Director of Development - Pitch In For Baseball

Founded in 2005, Pitch In For Baseball & Softball (PIFBS) is the leading nonprofit organization that works to remove equipment as the barrier to participation for underprivileged and at risk children on a global level.  It champions leveling the playing field to create equal access so that all children can experience the benefits of the game.

According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s (SFIA) Topline Participation Report for 2023, baseball and softball participation is at nearly 19 million in the United States; baseball is at the highest officially recorded level for the sport since SFIA’s survey of more than 120 sports began in 2008 and softball has grown by 500k which represents the greatest increase since 2022. Of those participants, less than 30% are living below the federal poverty level and about 25% are from diverse communities.  The research shows that while participation and interest in the game is growing, there is still quite a disparity in the composition of participants. The expectation is that children show up with the equipment needed to play, which averages around $200 on top of registration fees. As the game gets more and more expensive, it has become cost prohibitive for under-resourced families to participate. This is why Pitch In For Baseball & Softball exists – to ensure that equipment is never a barrier to play.

Over the past nearly twenty years, PIFBS has expanded programming and partners to help nearly two million boys and girls play ball in every state in the U.S. and more than 117 countries internationally. Pitch In For Baseball & Softball is the premier equipment partner for Major League Baseball (MLB)’s Youth Development efforts, Little League International, the Players Trust, MLB teams, Wilson Sporting Goods, and countless other national and grassroots organizations. PIFBS is also a leader in supporting youth service projects, connecting hundreds of children over the years with a meaningful introduction to philanthropy, serving as a vehicle for volunteerism and action.

Pitch In For Baseball & Softball (PIFBS) is seeking an exceptional and seasoned fundraising professional for its position of Director of Development. Working closely with the CEO, a motivated and knowledgeable team of staff, and a motivated and engaged Board of Directors and Advisory Council, the Director of Development will be a catalytic leader who helps Pitch In For Baseball & Softball reach new heights in terms of creating a solid donor base and overall fund development in support of its programs and the organization as a whole. This work requires someone who shares PIFBS’ vision, appreciation for sport as a vehicle for youth development, and commitment to underprivileged children.

The ideal candidate must be a skilled and effective communicator and relationship builder capable of integrating smoothly into the organizational culture of Pitch In For Baseball & Softball.  The PIFBS team is extremely supportive of one another in a relaxed environment yet with high expectations and commitment to quality. As a small grassroots organization, this is a great opportunity to make a huge impact while getting to have unique and memorable baseball/softball experiences including travel both internationally and domestically and interact with a vast array of industry leaders.

• Working closely with the leadership and staff of Pitch In For Baseball & Softball, the Director of Development will:
• Provide vision and leadership for all aspects of PIFBS’ fundraising program, and will integrate and elevate fundraising best practices across all levels and types of giving
• Work with the CEO and Board of Trustees to develop and implement an augmented fundraising plan that will advance PIFBS’ fundraising growth, strengthen the pipeline, and increase donor engagement
• Support the Board in meaningful participation that will boost a culture of fundraising, support, and engagement
• Create and execute a strategies for winning back donors, reducing donor churn, and increasing donor engagement
• Manage an effective development infrastructure by augmenting efficient systems and procedures, including the database, those that track fundraising goals, acknowledgements, and enable real-time reporting to key program leads
• Create briefing memos, presentations, and other materials for leadership and donor meetings and reports
• Represent PIFBS when appropriate at distribution events and partner meetings
• Identify areas for increased efficiency and cost effectiveness when appropriate
• Other duties as assigned by the CEO
• Oversee fundraising special events (Topgolf, annual on-site Board & Staff meeting)
• Supervising a Development and Marketing intern (when appropriate)

• Bachelors degree required and more than 5 years of nonprofit development experience with proven track record of scaling small grassroots nonprofit organizations
• Track record of success in developing and implementing fundraising plans, preferably in the youth sports space
• Ability to interact professionally with internal and external stakeholders who have diverse backgrounds, professional skills, and perspectives
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to quality
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining excellence.
• Ability to work independently with little supervision
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Word.
• Familiarity with fundraising databases (DonorPerfect a plus) and utilizing donor data effectively
• This position occasionally requires periods of increased hours (events, meetings)
• Must be a self-starter and independent worker with an entrepreneurial spirit and strategic growth mindset
• Creative, strategic thinker with excellent project management and cross-functional fundraising skills
• Strong follow-through with the proven ability to set and meet deadlines and benchmarks

• International and domestic travel for partnership development and stewardship
• Interact with PIFBS partners which includes a vast array of industry leaders (MLB, Little League, Players Trust, Wilson Sporting Goods, MLB clubs teams, etc.)
• 5 weeks (25 days) of PTO
• PIFBS pays 50% of health insurance
• PIFBS pays for Aflac accident coverage for each employee
• Flexible work schedule
• Opportunity to work remotely/hybrid after introductory period

TO APPLY:
Send resume and cover letter detailing your track record of fundraising success to:

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