Position Summary:
The Foundation Development Director is responsible for leading and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies to support the mission of the Miami Marlins Foundation. The role focuses on generating philanthropic revenue to sustain and grow the Foundation’s priority pillars, including the Marlins Youth Academy and youth baseball and softball initiatives, while also supporting additional community programming. The Foundation Development Director will cultivate and steward relationships with corporate partners, individual donors, foundations, and community stakeholders, ensuring long-term engagement and financial sustainability.
Essential Functions:
Fundraising & Donor Relations
• Design and implement annual and multi-year fundraising strategies to achieve revenue goals.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Manage donor recognition and engagement programs to enhance long-term giving.
• Leverage relationships with Marlins business and baseball operations leaders to maximize fundraising opportunities with sponsors, players, and alumni.
Grant Development & Management
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities from private and public foundations, corporations, and governmental entities.
• Prepare and submit compelling proposals, reports, and supporting materials.
• Maintain compliance with all grant reporting and stewardship requirements.
Events & Campaigns
• Lead development-related events, campaigns, and activations in alignment with the Foundation’s mission.
• Partner with internal departments to integrate fundraising components into team/community events.
• Oversee donor cultivation events and special projects that showcase impact.
Strategic Leadership & Administration
• Provide ethical, values-driven leadership consistent with the mission of the Foundation.
• Develop and manage the annual fundraising budget; track and report progress to leadership and the board.
• Ensure accurate donor records, gift tracking, and reporting through a CRM/database system.
• Collaborate with marketing/communications to create compelling fundraising materials and impact reports.
Qualifications & Requirements:
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or foundation management.
• Demonstrated track record of securing significant philanthropic support (individual, corporate, and foundation).
• High-level understanding of community needs and ability to build relationships across diverse constituencies.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills; comfortable engaging with executives, donors, and the community.
• Highly organized, self-directed, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with fundraising databases/CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including but not limited to evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Suggested Education & Experience Guidelines:
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred in business administration, public affairs, marketing, sports management, or related field.
• Minimum of five years of management-level experience working with charitable organizations, civic groups, or foundations in South Florida.
• Demonstrated success in community relations, governmental affairs, or strategic communications.
Working Conditions
• Office is located at loanDepot park in Miami, FL.
• Frequent evening and weekend work required in support of games, events, and donor activities.
• Some local and regional travel required for donor cultivation and community engagement.
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, gender identity, marital or veteran status, or any other protected class.
