CBJ Foundation Development Specialist

The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation Development Specialist is one of the two key positions that supports the Executive Director in managing and executing fund development and grant making strategies in alignment with strategic plans, business goals and objectives. The primary responsibilities of the Development Specialist are to oversee the Foundations day-to-day operations, donor management, game day fundraising activities, and the grant program.

The ideal candidate is collaborative, self-motivated, and results-oriented with strong organizational skills and attention to detail. They must be passionate about using sports to positively impact the community. It will be necessary for the person in this role to be present at home games, as well as additional nights and weekend hours as necessary to execute the Foundation’s programs, initiatives, and events.

About the Foundation
In 2000, the Columbus Blue Jackets brought the National Hockey League to the city thanks to the vision of local business leader and philanthropist John H. McConnell. His vision of how a professional sports team could impact our community led to the establishment of the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation and its pillars that are dedicated to improving the lives of children throughout Central Ohio. It’s our mission. It’s our purpose. Beyond the game of hockey, we collaborate with community partners that share our commitment in the areas of pediatric cancer, education, health and safety, and youth hockey. In the two-plus decades since, the Foundation has invested over $14 million into the central Ohio community while positively impacting over 100,000 children annually.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Oversee donor management operations through GiveSmart to effectively manage the development process, ensuring that donor information, gift acknowledgments and reports are accurate and current. Comply with applicable local, state and federal laws, codes, rules and regulations.
Establish and track annual fundraising goals and create comprehensive reports on fundraising efforts.
Manage fundraising programs, such as the online auction and 50/50 raffle operations, including volunteer coordination, part-time staff supervision, and promotion of these activities.
Lead the Foundation Grant Program, which involves the application and approval procedures, recognition of grants awarded, organizing the evaluation of grants, and facilitating communication with grant partners. Establish efficient systems and processes for grant application.
Collaborate with the Community Development team to effectively communicate the Foundation’s key messages and strategies to both internal and external audiences, working closely with the Marketing, Digital Marketing, and Communications departments.
Raise the profile of the Blue Jackets Foundation locally, focusing on the Blue Jackets as a leader in corporate social responsibility among other local organizations and other professional sports teams.
Work closely with the Foundation Events Manager to execute a range of events designed to accomplish a variety of goals from strategic fundraising, raising awareness, and engaging donors.
Develop donor recognition initiatives and ensure retention of stakeholder relationships to encourage future gifts to the Blue Jackets Foundation.
Manage the Foundation scholarship program by overseeing the application and approval process for the High School Hockey and John H. McConnell scholarships.
Organize documents required for quarterly Board meetings of the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation.
Develop sustained partnerships and relationships with key organizations and influencers relevant to programs and the business.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervises part-time game night support staff and Foundation interns. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Competencies
To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

Project Management – Develops project plans; coordinates projects; communicates changes and progress; completes projects on time and budget; manages project team activities.

Communications – Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods.

Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; gives and welcomes feedback; contributes to building a positive team spirit; puts success of team above own interests; able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.

Organizational Support – Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values; benefits organization through outside activities; supports affirmative action and respects diversity.

Adaptability – Adapts to changes in the work environment; manages competing demands; changes approach or method to best fit the situation; able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events.

Planning/Organizing – Prioritizes and plans work activities; uses time efficiently; plans for additional resources; sets goals and objectives; organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; develops realistic action plans.

Qualifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience
Bachelor’s degree from four-year college or university; and 3-5 years of experience in non-profit management, fundraising, community development, preferably within the sports industry. Strong knowledge of philanthropic trends, fundraising techniques, and community development strategies.

Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Microsoft Office software, and donor management systems, such as Givesmart, BUMP and Clover.

Physical Demands and Work Environment
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand and walk. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

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.