The Salvation Army Mission:

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 of God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Scope of Position:

The Regional Director of Development (RDOD) is a mission-driven leader who oversees the Spokane region and the Spokane Corps’ Community Relations and Development (CRD) Department. With a deep commitment to the values of The Salvation Army, the RDOD is responsible for advancing community and donor relations, marketing initiatives, and fundraising strategies to grow support and awareness of the organization’s programs within the larger Spokane Metro Area including outside City limits. Reporting to the Spokane Corps Officers and with a dotted line responsibility to the Northwest Divisional Director of Development, this role requires the individual to manage a team of professionals and support staff and also raise funds from their own assigned caseload of donors and public funders to meet ambitious goals that align with The Salvation Army’s mission and impact.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Education and Experience: Bachelor of Arts or Sciences degree in communications, business, or a related field; advanced degree or program in marketing desirable and /or Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) status in Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).  At least seven years of development team management experience including supervisory experience. Fundraising Expertise: At least seven years of demonstrated and proven success in fundraising leadership, including managing a team and fostering a collaborative work environment. Communication Skills: Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with a proven ability to engage diverse audiences and stakeholders; handles proprietary and confidential funding data.  Demonstrates effective interpersonal, conversational, influence and presentation skills including situational awareness and leadership. Demonstrated Experience: Track record of building fruitful relationships with diverse individuals including executives (external, Divisional and Territorial), high-capacity donors, corporate partners, leadership volunteers, and community leaders; and demonstrated success in soliciting gifts at the five-figure and higher level. Six to ten years’ experience in strategic planning, public relations, goal-based fundraising, grant writing, and portfolio management. Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, integrated database applications, website management systems, and social media platforms. Travel: Valid Washington State driver’s license with ability to travel as needed.

Key Attributes:

Passionate commitment to The Salvation Army’s mission and values, with the ability to reflect this in professional responsibilities. High level of emotional intelligence, situational awareness, poise during crises response and customer service skills. Detail-oriented, with a focus on accuracy, thoroughness, and confidentiality; and a strong ability to meet or exceed timelines. Self-motivated, highly organized, strategic, creative, flexible, and team-oriented with high ethical standards.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Leadership and Team Management:

Provide strategic direction, coaching, and accountability for Spokane region CRD employees, which includes donor management, marketing, fundraising events, community outreach, and volunteer engagement. Work closely with Northwest Divisional CRD staff to align local efforts with divisional strategies, including grants, direct mail, planned giving, donor data management, and divisional. Develop and implement the Spokane Corps’ annual Community Relations and Development (CRD) Plan and Calendar, incorporating public relations, individual giving, corporate contributions, marketing, special events, grants, and other revenue streams. Set clear benchmarks and income goals for team members, monitor progress, and report results to the Corps Officers during regular meetings.

Donor Relations and Fundraising:

Manage a portfolio of about fifty to seventy-five active corporate and community donors, with a focus on stewardship, cultivation, solicitation strategies, and growth of donor file and giving in Spokane. Develop and execute a tailored written communication/solicitation plan for donors, including setting individual fundraising goals and creating opportunities for personal engagement. Work closely with DHQ to be sure communications align with divisional procedures for donor approaches and messaging. Conduct site visits, program tours, and face-to-face meetings to connect donors with the mission and impact of The Salvation Army. Transition of at least fifteen prospective donors to active contributors annually. Achieve monthly and annual income and activity goals as set by Corps Officers, and DHQ/THQ standards. Enter all interactions with donors into donor files in TSA CRM following organizational guidelines. Partner with leadership and volunteers to enhance donor engagement and support. Ensures excellent customer service is provided to donors through accessibility to staff and leadership (as granted), timely responsiveness, quality in all interactions and personalized communications.

Grant Writing:

Create, submit, and manage grant submissions for public funding of Spokane programs, working closely with Social Services, Corps Officers, and DHQ CRD. Identify opportunities for grant funding by both private and public funding sources, sending private opportunities on to DHQ grants team for application. Support DHQ grants team in efforts for Spokane by assisting with creation of narratives and collection of reporting data by assigned deadlines.

Marketing and Communications:

Develops and implements marketing strategies including managing relationships with media, for direct and indirect fundraising efforts and identifying and managing advertising opportunities. Includes creating talking, speeches and event scripts. Ensure that all external communications align with national brand standards. Create and maintain a Resource Library with detailed program descriptions, client impact stories, budgets, and statistics to align donor interests with organizational priorities. Coordinate public speaking opportunities for Corps Officers, preparing speeches and presentations to inspire community support. Oversees the Spokane Corps’ website and social media strategy. Develops goals, strategies and implementation plans to increase digital engagement and giving. Oversees creation and production of Corps Annual report.

Event Management:

Manages Spokane Corps’ annual fundraising events. Develop goals, strategies and implementation plans for each event to increase community engagement and fundraising. Grow events each year – meeting budgeted numbers for increased participation and support. Oversee event planning, logistics, and staff performance to deliver a meaningful and engaging experience for attendees. Responsible for the design and production of the Spokane Region annual report aligning mission and messaging with all marketing and development strategies. Ensure events remain within budget while accurately accounting for all financial aspects and meeting deadlines.

Community Engagement and Crisis Response:

Strengthen community relationships through outreach efforts, enhancing the Spokane Corps’ visibility and influence. During an emergency or disaster, partners with Spokane Corps officers and colleagues respond rapidly and incisively to the public’s need for information and desire to help in times of community need. Facilitate capital campaigns and other large-scale fundraising efforts as needed.

Professional Development and General Duties:

Assist Spokane Corps officers in engaging and informing the Spokane Advisory Board on all fundraising, marketing and communications and community engagement efforts. Participates in recommended professional trainings as budget allows, and DHQ/THQ meetings, trainings, and conferences. Meets regularly with Spokane Corps officers, divisional and territorial management (in person and/or via phone) to discuss and refine caseload plans, donor strategies and progress tracking. Also, receives coaching as requested or needed and works to keep open lines of communication at the divisional and territorial level. Facilitates effective, successful capital campaign efforts when relevant for the Spokane Corps. Performs other work-related items as assigned.

Software-Related Skills

Microsoft Office Suite Working knowledge of integrated database applications and ability to use new software program with basic training Working knowledge of website content management system Ability to maintain, identify, and establish social media avenues, such as Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc. Working knowledge of print/media production such as flyers, brochures, and newsletters Use of cellular phone applications

Work Schedule / Location: 

Monday through Friday / In-person Travel to events, community donors, DHQ or THQ will occur.

The information in this job description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this classification. It is not to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory, or all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications of employees assigned to this job. Management has the right to add to, revise, or delete information in this description. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by management.

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 meet the physical requirements of the position. The Salvation Army would attempt to satisfy requests if the accommodation needed is a reasonable and no undue hardship would result.