Donor Relations Specialist

Overview

Location: Divisional Headquarters, Advancement Department (Hartford, CT)

Status: Exempt, Full-time

Hours Per Week: 40

Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:30 am – 4:30 pm 

Scope of Position: Lead the design and implementation of a robust mid-level donor relations program for the Division. Develop a comprehensive strategic action plan for managing the mid-level donor portfolio and consider transitioning to Major Gifts or Gift Planning portfolios. Work with the THQ direct mail, digital marketing program, and database managers to determine a strategic plan of cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship efforts for mid-level donors identified through those channels. Work with the THQ Associate Director of Major Gifts, who provides oversight and support on portfolio management and goal setting.

Responsibilities

• Establish engagement plans to identify, qualify, educate, cultivate, and solicit gifts from mid-level donors to retain and increase their annual giving to The Salvation Army and transition to major gift and gift planning portfolios.
• Manage a portfolio of 400 mid-level donors to cultivate relationships, solicitations, gift acknowledgments, and stewardship.
• Tier all qualified mid-level donors to ensure priority is given to those most interested in becoming more engaged.
• Use analytical and experiential thinking to evaluate donor capabilities.
• Be knowledgeable and engaged with the direct response and mail appeals.
• Engage the mid-level donor group with highly personalized outreach efforts, including but not limited to five to eight in-person or virtual donor meetings per quarter.
• Analyze and regularly evaluate the CRM to identify potential mid-level prospects.
• Request research of donors and prospects to determine their financial capacity.
• Communicate effectively with Territorial Headquarters’ (THQ) CRM team and participate in required webinars and meetings.
• Develop and implement strategies that nurture donor loyalty and foster personal relationships with The Salvation Army.
• Track mid-level giving prospects and donors and document their cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities in the CRM database (Salesforce) and Sisense, as THQ requires.
• Collaborate with the Donor Relations and Gift Planning teams to identify and transition higher-capacity major and planned-giving donor prospects for additional personalized cultivation.
• Identify potential prospects for matching and momentum-building gifts for annual giving campaigns and events.
• Work closely with the Donor Relations Director (DRD) and the DRD Administrative Assistant to administer the William Booth Society, including the annual mailings and newsletters.
• Collaborate with Corps Officers overseeing William Booth Societies to ensure compliance with Territory guidelines.
• Serves as an ambassador of The Salvation Army both internally and externally.
• Participate in establishing client success stories and testimonials as a tool in overall donor cultivation strategies.
• Collaborate on creative design, messaging, and data segmentation for mid-level prospect mailings.
• Build relationships with current and lapsed mid-level donors via phone calls, personalized email communications, ongoing written contact, virtual and in-person visits, and events.
• Act as the primary contact for incoming requests from mid-level donors, tracking feedback and responses in the CRM database.
• Develop plans demonstrating appreciation, recognition, and engagement of mid-level donors.
• Stays abreast of industry best practices in mid-level donor management and implements practical innovations to the program.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree and two to three years of gift officer experience with demonstrated success in developing cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies is highly preferred.
• A high level of comfort with direct donor interaction, including discussing personal finances and asking for money, is necessary.
• A positive “can-do” attitude.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with donor tracking and CRM database software (Salesforce) are pluses.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
• Able to work independently, manage multiple projects and conflicting priorities, and be willing to travel occasionally.
• Clear and persuasive written and verbal communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
• Demonstrate discretion, integrity, and confidentiality in dealing with all matters.
• Demonstrated ability to set and achieve goals as well as meet deadlines.
• Detail-oriented and able to work in a fast-paced environment independently and as part of a team.
• Effective interpersonal skills and proven expertise in building positive relationships with diverse individuals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking.
• Must complete the KeepSAfe training and other required training upon hire.
• Must maintain a professional appearance.
• Proficiency in word processing, desktop publishing, database/spreadsheets, and donor-tracking software.
• Self-motivated and dependable.
• Should thrive at problem-solving and analytics and exude energy and self-initiative.
• Strong time-management skills with the ability to organize.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required. 
• Will understand, respect, and promote the interest of The Salvation Army. The individual is not required to embrace the tenets of faith, but they are required to promote and respect the mission of The Salvation Army.

The Salvation Army is pleased to offer a comprehensive benefits program to full-time employees who work at least 30 hours per week, including...

• Comprehensive health care coverage, including dental/vision/hearing, with low-cost employee premiums, co-pays, and deductibles
• Employer-funded pension plan (100% vested after five years of eligible service)
• Telehealth/online doctor visits
• $20K Basic Life Insurance including grief counseling services, funeral planning services, and will/power of attorney/legal document preparation (no cost to employee) 
• Voluntary life insurance
• Short-term disability coverage (no cost to employee)
• Long-term disability coverage
• Supplemental insurance coverage options (Aflac, homeowners, auto, and pet insurance)
• Flexible spending accounts for health care and dependent care
• 403(b) tax-deferred annuity plan
• Generous paid time off, including holidays, vacation, sick, personal, bereavement, and marriage leave
• Eligibility for the federal government’s Public Student Loan Forgiveness Program
• Most importantly – a job with a great purpose, inspiring you to make a difference every day! 

Learn more about The Salvation Army's Southern New England Division at https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southern-new-england/ 

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Salary : $20,000