Director of Philanthropy-San Diego regional office-13-130

Missi0on Statement

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.

Position Summary

The Regional Director of Philanthropy is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies to support The Salvation Army’s mission. This role will cultivate, solicit, and steward individual, corporate, and foundation donors within a specified region of the Golden State Division, ensuring strong relationships and sustainable revenue growth. The ideal candidate is an experienced, strategic, and results-driven fundraiser with a passion for making a meaningful impact.

Essential Functions

Fundraising & Donor Development

• In collaboration with the County Coordinators attend and provide staff assistance to the Metro Advisory Board meetings, executive committee meetings, finance/development committee meetings and the impact committee meetings.
• Develop and manage relationships with donors, local corporate donors, and local foundations.
• Maintain a caseload of approximately 110 relationally qualified donors.
• Develop donor plans aligned with territorial benchmarks and metrics, including per-donor fundraising goals and strategies for gifts of $5,000 and higher.
• Engage in face-to-face donor meetings, presentations, and proposal development.
• Cultivate relationships with grant funders and manage grant proposals and reports.
• Collaborate with the Development Team, and other teams, to coordinate fundraising efforts.
• Coordinate with divisional staff in identifying Planned Gifts, as applicable.

Strategy & Planning

• Understand the funding needs for the region, including existing and expanded operations.
• Coordinate development efforts with Corps Officers, Regional Leadership, Divisional Development Department and contracted fundraising firms.
• Regularly update leadership on fundraising progress and challenges.

Community Engagement & Advocacy

• In cooperation with local units represent The Salvation Army at regional events, conferences, and networking opportunities.
• Develop partnerships with community leaders, board members, and volunteers.
• Consult with leadership to align strategies with organizational priorities and address challenges.

Operational & Administrative Responsibilities

• Provides supervision of daily operations of the San Diego County Development Team.
• Meets regularly with the SoCal Divisional Director of Development for strategy and progress to goals and initiatives.
• Document all donor/funder interactions in the CRM, following established practices or policies.
• Prepare reports on fundraising activities, donor engagement, and revenue projections.
• Attend board meetings as a guest, when requested, to learn about programs and development goals.
• Maintain communication and cooperation between the Development Department and other local departments
• Participate in professional training, meetings, and development opportunities.
• Carry out office and computer-related tasks to fulfill the position goals.
• Ensure compliance with Salvation Army Policies, ethical standards, and legal regulations.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree or comparable experience
• Minimum five years in non-profit fundraising with a successful track record in major gifts and grants
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong relationship management and customer service skills
• Ability to travel regionally and occasionally work evenings and weekends
• Proficient in Microsoft products and online resources for internet research
• Experience managing a portfolio and direct solicitation
• Comfortable with direct donor interaction and major financial commitments
• Highly organized with ability to manage multiple projects independently
• Familiarity with fundraising and workplace ethics
• Adaptable and flexible in changing job situations
• Goal-oriented and able to meet/exceed expectations
• Discrete with confidential information
• Detail-oriented with focus on quality and accuracy
• Ability to build positive relationships with diverse individuals
• Support and promote The Salvation Army’s mission and values
• Valid Driver’s License and willingness to travel regularly