Donor Relations Director; Southern Indiana

Donor Relations Director (Southern Indiana)

#I230-25977

Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Salary Range Starting at: $70,000.00 annually

Job Objective: The purpose of the position is to play an integral role in the success of the Indiana Division's fund development efforts, through ongoing and proactive relationship management, strategic communications, written plans, gift cultivation, and solicitation activity with an assigned portfolio of qualified major gift donors. Incumbent is responsible for identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gift donors with an emphasis on securing gifts of $5,000 and higher.

Incumbent will serve as the primary contact between The Salvation Army (TSA) and an assigned portfolio to increase major gifts while retaining existing giving. Incumbent will work directly with other fundraisers, senior staff and volunteer leadership. Candidates must be comfortable representing a faith‑based organization and engaging donors whose philanthropic motivations may be closely connected to Christian mission and values.

Essential Functions:

• Helps assure the Indiana Division Philanthropy team achieves its fundraising goals in collaboration with others in the Development Department and interdepartmentally.
• Manages a portfolio of 125-150 qualified major donors and additional prospects as assigned to establish and maintain excellent donor relations.
• Establishes, manages and executes a portfolio communications plan that includes individual fundraising goals and personalized strategies to steward, educate, cultivate, solicit, and secure gifts from major donors each fiscal year with an emphasis on contributions of $5,000 or higher.
• Follows a communication plan that is specific to each donor and prospect. Develop relationships with assigned donors and prospects through cultivation calls, letters and handwritten notes, emphasizing face‑to‑face meetings.
• Leads in one‑to‑one solicitation, gift acknowledgement, and stewardship communications with donors and prospects as assigned, traveling as necessary, to meet agreed upon monthly/annual activity and income production goals.
• Accountable for portfolio performance, including donor retention, growth, and progress toward annual major gifts revenue expectations.
• Works with donor volunteer leadership, as appropriate, to secure volunteer opportunities for and with major donors.
• Follows best practices in one‑to‑one solicitation, gift acknowledgement, and stewardship communications to establish and maintain excellent donor relations.
• Prepares and provides written proposals to major gift prospects as needed.
• Inputs into Salesforce donor related cultivation activities, solicitations, and stewardship activities and donor related biographical or donor preference information.
• Uses special events (e.g., Donut Day, Lunches with Officers, etc.), TSA site tours, face‑to‑face briefings by TSA leaders, and other initiatives to engage assigned donors to deepen their awareness of the impact of TSA's work—especially in areas of interest to the donor. Participates in such opportunities with donors.
• Meets regularly with immediate supervisor and territorial major gifts management, by phone or in person, to discuss and refine portfolio plans, donor strategies organizational priorities, troubleshoot challenging situations, track progress, receive coaching, and maintain open lines of communications.
• Participate in recommended professional development activities, including training, conferences, and conference calls with other major gifts staff.
• Work with the Sr. Director of Donor Relations, Sr. Director of Gift and Estate Planning, Executive Development Director, and Salvation Army Officers as part of a team of fundraisers for the Indiana Division, including joint strategy sessions and other matters important for an effective development effort.
• Assist in the organization of occasional events and small donor meetings for cultivation and stewardship purposes.
• Supports the mission of The Salvation Army by treating every client, stakeholder, and colleague with individual respect and dignity. Maintains positive work atmosphere by behaving and…