Territorial Executive Director of Community Relations and Development

Ready to Make a Bigger Impact?

The Salvation Army Central Territory is seeking an experienced leader to serve as our Territorial Executive Director of Community Relations and Development.

Lead strategies that strengthen fundraising, community engagement, philanthropy, marketing, and volunteer support across the Territory—and help advance our mission in new and meaningful ways.

Take the next step in your Salvation Army career.

Job Objective:

The Territorial Executive Director of Community Relations and Development provides strategic leadership for all functions and training to strengthen public awareness, philanthropic support, and community engagement. The role supports the Secretary for Business Administration, training and leading a team of fund-raising professionals in delivering comprehensive fundraising, marketing, and engagement resources to Divisions for the field units across the territory. Responsibilities include developing and executing training leadership levels on development, community engagement and fund raising. Additional responsibilities include establishing and managing operating budgets, setting sound policies, and maintaining strong relationships with donors, volunteers, vendors, agencies, and the public. The Director also oversees constituent relationship management analytics and reporting to enable data-driven decision making and serving as the territorial liaison to National Headquarters on all development and community relations matters, including digital fundraising, web presence, volunteer outreach, corporate partnerships, disaster services, and integrated marketing.

The purpose of the position is to understand and support the mission of The Salvation Army through interface with the ecclesiastical leadership of the Central Territory, applying Salvation Army values and principles to all aspects of the work of the CRD, and to operate with the understanding that The Salvation Army is a church whose leadership consists of ordained clergy with a commitment to evangelical principles and values, and to be the key motivator to allow all donors and volunteers to connect to the full ministry and kingdom work of The Salvation Army.

Essential Functions:

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the position. Other job-related responsibilities and tasks may be assigned. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Administration:

Provide development functions to advance the mission through an integrated approach that includes training and territorial coordination in development, communication and marketing, fundraising across all channels, donors, volunteer and broader constituent engagement, corporate and foundation relations, capital and special campaigns, research and prospect development, data management and analytics, reporting and compliance, volunteer engagement, and stewardship. Aligning strategy, messaging, and relationships to ensure sustainable resources for long term mission impact.

• Oversee the various functions of CRD, training, vision casting and supervision of development professional and support staff. Monitor, encourage, train and support personnel to perform at maximum efficiency in their respective roles.

• Establish meaningful goals and objectives with THQ and divisional staff to be used in future evaluations and to guide program activities.

• Exercise a leadership role in the recruitment, training, development and performance monitoring of divisional directors of development.

• Train divisional leadership in successful leadership to development staff and outreach to donors and participation in donor relationships and campaigns.

• Train and monitor the use of TSA fund raising / donor / volunteer systems to gather donor information, reports and strategies for better communication and outreach to Salvation Army supporters. 

• Participate in Salvation Army events and programs, as well as outside community, professional or service groups in the interest of advancing the knowledge and well-being of the Community Relations Department.

• Conduct and/or participate in lectures, conferences, seminars or institutes for cadets at the College for Officer Training, officers enrolled in the SACEP continuing education program, divisional advisory organizations events, etc. to train and promote greater awareness of Salvation Army community relations and development operations to demonstrate positive growth in community stakeholders in each community served.

• Represent territorial leadership and The Salvation Army at various internal and external events as requested.

• Serve on various national commissions and committees, territorial boards, and councils, etc. as appointed by the Territorial Commander and/or Chief Secretary.

• Be the Central representative to the National Community Relations Department Committee (NCRD)

• Coordinate with NHQ on National initiatives and conferences.

• Study and recommend changes and new policies related to all aspects of CRD functions.

• Brainstorm, monitor and coordinate with commands, local and national grant requests to donors located in Central territory.

• Responsible for sharing territorial information and reports for use by national headquarters as needed.

• Other duties as assigned by the Secretary for Business Administration.

Marketing and Communications Leadership

Provide executive oversight for the territorial marketing and communications function, led by the Senior Director of Marketing and Communications. Ensure excellence in media relations, public relations, brand integrity, and reputation management. Champion recommendations for innovation in digital marketing and fundraising strategies, including websites, email, SMS, and social media, to maximize engagement and revenue growth. Be the coordinator between departments, divisions and territories in the cooperation needed by all in optimal service to the communities.

• Oversee training and integrated marketing strategies that support fundraising and community engagement.

• Drive innovation in digital fundraising to maximize online revenue growth.

• Ensure alignment of all communications with organizational mission and brand standards.

• Ensure all Salvation Army promotional materials are current and appropriate for use in advancing capital, direct mail, Christmas kettle and electronic fundraising campaigns, including special events.

• Ensure timely dissemination of news and information relative to The Salvation Army for its brand growth and protection.

Philanthropy Leadership

Provide strategic oversight for the organization’s comprehensive fundraising enterprise and growth through the Senior Director of Philanthropy. This includes major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, capital campaigns, and donor research. Train and foster collaboration across divisions to ensure strategies support long-term organizational goals and growth.

• Hold ultimate accountability for philanthropic development strategies and revenue growth.

• Oversee donor relationship training and management strategies to increase lifetime value and maintain compliance.

• Champion recommendations for improvements in donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship practices.

• Train and assist divisions to create and implement goals for increased relationship and fundraising in their local communities.

• Ensure in-depth research is conducted resulting in changes to donor and prospect cultivation/solicitation to promote enhanced gift attainment.

• Assist unit commanders, territorial headquarters department heads, and directors of development in creating strategies to enhance the public awareness of The Salvation Army, resulting in increased charitable giving and volunteerism in local corps and programs.

• Train and lead the ministry to volunteers to move them to donors and donors to volunteers who become the lifelong commitment to Salvation Army sustainability in programing to their communities.

Minimum Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for this position.

Education & Certifications:

Bachelor’s degree in business management, communications, public relations or related field. An advanced degree is highly desirable.

• CFRE certification is highly desirable.
• Valid State Driver's License, clear MVR report required

Experience:

Minimum fifteen years of experience in increasingly responsible fundraising and community relations/development positions with an organization. At least seven years of experience of executive level management.

Skills and Abilities:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; able to present effectively to leadership, field personnel, and public audiences.
• Character and enduring strength to be able to lead an organization without having authority to do so. Ability to motivate success without the stress.
• Experience in educating leaders and practitioners in successful development.
• Track record in growing strong advisory organizations and connections to community leaders and donors.
• Strong ability to partner with organizational leadership on ministry, community services, and development initiatives.
• Proven expertise in designing and managing comprehensive fundraising programs, including digital campaigns, direct mail, Christmas kettles, endowment and capital campaigns, and special projects.
• Advanced skills in donor cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and relationship management strategies with the proven outcomes of moving volunteers to donors.
• Proficiency in enterprise-level CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and analytics/reporting platforms (e.g., Tableau or comparable tools).
• High level of confidentiality, sound judgment, flexibility, and creativity in managing CRD operations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; able to manage multiple complex projects while supporting day-to-day operations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other enterprise systems.
• Working knowledge of Salvation Army policies, principles, and regulations relevant to CRD functions.

OR any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Supervisory Responsibility:           

The Executive Director of Development provides leadership and oversight for a team of professionals and officers, including senior leaders responsible for key areas of Community Relations and Development Operations, Philanthropy, Marketing and Communications and Volunteer Engagement.

Travel:

30% travel to divisions and National Headquarters. If selected candidate is fully remote, assume 40%, including travel to Territorial Headquarters.

Physical Requirements:      

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the duties of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job. 

Physical requirements may include:

• Ability to communicate clearly in person, by phone and via video.
• Prolonged periods working on a computer.
• Ability to work with standard office equipment
• Ability to travel within the United States

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in a typical office environment. Some weekends and evenings may be required.

The Salvation Army is an Equal Opportunity Employer Minority/Female/Veterans/Disabled.

Why You’ll Love Working at The Salvation Army

Looking for more than just a job? Join a mission-driven organization where your work makes a real impact every day. At The Salvation Army, you’ll be part of a team that values compassion, collaboration, growth, and service to others.

We believe in taking care of our employees by offering:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and disability benefits
• Generous paid time off including vacation, holidays, sick, and personal days
• Retirement benefits including a 403(b) plan with employer contributions for eligible employees
• Opportunities for professional growth, learning, and career development
• A supportive culture that encourages work-life balance
• Competitive compensation within the nonprofit sector

Most importantly, you’ll join an organization with a meaningful mission — helping meet human needs and serving communities with dignity, compassion, and hope. Your work here truly matters.