Director of Development (7957)

Job Summary

Plans, develops, implements, administers, evaluates, and monitors an aggressive direct fundraising program in a targeted geographical area including the service area of the Northwest Arkansas Area Command (NWAAC) under the direction of the Area Commander; develops and secures funds to achieve/surpass fundraising goals through a variety of financial development vehicles including: (1) individual gifts and individual donor upgrading; (2) corporate gifts and sponsorships; (3) foundation support for specific programs and projects; (4) direct mail appeals; (5) government grants; and (5) capital campaigns, and special events.  Works directly and independently with local officers, their boards and committees to develop local promotional plans; plans and coordinates public relations activities and ensures compliance with the designated budget; confers directly with Divisional Headquarters administration and Boards as well as Territorial Headquarters when necessary. 

­Fundraising & Supervision (90%)

Plans, develops, implements, administers, and sustains an aggressive financial development plan for Northwest Arkansas within the Arkansas-Oklahoma Division; develops, plans, and conducts appropriate fundraising activities in support of the Area Command’s budget and programs; submits programs to the Area Commander for review, direction, and approval.

Solicits donations and cultivates relationships with donors in order to develop, secure, and maintain new income sources for present and long term financial support; ensures that all requests from donors and potential donors for information and clarification are responded to in an accurate, timely, and professional manner; evaluates day-to-day fundraising efforts to ensure that fundraising goals are met and or exceeded. 

Performs both short and long-term program planning and develops recommendations for enhancing financial development effectiveness; develops financial development goals for each program or activity and monitors progress to ensure goals are attained; establishes methods & measures for monitoring & evaluating fundraising goals and objectives; prepares an annual goal of dollars to be raised and gifts to be obtained for the fiscal year October 1st thru September 30th and submits the same for the Area Commander’s approval. 

Develops and coordinates the operation of fundraising appeals; identifies new and innovative methods of increasing direct mail appeals; works closely with mail service firms to ensure productivity, effectiveness, and efficiency.

Plans, develops, and initiates a fundraising strategy to develop corporate gifts and sponsorships as well as foundation support for special programs and projects; researches financial status and philosophy or organizations to identify potential prospects for major gifts; contacts corporations to identify corporate representatives responsible for donor solicitation; cultivates and maintains an effective working relationship with corporate officials.

Maintains awareness of government legislation; reviews government publications to identify special funding available through government grants; obtains and completes grant applications to acquire funds; reviews and monitors grant stipulations and requirements to determine if the Salvation Army is eligible to receive funds; monitors the use of resulting funds to ensure compliance with government regulations.

Plans, develops, coordinates and monitors all details associated with the production of fundraising special events and campaigns; identifies the necessary resources, equipment, and personnel; plans event procedures and fundraising goals; recruits, motivates, and instructs volunteers and staff.

Plans, coordinates, and monitors public relations activities necessary to promote and conduct fundraising programs; develops printed materials such as brochures, flyers, posters, etc. and coordinates special mass mailings to the general public, prospects, and donors; plans and coordinates media advertisements including local television, radio and newspaper coverage; ensures that the image projected is in compliance with The Salvation Army standards and mission; evaluates appropriateness and effectiveness of public relations efforts.

Researches and analyzes the local market by conducting surveys and studies of the assigned geographical area to obtain and maintain awareness of the geographic and socio-economic characteristics; determines appropriate fundraising vehicles and frequency of the same necessary to generate maximum level of donations and to meet/surpass established financial development goals.

Works with Commanding officers, their Boards and committees to develop local promotional plans; conducts presentations to the advisory boards.

Builds and maintains effective working relationships with professionals in the community; solicits and secures corporate sponsorships and major gifts as well as foundation support for The Salvation Army programs; maintains up-to-date and complete records regarding the same; ensures that corporations receive appropriate recognition and gratitude from The Salvation Army.

Develops, prepares and monitors regular financial reports illustrating financial development progress; established and maintains an organized and efficient donor record-keeping system ensuring that accurate and complete records are prepared and maintained for each donor. 

Develops the annual financial development program budget; administers the affairs of the position within the approved budget; prepares special financial reports as requested.

Assist the Commanding Officer in efforts to coordinate all program activities and services, and to advance the interests of the total Army program and strengthen the efforts of the officers and Advisory Board in developing and carrying on effective and relevant programs and services

Other Responsibilities (10%)

Maintains an effective working relationship with the AOK Divisional Development Director, the divisional Associate Planned Giving Director for Arkansas, and the divisional Regional Resource Development Director for Arkansas by referring leads and sharing information that may enhance the overall effectiveness and efficiency of the NWAAC and divisional fundraising efforts.

Maintains up-to-date awareness of the latest fundraising ideas and incorporates them into the NWAAC fundraising plans and strategies.  Works with the NWAC Development committee to plan and coordinate fundraising strategies; reviews recommendations and reports; prepares minutes of committee meetings; prepares quarterly reports on development activities and results within the NWAAC service area.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

Ability to travel throughout the assigned region on a frequent basis to work with local units, prospects and donors, Board members, volunteers and professionals in the communities.

Ability to meet attendances requirements

Ability to read, write, and communicate the English language.

Ability to understand and manage budgets and financial matters

Ability to travel throughout assigned geographical area on a frequent basis

Working Conditions

Work is performed in a normal office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt, and the like.

Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with specialized training in fundraising management And Four to six years’ experience of progressively responsible experience in fundraising and fundraising management.
OR Any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Certifications/Licenses
Valid State Driver’s License

National Society of Fundraising Executives (NSFRE) certification as a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) preferable