Donor Engagement Manager (NWI)

The Salvation Army Mission 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.

Starting Pay: $65,000.00

Job Description: The Donor Engagement Manager (DEM) is responsible for building and strengthening relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and community leaders to advance the mission of The Salvation Army of Northwest Indiana. This role focuses on managing a portfolio of approximately 125-150 donors (including individuals, corporate partners, grants and foundations), developing personalized engagement strategies, and increasing philanthropic support through stewardship, cultivation, and solicitation efforts. The ideal candidate will be relationship-driven, highly organized, and passionate about donor engagement, ensuring that each supporter feels connected to The Salvation Army's mission.

What You Will Do:

Donor Relationship Management & Stewardship

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 125 to 150 mid-level and major donors, ensuring consistent and meaningful engagement.

• Conduct a minimum of 12-15 donor engagements per month, including in-person visits, video calls, and personalized stewardship touchpoints.

• Create and execute customized stewardship plans for top donors, ensuring they receive impact updates, recognition, and exclusive engagement opportunities.

• Develop donor communications, including thank-you letters, impact reports, and personalized follow-ups.

• Work with program leaders to provide mission-driven experiences, such as donor site visits or volunteer engagement opportunities.

• Visit donors in both Lake and Porter County (making sure to spend time in both counties during the week, share schedule of activity to Area Commander).

Fundraising & Philanthropic Growth

• Identify and cultivate new donor prospects, working toward a 10% annual growth in the donor portfolio.

• Maintain a donor retention rate of at least 70% through proactive engagement.

• Apply for grants for the corps that will align with the mission at each location.

• Create and promote sponsorship opportunities for donors that want to partner with the Salvation Army throughout the year.

• Oversee all seasonal fundraising efforts, supporting corps kettle campaigns by engaging donors, outside support and board members to sign up, helping order TipTap devices and monitor their income, and securing kettle matches.

• Support annual giving campaigns, direct mail appeals, and digital fundraising efforts by providing donor insights and outreach support.

• Proofread and edit mail appeal text, giving feedback and attention to each appeal that is provided to us from our Direct Mail Vendor (Summit Marketing).

• Help with corps newsletters in consultation with the corps officers, providing feedback and input as we engage with donors and supporters.

• Collaborate with corporate and foundation relations to identify sponsorship and partnership opportunities that align with donor interests.

Events & Community Engagement

• Prepare a donor appreciation and recognition event to cultivate deeper engagement (such as bellringer breakfast, Kettle Kick Off, civic dinner)

• Assist the annual golf outing by obtaining donations for auction, working with board members on the golfer lists, writing letters and securing corporate and donor sponsorships.

• Help support area corps fundraisers or events (which may require travel to Gary, East Chicago, or Porter Co).

• Represent The Salvation Army at networking events, community gatherings, Chamber meetings, and fundraisers to engage new prospects.

• If Area Commander is not available or requires assistance, be available for media interviews (radio spots, Share the Warmth campaign, possible TV interviews or social media posts with our communications Manager).

• Take part in Advisory Board and Councils meetings each month, preparing agendas and participating in relevant committees (such as community engagement, finance).

Data & Reporting

• Utilize Salvation Army donor software (SalesForce) to maintain detailed donor records to track interactions, solicitations, and engagement activities.

• Manage portfolio of individual and corporate donors, in coordination with DHQ development staff.

• Generate monthly reports on donor meetings, portfolio growth, retention rates, and engagement outcomes.

• Utilize donor data analytics to identify giving trends and improve engagement strategies.

• Other tasks as assigned by leadership

Minimum Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal education, experience, skills, and/or abilities required for this position.

Education: Undergraduate Degree and/or CFRE preferred

Background Checks: Position requires a background check to be completed, and all background check results will be reviewed.

Experience: 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, development or a related field. Prove ability to manage donor relationships and meet or exceed fundraising metrics.

Certifications: Must have a valid driver's license and maintain The Salvation Army Driver's qualification standard; must complete Safe From Harm training within the first 90 days of employment.

Skills/Abilities:

• Able to speak, write and understand English in a manner sufficient for effective communication with leadership, field personnel, and clientele.

• Computer proficiency with Microsoft products and ability to learn electronic reporting systems.

• Ability to learn new software and required programs (such as SalesForce)

• Strong communication skills, with experience in writing donor communications and impact reports.

• Passion for The Salvation Army's mission and a commitment to serving the community.

• Experience with donor databases (CRM systems) and tracking donor interactions.

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a mission-driven environment.

• Availability for occasional evening and weekend donor events

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 made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of this job.

Physical Requirements Include:

• Good speaking, hearing and vision ability, and excellent manual dexterity

• Lifting, pulling, and pushing of materials up to 25 pounds

• May require bending, squatting, walking.

• May require standing for extended periods.

Travel: Will require travel to Lake and Porter County. The typical schedule will include work in Lake County 3 days a week, and Porter County 2 days a week.

Working Conditions: Work will be performed in office settings, but also donor homes, corporate offices, foundation/grant offices.

All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that they will do nothing as an employee of The Salvation Army to undermine its religious mission.

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.

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.