Manager, Community Giving & Development

Our teammates are at the core of what we believe in: People, Collaboration, Learning, and Excellence (PeopleCLE). We look to hire individuals who are committed to our purpose of uniting and inspiring our city through the power of team. Our mission is to win the World Series while creating a compelling fan experience. If you believe you possess these important traits, please consider a career with the Cleveland Guardians.

PRIMARY PURPOSE: Advance the work of Cleveland Guardians Community Impact and Cleveland Guardians Charities by driving philanthropic revenue and engagement to enable impactful programs throughout Northeast Ohio. This role shapes and executes fundraising strategy to support social equity, education, youth development, health, and environmental initiatives, ensuring the organization’s role as a community partner and catalyst for positive change. By inspiring generosity and mobilizing resources, this position ensures our mission not only reaches more communities but truly transforms lives throughout Northeast Ohio.

Cleveland Guardians Charities, a private nonprofit organization, works to enhance the lives of youth, families, and communities across Northeast Ohio through youth baseball, softball, and strategic community partnerships. Philanthropic contributions make it possible to sustain and grow this work. Donor engagement, campaigns, and events all play a key role in securing the resources needed to deepen and expand this reach.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

Fundraising Strategy

• 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.

Events & Campaigns

• 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.

Compliance & Financial Reporting

• 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.

Program & Event Management

• 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.

Learn more about these programs by visiting: www.mlb.com/guardians/community/charities
Review the 2024 Cleveland Guardians Community Impact Report here: https://tinyurl.com/ypba9wtv

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• 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

JOB SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.

ORGANIZATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• 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.

At the Cleveland Guardians, we are all about creating an environment that brings out the best in everyone. It is a big part of who we are, how we compete, and how we make an impact in our community. We want every employee to feel like they truly belong here.

We also know that people sometimes hesitate to apply for jobs unless they check every single box on the qualifications list. We’re looking for the best person for the job, and we know that you might bring skills and experiences that aren’t exactly listed but could be a huge asset to our team. So, if this role excites you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet every single qualification.