Director of Fund Development

The Role:

We’re seeking a strategic, relationship-driven, and results-oriented Fund Development Director to expand Play Rugby's fundraising capacity. Reporting Directly to the Executive Director (ED), this role is responsible for generating sustainable and diverse revenue by building and executing a robust individual giving program and engaging new corporate donors.

This is a high-impact opportunity for someone who enjoys both strategy and execution, is energized by relationship management, and wants to scale the capacity of an organization that is truly changing young lives through sport.

Key Responsibilities:

Fundraising Strategy & Revenue Growth

• Design and execute an annual fundraising plan to meet or exceed revenue goals.
• Steward a donor portfolio focused on low- and mid-level donors up to $10k annually.
• Lead cultivation of corporate sponsorships, building multi-year packages and partnerships.
• Partner with the ED to identify and transition prospects for major donor stewardship.
• Manage and energize the Associate Board, including annual planning, co-chair support, fundraising campaigns, and engagement in PRUSA events.

Donor and Community Engagement

• Cultivate and steward relationships with new and existing donors through personalized outreach and engagement.
• Manage donor pipeline and journey, measuring retention and adjusting strategies over time.
• Collaborate with the ED and CPO to ensure that donor outreach and communications are consistent and communicate key messages.
• Work with Marketing consultants to develop fundraising assets that effectively communicate impact and drive giving.

Collaboration & Reporting

• Maintain donor data and pipeline integrity in Salesforce and related tools.
• Collaborate with Operations on revenue reconciliation and reporting towards goals.
• Liaise with the Fund Development Committee to support Board visibility into donor engagement and fundraising strategy.

Events and Campaigns

• With ED, drive revenue from signature fundraising events (e.g., Gala, Casino Night, Golf).
• Collaborate with event consultants to optimize fundraising strategies (auctions, sponsorships, donor activations).
• Manage Play Rugby’s participation in the NYC Marathon charity program.

Required Skills, Qualifications, and Experience:

• 10 Years of professional experience in a related field, including at least 5 years’ nonprofit fundraising experience.
• Proven ability to identify donors and cultivate relationships to generate revenue.
• Demonstrated experience growing and diversifying a development program.
• Experience with CRMs required (Salesforce preferred) and working knowledge of prospecting tools.
• Ability to work cross-functionally within the organization to set and achieve collective goals.
• Comfort with accountability, both for oneself and for holding others to high standards.
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, and storytelling skills.
• Commitment to youth development, equity, and Play Rugby USA’s mission.

• Health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous PTO and holidays, including a one-week paid winter break.
• Hybrid work schedule (3 days in office, 2 days remote).