Application Guide

How to Apply for Director of Development

at Carr Assessments

🏢 About Carr Assessments

The Salvation Army Del Oro Division serves thousands of people across Northern California and Nevada through a wide range of social services. This is a mission-driven organization where your fundraising work directly impacts disaster relief, shelter, and community programs, offering a unique blend of purpose and professional challenge.

About This Role

As Director of Development, you will lead all fundraising efforts for the Del Oro Division, overseeing major gifts, planned giving, capital campaigns, and donor relations. This role is pivotal in securing the resources needed to sustain and expand vital services, making a tangible difference in the community.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve morning meetings with the development team to review progress on major gift portfolios, followed by a virtual donor meeting or site visit to a program. Afternoons could be spent on strategic planning, reviewing grant proposals, or attending a community event to network and build relationships.

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🎯 Who Carr Assessments Is Looking For

  • Proven experience in nonprofit development, with a track record of securing major gifts and managing capital campaigns.
  • Strong leadership skills, able to mentor and guide a development team while collaborating with executive leadership.
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities, comfortable engaging with diverse donors and stakeholders.
  • Strategic thinker with experience in planned giving, foundation grants, and donor stewardship, and a passion for the mission.
  • Ability to travel within the division and work from the Sacramento headquarters, with a valid driver's license and reliable vehicle.

📝 Tips for Applying to Carr Assessments

1

Highlight any experience with faith-based or mission-driven organizations, emphasizing your alignment with The Salvation Army's values.

2

Quantify your fundraising achievements (e.g., 'grew major gifts by 30%') and include specific examples of capital campaign leadership.

3

Tailor your resume to emphasize strategic development skills, including planned giving and donor relations, not just event planning.

4

Address the remote work aspect: mention your ability to manage a team remotely and travel as needed.

5

Research the Del Oro Division's recent initiatives and mention them in your cover letter to show genuine interest.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for the mission and understanding of The Salvation Army's impact in the region.", 'Your experience leading a development team and achieving significant fundraising results.', 'Your strategic approach to diversifying revenue streams, including major gifts and planned giving.', 'Your commitment to ethical fundraising and building lasting donor relationships.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review The Salvation Army's national and divisional strategic plans, especially for the Del Oro Division.
  • → Look into recent news about The Salvation Army's programs in Northern California and Nevada, such as disaster response efforts.
  • → Understand the demographics and philanthropic landscape of the Sacramento region.
  • → Familiarize yourself with The Salvation Army's donor recognition programs and planned giving offerings.
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the Del Oro Division?
2 Describe a time you led a capital campaign. What was the outcome and what did you learn?
3 How do you motivate and manage a development team, especially in a remote or hybrid environment?
4 What is your approach to cultivating major donors and stewarding long-term relationships?
5 How do you align fundraising goals with the organization's mission and community needs?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Not emphasizing your fundraising results – be specific about dollars raised and percentage growth.
  • Overlooking the importance of mission fit – this role requires genuine passion for the cause.
  • Failing to address the travel requirement – show you're prepared for the regional travel involved.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Carr Assessments!

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