Donor Relations and Grants Specialist

Overview

The Donor Relations and Grants Specialist will lead the design and implementation of a strong mid-level ($500 - $2499) donor relations program for The Salvation Army in Summit County and will manage new and renewal grant submissions as part of the overall SCAS fundraising plan. The donor relations aspect of this position will involve donor outreach and cultivation through virtual or in-person donor visits, telephone calls, emails, letters, postcards, marketing materials, social media, and other innovative strategies. This position will increase retention and annual fundraising among mid-level donors and foundations while ensuring that The Salvation Army’s mission and fundraising objectives are met and/or exceeded.

Responsibilities

Build relationships by creating personalized communication plans to educate, cultivate, demonstrate impact, and solicit gifts from mid-level donors. Emphasis will be increasing donor annual levels of giving to transition to major gift and/or gift planning portfolios.

Use analytical thinking and research to evaluate donor capabilities and approach.

Analyze and regularly evaluate donor database to identify mid-level prospects.

Manage a mid-level donor portfolio.

Manage and execute the donor acknowledgment process.

Manage grant proposals, grant submissions and reporting, identify and write new grant proposals, manage grant renewal requests, and create grant impact reports.

Develop marketing materials and social media strategies, including planning engaging content, creating graphics and reels/videos, and managing all social media platforms.

Participate in sharing client success stories and testimonials as a tool in overall donor cultivation strategies, including quarterly preparation of stories for our direct mail donor newsletter in coordination with the DHQ development department.

Develop plans that demonstrate appreciation, recognition and engagement with current and lapsed mid-level donors via phone calls, email, and events.

Assist the Director of Development in the planning and execution of the annual Community Medal Award Luncheon/Red Kettle Kickoff event.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of progressive fundraising experience in a nonprofit organization with a proven record of success.

Adept at data analysis.

Ability to build instant rapport and be conversational for cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors.

Detail oriented and ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

Clear and persuasive written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to develop positive relationships with diverse individuals.

A high level of comfort with direct donor interaction, including discussion of personal and family finances and asking for money is a must.

Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

Proficiency in Word and Excel, the ability to develop presentations using PowerPoint, Canva or other presentation software, as well experience using a donor CRM