Divisional Director of Advancement

April 2025 | Eastern PA and , DE
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The Salvation Army seeks a Divisional Director of Advancement to lead strategic fundraising initiatives and drive impactful philanthropy as the organization completes a historic campaign.

About The Salvation Army

For more than 150 years, The Salvation Army (TSA) has stood firm in its commitment to those who are facing a variety of difficulties and challenges in their lives. Wherever there is a need, you will find TSA. With a team of over 1.5 million members, this faith-based organization serves over 30 million Americans in the United States annually, and over 130 countries around the world.

The Salvation Army is concerned with the needs of all—regardless of race, color, creed, sex, gender, or age. They offer a variety of services and programs designed to assist the communities they serve such as emergency disaster relief, emergency assistance, emergency shelter, housing, outreach programs, visitation programs, childcare services, youth programs, a specialized program to combat human trafficking, adult rehabilitation, holiday assistance, and more.

The Eastern Pennsylvania & Delaware (Pendel) Division serves communities throughout Allentown, Berwick, Boyertown, Carlisle, Chambersburg, Chester, Coatesville, Dover, Leigh Valley Area, Greater Philadelphia Region, Harrisburg, Hazleton, Lancaster, Lebanon, Levittown, Lewistown, Lock Haven, Milton, Norristown, Pottsville, Reading, Scranton, York, and the Delaware Region. They are one of eleven divisions in the Eastern Territory. Divisions consist of Corps Community Centers that provide direct service to members of the community in need and also serves as a place of worship and service. The Salvation Army’s doors are open to all.

• Emergency Response to Individuals in Crisis: Whether it is a need for food, housing or rental assistance, aid with utility bills or other situations where people face crisis, The Salvation Army is a place to turn for help and hope. The doors are open to all with open arms and to meet human needs without discrimination.
• Supporting Disaster Survivors: Many first-responders say that TSA is the first to have boots on the ground and the last to leave when disaster strikes. The disaster services teams also respond year-round to local emergencies – like house fires – serving survivors and first responders.
• Empowering Youth: The Salvation Army ensures kids are equipped with the tools they need to succeed, which starts by meeting their basic needs. TSA takes a holistic approach by providing character-building programs, summer camp opportunities, sports activities, music education, after-school tutoring, mentorship, and more.
• Alleviating Hunger: TSA’s approach to feeding the hungry is formed based on the local needs of each community served. Those in need can get nutritious meals from their nearest TSA center, or access food pantries at no cost. TSA feeds thousands daily, including underserved children in after school programs, the elderly, forgotten friends at homeless shelters, and more.
• Combatting Addiction: TSA has been helping those battling substance abuse since its founding over 150 years ago. Today, they continue to help people recover through holistic programs at Adult Rehabilitation Centers, which include emotional, spiritual and social services components that focus on the root causes of the struggle. 
• Brightening the Holidays: The holidays bring added financial and emotional stress to families and individuals living in poverty. From gifts for children in need to special meals for those who would otherwise go without fellowship on the holidays and meeting other basic needs – TSA aims to bring joy back into the season.

About Philanthropy at TSA

TSA Pendel has a robust and exceptional philanthropy program. This year, fundraising is on track to exceed $55M in philanthropic revenue several months ahead of its fiscal year end. There has been significant growth in the program over the past five years. In FY24, TSA Pendel raised $55M, almost double the $28M raised five years ago in FY19. This was accomplished by a first-of-its-kind comprehensive campaign.

The department is a leader in the territory, employing fundraising approaches that are innovative for the organization, and success is driven by best practices, a deep commitment to the mission of TSA, collaboration across teams, and cross-training. Corporate and foundation relations, individual giving, and estate planning are critical and successful philanthropic revenue lines. The team culture is inclusive and supports personal and professional growth, especially seen as TSA Pendel often promotes from within.  

About the Position

The Divisional Director of Advancement (DOA) has the responsibility to lead all elements of the Divisional Community Relations and Development (CRD) Department, including fundraising (major gifts, gift planning, direct marketing, digital fund raising, corporate engagement, foundations, campaigns, and government relations), public relations, marketing, social media, and board engagement. 

The Director of Advancement is an essential part of the Leadership Team and, as much as possible, leads all strategies to advance TSA through annual support and transformative gifts, awareness-building, brand positioning and leadership networking. The DOA works cooperatively with the Territorial Director of Advancement and territorial CRD staff to adhere to and implement all territorial CRD programs, practices, and policies.

Key Responsibilities

Management

• Manages the overall operation of the Divisional Community Relations & Development department, supervising key functions and staff within the department, including the following areas: direct mail, donor data management, social media, digital fund raising, public relations, advertising and marketing, special events, corporate giving, foundation grants, advisory boards, United Way relationships, major gifts, gift planning, capital, operational and endowment campaigns, etc.
• Establishes and manages an annual development plan, as well as department and function-specific activity goals, gift production goals, strategic plans, planning calendars, budgets, and other essential management activities in sync with divisional leadership.
• Creates an effective team atmosphere which encourages cooperation, strategic thinking, and professional growth.
• Supports other officers for effective Advisory Board management and engagement in other areas of the division.
• Contributes professionally as an essential participant on the divisional leadership team, under the direction of the Divisional Commander.
• Serves as the Chief Development Officer and primary staff liaison to Divisional, as well as the various county Advisory Boards, alongside officer leadership, deploying staff as needed to effectively manage and support successful board communications, meetings, committees, events, and projects.

Communications

• Works closely with the divisional CRD team, and corps and social services program leadership to support the achievement of their resource development and public relations goals.
• Models and leads strong stewardship communications practices throughout the department with all categories of constituents.
• Ensures relationship management approaches are in place that earn the right to ask and inspire future giving through regular reports about the impact of gifts in people’s lives through Salvation Army programs.
• Utilizes research and data as a basis for setting strategy, measuring progress, benchmarking against other divisions and organizations, monitoring trends, and identifying, qualifying, rating and developing strategies for approaching prospects for leadership and planned gifts.
• Works with the Advisory Board and officer leadership to ensure best practices in board recruitment, orientation, standards, goal setting, committee work, fund raising, and member engagement.
• Participates in professional trainings and territorial / national meetings and conferences, as budget allows.
• Works with staff and leadership to develop a strong public relations, events and brand positioning program that enhances public awareness, increases positive exposure to the Army, targets key audiences, communicates key messages at every opportunity, and strengthens the Army’s competitive positioning among the non-profit community.

Fundraising

• Leads or supports all development staff and programs, ensuring successful outcomes for all fundraising initiatives throughout the year.
• Manages and fulfills a communications and solicitation plan for a select and limited list (15-20) of leadership donors and prospects (e.g., key board members), developing personalized engagement strategies to effectively steward, educate, cultivate, and solicit gifts from these donors each fiscal year, in collaboration with other staff.
• Facilitates officer and volunteer leadership involvement in major gifts approaches (individual, corporate, foundation) for successful fulfillment of annual support, and special projects, in sync with the Associate Director of Major Gifts, Donor Relations Directors, and other development staff.
• Leads or supports successful planning and execution of capital operations and endowment campaigns, working with consultants and leadership volunteers, as needed, along with internal leadership, development staff and other key stakeholders (e.g., Associate Director of Major Gifts and Territorial Prospect Research Manager).
• Ensures adherence to fiduciary responsibilities (donor intent with gifts) in sync with finance and program staff.
• Keeps leadership apprised of all significant interactions with leadership donors and prospects and board leaders, consulting with leadership when needed to understand organizational priorities, to develop strategies that benefit both donors and the Army, and to troubleshoot challenging situations.
• Stays driven toward goals and ensures a cohesive, comprehensive development strategy that effectively incorporates all disciplines.
• Ensures a strong office management and donor data system infrastructure are maintained, including updated donor files, reporting systems, batching of income / donor information, attentive correspondence, and timely gift acknowledgments, etc., in keeping with department policies and procedures.

Key Qualifications

• 10+ years of successful fundraising across a range of development disciplines, with a demonstrated track record in designing and leading major fundraising and campaign efforts in the $30-50M+ range.
• 5+ years managing, mentoring and, coaching staff with excellent leadership qualities; ability to recruit, manage, and inspire a team of exceptional fundraising and communications professionals.
• Experience in establishing effective relationships with all levels of corporate and philanthropic leaders.
• Exceptional verbal, written and organizational skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously, to establish and adhere to deadlines, and to effectively manage and solve crisis situations for positive outcomes.
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices in fundraising, board engagement and communications (marketing and public relations).
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft office tools and familiarity with donor management software and email applications.
• A strong team leader that will motivate staff, officer leaders and key volunteers to collaborate for the successful achievement of departmental and organizational goals.
• Effective interpersonal, conversational and presentation skills, demonstrating professional maturity, emotional intelligence, situational awareness, excellent writing abilities and strong case development and gift solicitation skills.
• Proven expertise in developing and maintaining positive relationships with diverse individuals, including executives, leadership volunteers and wealthy donors, as well as internal stakeholders and officer leadership.
• A fundraiser who is comfortable with direct leadership, and donor and volunteer interactions. Tis person should model good stewardship communication practices, and is able to effectively ask, lead the gift conversation, network for connections, facilitate a team approach and rally others who can open doors.
• Advanced degree, CFRE, or ACFRE certification is advantageous.
• Should be passionate about and committed to the mission of the Salvation Army, and the policies and practices of The Salvation Army.
• Need to be willing and ability to travel regularly, within the Division as well as outside of the Division for conferences and meetings as needed.

The Salvation Army does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

The salary range for this role is commensurate with experience.

If you are interested in being considered for this search, please use the form below to submit your cover letter and resume in confidence.

Theresa Leinker

Vice President, Fundraising

Development Guild