Director of Development, Foundation & Community Engagement

Job Description:

Summary:

The Foundation & Community Engagement team serves as the community and philanthropic arm of the New York Mets. Within the department lives the Amazin’ Mets Foundation, which is “committed to providing needed services and opportunities to children, families, and under-served groups in our neighborhoods and communities.”

The Director of Development will provide management and coordination for all the Foundation’s fundraising initiatives. The Director of Development will also play a key role in identifying and building relationships with donors, overseeing in-kind donations, and managing donor databases.

This is an ideal opportunity for an entrepreneurial, proven development leader to join an innovative team at an exciting moment of impact.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Leadership and management responsibility of a variety of fundraising programs; including planning, execution, and management of the Foundation’s fundraising programs.

• Create a forward-thinking strategy to identify innovative fundraising engagement opportunities with Mets fans and monitor and evaluate key performance indicators related to fundraising programs to optimize outreach efforts.

• Coordinating all aspects of such fundraising programs, including:

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for the programs, including sales goals, marketing plans, and pricing structures.

  • Oversee the sales process, including training and coordinating individuals responsible for selling tickets, monitoring ticket sales progress, identifying trends, and adjusting strategies as needed.

  • Develop marketing materials, including promotional campaigns, to drive ticket sales.

  • Coordinate with the marketing team to create a strong online and offline presence for the raffle program.

  • Generate regular reports on raffle performance, including revenue, expenses, and ROI.

• Coordinate with planning and overseeing various events throughout the year, including planning and executing an annual gala for approximately 400 attendees, aiming to raise over $1M.

• Manage and optimize the fundraising/donor database to ensure accurate record-keeping and tracking.

• Manage and maintain communication with donors across various fundraising platforms, including responses to questions, requests and concerns, and making sure that tax acknowledgements are sent out in a timely fashion.

• Represent the Foundation at various community and business meetings to advocate for the cause and promote partnership opportunities, including at MLB organized club meetings.

• Work closely with key thought leaders and existing partners to identify new opportunities for partnerships.

• Working with the Finance Manager with respect to the Foundation’s budget, ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with fundraising goals and grant targets.

• Work closely with the Social Content Creator and Communications for all social media, online presence and digital communication, including website presence, campaigns, newsletters, annual reports, and other donor communications.

• Stay updated with the latest trends, tools, and best practices in nonprofit fundraising, ensuring that the Foundation remains competitive and effective in its development strategies.

• Ensure all fundraising practices comply with ethical standards and legal requirements within the nonprofit sector.

• Any other duties deemed important for this position.

Qualifications:

• BA or master’s degree in communication, public relations, or a related field.

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in nonprofit fundraising, sales/marketing, or related field.

• Proven experience in fundraising, event management, or raffle program management.

• Experience overseeing wide and diverse event production and working in fast-paced, confidential environment.

• Excellent oral and written communications skills; ability to manage communications tactfully and professionally with high attention to detail and accuracy.

• Analytical and strategic thinker who is detail-oriented with good organizational skills and ability to multi-task, organize and follow through while remaining highly focused.

• Energetic and willing to work hands-on in developing and executing a variety of fundraising activities.

• Straightforward, self-motivated, and diplomatic, sharing information readily, listening as well as giving advice and respecting the abilities of others; track record of working cross-departmentally to achieve goals.

• Personal qualities of humility, capacity for self-reflection, and a sense of humor.

• Must be trustworthy and capable of exercising discretion and ability to handle confidential issues, as well as demonstrated ability to interact with high-level leaders.

• Fluency in all Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.

• Excellent skills and experience working with databases and internet research (Salesforce preferred).

• Willingness and ability to attend and support Foundation and Community related events outside of office hours, including being flexible during the season.

The above information is intended to describe the general nature, type, and level of work to be performed. The information is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for this position. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The individual selected may perform other related duties as assigned or requested.

The New York Mets recognize the importance of a diverse workforce and value the unique qualities individuals of various backgrounds and experiences can offer to the Organization. Our continued success depends heavily on the quality of our workforce. The Organization is committed to providing employees with the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential.

Salary Range: