Director of Foundation Giving

About the role

Plans, develops, implements, oversees, and evaluates all private foundation and government fundraising activities across Area Command based on a formalized fund development program. Assists in strengthening relationships with foundation representatives to increase engagement and assess potential giving opportunities. Works closely with the programs team and Grants and Contracts Specialists to develop relationships with government entities to secure government funding. Works closely with the Grants Coordinator to strengthen relationships, steward gifts, and oversee the preparation of proposals and applications. Supports campaign fundraising with the immediate supervisor or Area Command Officers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage TSA Austin's full institutional giving portfolio—including foundation grants, government contracts, and corporate partnerships—with a combined FY26 revenue target of $4,500,000, ensuring disciplined pipeline development, compliance excellence, and proactive renewal strategies across all funding streams.
• Supervise and provide strategic direction to the Grants Manager and Corporate Giving Coordinator, building a high-performing institutional team with clarity of ownership, shared accountability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
• Drive proactive foundation and government grant prospecting, maintaining a rolling grant calendar, pursuing multi-year general operating support, identifying new funding opportunities in Williamson County aligned with Corps expansion, and strengthening outcomes documentation to improve win rates year over year.
• Own and drive a three-year institutional giving growth strategy targeting $2,000,000 in new revenue above the FY26 baseline by expanding the corporate partner portfolio across Travis and Williamson Counties, diversifying the foundation pipeline, and capturing new government funding opportunities created by the Williamson County Corps elevation.
• Supervisory Responsibilities (25%):
  • Direct the selection, training, and supervision of staff responsible for foundation giving and government grants; monitor work for compliance with established policies, procedures, standards, and regulations; conduct performance evaluations.
  • Administer, lead, plan, and supervise foundation giving and government grants to increase donor engagement, programmatic accountability, and fundraising goals.
  • Provide strong, effective, and highly visible leadership to the foundation giving and grants teams to maximize their potential and ensure alignment with The Salvation Army’s mission, vision, goals, and objectives.
  • Mentor and lead Grants Coordinator and Grants and Contracts Specialists staff to promote a cohesive and successful team; focus on retaining and growing staff.
  • Supervise the expenditure of granted funds and submission of progress and final reports as required by grantors, working with the financial department to ensure appropriate monitoring and tracking of grant-related revenues and costs.
• Strategic Planning and Evaluation Responsibilities (25%):
  • Plan, develop, implement, and evaluate foundation giving and government grants strategies to achieve short-range and long-range goals; communicate progress and accomplishments to the immediate supervisor or Area Command Officers.
  • Lead a team to implement developed strategies and hold team members accountable for meeting established fundraising goals and metrics.
  • Develop, prepare, and monitor monthly reports illustrating progress against goals for review with the team and immediate supervisor.
  • Work with the Grants Coordinator to create and maintain an active grants calendar and cultivation and solicitation strategy to grow funding from foundations across Area Command.
  • Work with the programs team and Grants and Contracts Specialists to create and maintain an active government grants calendar and cultivation and solicitation strategy to grow funding from government entities at the local, state, and federal levels.
  • Ensure Grants and Contract Specialists work with the compliance and finance teams on reporting and invoicing for government grants and contracts.
  • Collaborate with other departments and Officers at Corps centers to identify budget-relieving funding opportunities and needs throughout Area Command.
• Cultivation, Solicitation, and Stewardship of Foundation Representatives and Government Entities (50%):
  • Develop and foster relationships with foundation funders and identify personal connections with staff, board, volunteers, and donors to ensure engagement with foundation funders.
  • Collaborate with programs teams to develop and foster relationships with government entities to ensure awareness of potential funding opportunities and alignment with Salvation Army programs.
  • Maintain the donor management system to ensure accurate and complete profiles, including records of contacts, relationships, activities, meeting notes, and giving histories for each donor and prospect.
  • Develop, establish, and maintain a listing of foundation donors/prospects; respond to requests for information and clarification in an accurate, timely, and professional manner.
  • Actively use internal case statements and gift opportunities to provide accurate information to donors.
  • Work with the Grants Coordinator to develop letters, proposals, and reports for foundations.
  • Work with Grants and Contracts Specialists, compliance, and finance teams to ensure timely grant reporting and invoicing.
  • Accompany Advisory Board members, Managing Director, Area Commander, and immediate supervisor as needed for visits with foundations.
  • Collaborate with the Community Relations Department team to coordinate communications, stewardship, and solicitation activities to maximize relationships with foundations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, or a related field.
• Seven years of successful foundation and fundraising experience or any equivalent combination of training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid Texas Driver’s License.
• CFRE certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to meet attendance requirements.
• Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
• Ability to travel to various locations for meetings, institutional events, etc.
• Willingness to conduct all duties in accordance with the ministry of the organization and its Christian principles; maintain the highest level of professionalism in all communications and job duties.
• Duties are usually performed seated, with brief or occasional periods of standing or walking.
• Limited physical effort required, including walking, standing, lifting, and carrying light objects (less than 25 lbs.) frequently.

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in an office environment with minimal physical discomforts. Occasional exposure to noise, dust, or dirt may occur but is not limited to the office setting.