Director of Strategic Giving

For 130 years, The Salvation Army of Dane County has offered spiritual ministry, social services, and youth programs to thousands of Dane County residents, without discrimination. We currently serve the most vulnerable members of our community through a wide range of programs, as well as extensive case management services. While we strive to provide compassionate care and a primary goal of all of our programs and services is to improve the life skills and circumstances of those we serve. If you want to help make a difference by serving your community and helping those in need, apply now!

The Director of Strategic giving raises funds for the operation of The Salvation Army of Dane County by developing relationships with corporate and individual donors, and coordinating all fundraising events, including the Red Kettle Campaign. Plays a key role in executing the capital campaign.

Donor Portfolio Management

• Independently manage a portfolio of mid-level and emerging major donors.
• Plan and execute all steps of cultivation and stewardship, including meetings, calls, personalized communications, and follow-up actions.
• Identify donor interests and align them with organizational needs.
• Track activity and progress in Salesforce ensuring accuracy and accountability.
• Identify prospects for planned giving and provide warm referrals to divisional planned giving staff.
• Support promotion of planned giving opportunities through donor communications.
• Ensure donor conversations are documented and appropriately followed up.
• Collaborate with the development team to develop donor stories, impact summaries, and stewardship materials.
• Prepare donor-facing reports that highlight program outcomes and community impact.
• Ensure all donor-related materials reflect accurate information and mission alignment.

Annual Fund & Campaign Support

• Direct year-round fundraising campaigns, including direct mail, digital appeals, and monthly giving strategies.
• Work with organization's direct mail vendor and DHQ to manage and create donor segmentation, personalized messaging, and targeted fundraising strategies.
• Evaluate donor trends and contribute to annual fund forecasting and strategic planning.

Capital Campaign Support

• Conduct donor research and prepare background/briefing materials for campaign leadership.
• Prepare proposals, stewardship packets, pledge documentation, and follow-up materials.
• Coordinate campaign cultivation activities such as donor tours, small gatherings, and one-on-one visits.
• Track pledges, payment schedules, and campaign stewardship requirements.
• Serve as a key liaison between donors, campaign committee, campaign consultants, and internal leadership.

Advisory Board Support

• Serve as the primary development liaison to the local Advisory Board.
• Take minutes during full advisory board meeting and create minutes report.
• Prepare CRD committee meeting materials, donor reports, presentations, and impact updates.
• Support board member recruitment, orientation, and stewardship.
• Equip board members with tools and information to effectively champion organizational fundraising.

Sponsorship Acquisition for Events

• Secure sponsorships for organizational events including fundraising events, awareness events, community initiatives, and special events.
• Cultivate corporate partners and business leaders to support sponsorship goals.
• Collaborate with the development team to ensure sponsor visibility, recognition, and marketing alignment.
• Steward sponsors post-event to encourage renewal and long-term partnership.
• Support donor and sponsor engagement during events including check-ins, introductions, and follow-up stewardship.
• Design small-scale cultivation events that support donor pipeline growth.
• Provide donor insights to help shape event strategy, pricing, and sponsorship levels.

Red Kettle Campaigns - Fundraising & Sponsorship Leadership

• Lead the fundraising and revenue strategy for the annual Christmas and Summer Kettle Campaigns.
• Manage paid bell ringer recruitment, hiring, scheduling, supervision, and performance.
• Serve as primary point of contact for corporate partners and business donors.
• Secure kettle sponsorships, match days, Adopt-A-Kettle sponsors, and corporate giving partners.
• Manage relationships with retail partners and kettle locations.
• Analyze kettle revenue data to inform placement strategy, sponsorship development, and donor engagement.
• Collaborate closely with the development team on volunteer coordination, public-facing messaging, and sponsor visibility.
• Steward kettle sponsors and prepare post-season impact reports

Education: Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field required

Experience:

• 5 years of progressive fundraising experience, including donor cultivation and solicitation
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations, foundations, or charitable institutions
• Experience managing budgets and fundraising campaigns

Certifications: Valid Wisconsin Driver's License with clearance to drive from TSA insurance.

The Salvation Army is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates who are back-to-work, US Veterans, people with disabilities, people who have been impacted by the justice system, and/or people without a college degree are encouraged to apply.