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Cleveland Guardians · 1 day ago

Manager, Community Giving & Development

Cleveland, OH

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

3+ years exp

Cleveland Guardians is committed to uniting and inspiring their city through the power of team. The Manager of Community Giving & Development will advance the organization's philanthropic efforts by shaping and executing a fundraising strategy to support various community initiatives in Northeast Ohio.

BaseballOutdoorsSports

Culture & Values

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and evaluate innovative fundraising strategies across all major revenue channels, including major gifts, grants, sponsorships, digital giving, annual campaigns, and events

Build and expand relationships with individual donors, board members, corporations, foundations, and community partners through personalized stewardship and recognition

Source, prepare, and submit grant applications and proposals, aligning organizational initiatives with funder goals and reporting expectations

Drive identification and cultivation of new donor prospects to diversify and strengthen the organization’s support base

Analyze fundraising data and donor trends; provide regular progress reports and actively recommend process and strategy adjustments to improve results

Lead the planning and execution of large-scale fundraising events, donor programs, sponsorship activations, and annual campaigns; manage logistics, volunteer teams, and vendor partnerships to maximize outcomes

Collaborate on high-profile Community Impact activations (Jackie Robinson Day, Lou Gehrig Day, Guardians of the Community, etc.), aligning event activities with fundraising goals and donor engagement strategy

Represent the organization at public events, networking meetings, and donor presentations to foster visibility and philanthropic support

Oversee donor engagement activities, including appreciation events, stewardship communications, recognition strategies, and ongoing relationship management

Partner with finance and external accounting firms to support accurate preparation and review of IRS Form 990, and ensure fundraising compliance

Maintain and manage departmental budgets, monitor expenditures, and forecast financial needs in partnership with finance teams to ensure prudent stewardship of resources

Ensure adherence to all legal requirements and auditing standards relevant to charitable giving, campaign reporting, and donor documentation

Create and submit stewardship and financial reports to donors and institutional funders as required

Oversee the planning and execution of signature fundraising programs, including the 50/50 Raffle, Season-long Fundraising Campaigns, MLB Authentics, Guardians Charities Golf Outing, and other major initiatives and events

Lead development-related event tasks, such as sponsorship fulfillment, donor engagement, auction coordination, and gameday celebrations, ensuring alignment with fundraising and mission objectives

Supervise, mentor, and develop team members and volunteers, promoting a collaborative, growth-focused environment in pursuit of fundraising goals

Collaborate with executive leadership, marketing, and programming teams to communicate impact, promote giving opportunities, and ensure program visibility

Qualification

Fundraising strategyDonor engagementGrant writingEvent managementNonprofit financial practicesIRS Form 990Relationship managementCommunication skillsAdaptabilityGrowth mindset

Required

Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, fundraising, business, communications, or a related field required

3-5 years of experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, collegiate or professional sports with a proven track record of securing individual gifts, corporate support, and foundation grants

Proven ability to engage, cultivate, and steward major donors and corporate partners

Experience supporting high-profile fundraising events and aligning development activities with event planning

Robust knowledge of fundraising compliance, nonprofit financial practices, and IRS Form 990

Genuine passion for driving positive impact in the community

Growth mindset that showcases initiative, is receptive to feedback/coaching, and embraces continuous learning

Ability to foster and maintain strong relationships while communicating effectively with diverse audiences

Adaptability to new challenges and solves problems resourcefully adjusting approach and demeanor in real time to meet the shifting demands of different situations

Proven track record of applying logical thinking and resourcefulness to address challenges or identify opportunities, drawing on experience, data, and collaboration

Capability to plan, manage, and execute work efficiently with a results-oriented focus

Reads, speaks, comprehends, and communicates English effectively in all communications

Represents the Cleveland Guardians in a positive fashion to all business partners and the public

Ability to develop and maintain successful working relationships with members of the Front Office

Ability to act according to organizational values and service excellence at all times

Ability to walk, sit or stand for an entire shift

Ability to work extended days and hours, including holidays and weekends

Ability to move throughout all areas and levels of the Ballpark

Ability to work in a changing environment

Occasional physical activity such as lifting and carrying boxes up to 25 lbs

Company

Cleveland Guardians

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The Cleveland Guardians, established in 1901 as one of the four Charter members of the American League, is an organization dedicated to creating memories, connecting generations, and celebrating families.

Founded in 1901

Cleveland, Ohio, USA

51-200 employees