Major Gifts Officer (aka: Donor Relations Director)

JOIN THE SALVATION ARMY’S GROWING FUNDRAISING TEAM IN THE WESTERN USA TERRITORY and become part of an exciting new major gifts program making a profound impact!

The Salvation Army – USA Western Territory, Alaska Division is seeking a compassionate, dynamic and entrepreneurial fundraising professional as its next Major Gifts Officer (aka: Donor Relations Director). A minimum of five years’ individual giving/ major gifts experience in a highly productive and progressive development and communications program within the nonprofit sector is required. Preference is given to those who have served in a faith-based organization, and specific to this search for the MGO/DRD in the Alaska Division, possess a strong working knowledge of Alaska’s different areas, its peoples and philanthropic community.

It is imperative that the person who assumes this important role fully embrace, support and reflect well on The Salvation Army’s mission and values through one’s professional responsibilities and behavior at all times. The MGO/DRD will be creative, energetic and determined, with a talent to identify and develop opportunities for donors and The Salvation Army to come together.

The Salvation Army offers a competitive salary and a robust benefits package. The MGO/DRD position finalist will be required to submit a full background and reference checks.

The Salvation Army is committed to offering equal employment opportunity to all applicants and to all employees without regard to race, color, gender, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, genetic predisposition and/or any other lawfully protected classification or occupationally irrelevant criteria. Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V

Specific Requirements Include:

• Passion for The Salvation Army’s mission coupled with a strong commitment to know and understand the Army’s history, mission and structure, as well as, its services, policies and procedures.
• Bachelor’s Degree; Advanced degree and/or CFRE credential preferred.
• Minimum of five years of experience in a nonprofit fundraising role with a proven track record of major gifts success and a strong working knowledge of strategy development and moves management systems in the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship processes.
• Highly effective interpersonal, conversational and presentational skills, demonstrating an emotional intelligence and situational awareness, in tandem with, excellent writing abilities and strong case development and sales pitch skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and maintaining positive relationships with diverse individuals, including executives, high-level volunteers and wealthy donors, as well as, internal stakeholders and leadership.
• Prowess in problem-solving, strategic and creative thinking, plus, taking initiative with consistent and good follow-through.
• Great comfort level with direct donor interaction is a must, including discussions of personal and family finances and asking for major financial commitments.
• Team player, able to check ego at the door, with a capacity to collaborate effectively with officers, staff and volunteers for successful achievement of position and department goals.
• Communications and management style that exhibits the principles and culture of the Army, as well as, fosters team relationships and effectively communicates information.
• Willingness and ability to travel on a regular basis. Valid Driver’s License required. Anchorage residence is important.
• Ability to work remotely (on the road, from home and/or at various Army locations). It is anticipated that 60% of the donors are local to the position, but travel related to donor management and/or organizational training is required.
• Experience in working independently in a fast-paced environment without extensive administrative support and exceptional organizational abilities with fluency in managing multiple projects and competing priorities with professionalism and grace.
• Driven to make a difference, goal-oriented with a proven ability to achieve or exceed goals and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and hands-on experience with donor management software and savvy in the maintenance of current contact and activity tracking reports (with adherence to the Army’s database protocols); Portfolio user background is preferred.

TO APPLY, candidates should submit their cover letter and resume and complete the online application at https://alfordexecutivesearch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a2713pbb7t2e.

To assure confidential tracking of all applicants, no applications will be accepted via email. ALL INQUIRIES WILL BE HELD IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.

This search is being managed by Kathrene Wales, Search Manager and Associate Consultant with Kistner Eddy Executive Services (KEES), in counsel with Heather Eddy, President and CEO. Questions may be addressed to kwales@alfordexecutivesearch.com.

KEES is a retained search firm dedicated to providing recruitment services of exceptional quality and strengthening the nonprofit community through professional staffing solutions.

The Salvation Army’s 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 love for God. Its mission is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

More about the Army’s Alaska Division

The Alaska Division, under the direction of Divisional Commander Major George Baker, employs about 250 employees and hundreds of volunteers throughout the 18 communities in which it operates. The Alaska Division’s Development and Community Relations Department is led by Director of Development Ivy Spohnholz, CFRE, EMPA. It is blessed with nearly 7,000 donors who invest in its work each year including more than 425 donors who contribute $1,000 or more each year and are members of the William Booth Society ($5,000+) or Red Shield Society ($1,000-$4,999).