken districts. The organization adopted a quasi-military structure and has functioned successfully within that model for more than 100 years. Today The Salvation Army serves its constituents in over 115 countries and in more than 160 languages. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The Salvation Army of Southern New England Division (www.salvationarmyct.org) operates 25 Corps Community Centers throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island. In addition to providing emergency services, The Salvation Army also offers after school and child care programs, a summer camp with activities for youth and seniors, workshops in music and worship arts, and more. In 2011, the Southern New England Division alone provided more than 384,000 meals and 16,000 nights of shelter.

The Donor Relations Director (DRD) position demands a seasoned, focused, and dedicated senior development professional with a track record of cultivation and stewardship of donors with five-and six-figure gift capacity. The DRD will play an integral role in the success of the overall Division’s fund development efforts, specifically leading major gift strategies and communication for Fairfield and Litchfield Counties (CT). The DRD will be in command of a high end portfolio of donors and prospects, and will develop and manage a major donor caseload of 140-150 individuals whose gifts currently range from $5,000 to $50,000 with the capacity to make gifts of $500,000 or more. In this role, the DRD will identify, cultivate, solicit, steward, and upgrade major gift prospects and donors, acting as the primary contact between The Army and the donors. He or she will report on a day to day basis to the Director of Development at Divisional Headquarters in Hartford, CT, with additional reporting responsibilities to the Office for Special Gifts for technical assistance. Additionally, the selected candidate will work with program and command staff as needed to further enhance Divisional fundraising.

Candidates will thrive in a faith-based organization. While not required to embrace the tenets of the Salvation Army church, the DRD will be expected to promote and respect the organization’s mission.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish and create a strategic communications plan to identify, educate, cultivate and solicit gifts for all major donors each fiscal year.
• Manage a caseload of 140-150 major donors, following the prescribed communications plan that is specific to each donor.
• Help shape overall strategies to continually increase major gifts revenue and program growth; establish and work toward annual goals for each donor and for the overall major gifts program.
• Lead in all one-to-one solicitation, gift acknowledgement, and stewardship communication, traveling as necessary.
• Work in close conjunction with other fund development officers, ensuring collaboration between direct mail, foundation, corporate, and planned giving efforts.
• Provide assistance and leadership for written major donor proposals.

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

• A passion for The Salvation Army’s mission.
• Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of three years experience in a non-profit fundraising role with a proven record of success in developing and executing fundraising objectives.
• Track record of effectiveness as a donor steward; demonstrated ability to close gifts of five figures and above.
• Effective interpersonal skills and excellent written and oral communication abilities.
• Proven expertise in building and maintaining positive relationships with diverse individuals.
• Self-motivated individual who relishes problem solving and exudes exude energy and initiative.
• High degree of comfort interacting with donors and with complex, sensitive discussions of personal and family finances; ability to “make the ask”
• Engaged team player who also enjoys working independently in a complex environment, managing multiple projects and competing priorities.
• Willingness to travel regularly throughout Connecticut.
• Demonstrated ability to set and achieve goals and meet deadlines.
• A proficiency in Word and Excel; experience with donor tracking and/or database software is preferred.

COMPENSATION: Competitive with excellent benefits package.

FOR CONSIDERATION: Applicants and sources should call or send credentials immediately to:

Jennie Dawes, subject line "TSA-SNE"
H C SMITH LTD
20600 Chagrin Boulevard, Suite #101
Shaker Heights, OH 44122-5344

E-mail: jennie@hcsmith.com
Phone: (216) 752-9966
Toll Free: (800) 442-7583
Fax: (216) 752-9970
www.hcsmith.com

Our client is an equal opportunity employer.