Donor Relations & Foundation Manager-11-145-SC/Orange County, Development Department

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army is an international evangelical Christian organization. Its beliefs are based on the Bible, and its ministry is driven by God's love. Its mission is to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and serve people in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

This role manages and grows relationships with midlevel donors and Orange County foundations to support local programs. It is responsible for meeting annual fundraising goals through direct donor engagement and grant development. Key duties include managing a portfolio of individual, foundation, and corporate donors; conducting prospect research; and preparing, submitting, and stewarding grant proposals. The position works closely with Orange County Salvation Army staff and the local grant community to build strong relationships with community partners, including local leaders, nonprofits, and peer organizations.

Essential Functions

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to translate programs into compelling proposals.
• Partner with the Strategy team to research prospective individual, foundation, and corporate donors.
• Collaborate with internal departments to gather information needed for grant proposals and funding requests.
• Maintain organized workflows and schedules to ensure all tasks, deadlines, and meetings are completed efficiently.
• Develop, write, and submit foundation and corporate grant proposals; complete all required reporting and follow
• Work with Development staff to identify key foundation contacts and coordinate onsite meetings when needed.
• Maintain a master calendar of all grant activity and keep accurate records and documentation in databases and files.
• Demonstrate strong creative and narrative writing skills.
• Communicate clearly in both verbal and written form to support transparency and prevent miscommunication.
• Cultivate relationships with Orange County foundations and corporations, meeting with community affairs representatives in office or in the field.
• Research and develop new grant opportunities and partnership prospects.
• Meet activity benchmarks established by Territory policy.
• Follow standardized donor management practices set by the Development Department.
• Respond promptly and courteously to donor inquiries via email and phone.
• Invite donors to special events and program tours.
• Contribute to positive team collaboration, morale, and commitment to organizational goals and values.
• Maintain uptodate donor records, including contact information and interaction notes.
• Assist with additional projects as assigned.

PAY RATE:$80k-$82k/yr.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist as needed. Able to grasp, push, and pull objects such as files and file drawers, and reach overhead. Able to operate standard office equipment, including a computer, fax machine, and telephone. Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs.

Core Competencies

• Ensure that all elements of their company can operate simultaneously and smoothly. Middle managers can remain organized by keeping a detailed schedule where they outline all of their obligations, including meetings, paperwork deadlines, interviews and performance evaluations among other responsibilities.
• Communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms so that there's always transparency between them and the employees they manage. Strong communication eliminates the risk of errors resulting from miscommunication, making operations more efficient.
• Working cooperatively with other individuals on a singular project or venture. Work together with other managers from different departments to ensure that all sides of the company operate as efficiently as possible while introducing different perspectives and ideas that can generate innovation.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience in fundraising, donor relations, or foundation/grant management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and ability to manage donors and grant data effectively.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with program staff, finance teams, leadership, and external partners.
• Experience developing and managing budgets, financial narratives, and program outcome metrics.
• Valid California driver's license.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Driving Test and MVR check
• A criminal background check is required with certification for Protect the Mission policies and procedures.
• Abide by Salvation Army Policies and Procedures and have an acceptance of Salvation Army philosophy and mission.
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and written
• Excellent organizational skills
• Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records
• Ability to relate with others and be a team player at all levels