Donor Relations Associate

Position Summary

The Salvation Army Northern Division Headquarters (DHQ) in Roseville, MN, is committed to "Doing the Most Good" by supporting worship, housing, and service centers, addressing community needs, and administering emergency disaster services.

The Donor Relations Associate is responsible for managing a portfolio of 250-500 mid-level donors, cultivating meaningful relationships to enhance donor engagement and philanthropic support. This role executes a multi-channel communication strategy, prioritizing personalized outreach-particularly for top-tier donors. The Associate captures and maintains accurate donor information in the database, including giving capacity, interests, and life events. Additionally, the role identifies donors with potential for major gifts and supports the transition to the major gifts program, while continuing to steward those at their peak giving level.

Wage Range: $28.82 - $31.25/hour)

Location: 2445 Prior Ave N, Roseville, MN 55113

Essential Functions (approximate time spent)

• Portfolio Management (40%): Manage a portfolio of 250-500 top mid-level giving prospects and donors, cultivating relationships through updates, appreciation, and solicitation to deepen their partnership with The Salvation Army.
• Donor Engagement Strategy (20%): Execute communication strategy through phone, email, and mail, with a focus on prioritizing face-to-face interaction for the highest-tier donors.
• Donor Record Maintenance (20%): Capture and update donor information, including interests, relationships, life events, and philanthropic capacity, in the donor database.
• Donor Pipeline Development (20%): Identify mid-level donors with potential for major giving and refer them to the major gift program; steward donors who have reached their maximum giving level.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or a related field. A combination of education and relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in donor relations, fundraising, development, sales, or constituent engagement.
• Experience managing a donor or client portfolio and cultivating ongoing relationships is preferred.
• Familiarity with donor databases or CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser's Edge) is a plus.
• Experience working or volunteering in a nonprofit or mission-driven organization is preferred.
• Must successfully pass background checks. A valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record (MVR check) are required.

Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to individual donors and audience segments.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with a donor-focused mindset.
• High level of discretion and professionalism when handling sensitive or confidential donor information.
• Organized and detail-oriented; able to manage multiple relationships, tasks, and deadlines effectively.
• Self-motivated and proactive; capable of working independently and taking initiative while also contributing to a collaborative team environment.
• Receptive to feedback and adaptable to changing priorities or organizational needs.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook); familiarity with donor databases, CRM platforms, or reporting tools is preferred.

Working Conditions

• Work is primarily sedentary and performed in a professional office setting with frequent computer use.
• Standard business hours apply, with occasional evening or weekend hours required to support donor meetings or events.
• Must be able to occasionally lift and carry materials weighing up to 20 pounds (e.g., event supplies, printed materials).
• Regular and professional communication with internal team members, donors, and external partners is essential.
• Position is based at Northern Division Headquarters with eligibility for flexible or remote-friendly work arrangements.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

Driving/Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel throughout the Twin Cities metro area and periodic travel to Salvation Army locations across Minnesota and North Dakota using a personal or an agency fleet vehicle.

Other Duties

• All employees recognize that The Salvation Army is a church and agree that as employees they will support its religious mission.
• This job description is not all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions of the position. The supervisor may assign other duties, responsibilities, and tasks.