Director of Development

# Director of Development Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts###

Job Description Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to empowering urban youth through athletics, academics, and employment opportunities. We use martial arts as a vehicle to create positive, supportive relationships with our students, as well as teach key values such as persistence and determination. As the Development & Grants Manager, you will oversee grant management, support fundraising and development initiatives, and manage key administrative functions to ensure the organization’s success.

This is a full-time position.
** Position Summary
** Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts is seeking an eager, flexible, and highly motivated individual to help take a burgeoning organization to the next level. The Director of Development is a senior leadership role responsible for designing, leading, and executing Level Ground’s fundraising, development, and external engagement strategy. This role oversees grant and foundation funding, fundraising events, digital marketing, and public-facing efforts that raise awareness and financial support for the organization.

The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, strong communicator, and relationship-builder who thrives in a mission-driven environment. In addition to reporting to our Executive Director, you will work closely with a passionate and committed Board of Directors. It is imperative to regularly engage with our Program Staff and youth to ensure that fundraising efforts are aligned with the culture of our organization, and that messaging accurately represents our work and the youth that we serve.
** Roles and Responsibilities
**** Development Management
*** Lead and execute Level Ground’s overall fundraising and development strategy, with a strong emphasis on long-term sustainability and growth
* Support and help shape long-term fundraising initiatives, including a potential capital campaign
* Support the development strategy and fundraising plan by defining objectives, setting targets, and creating tools to track progress and performance
* Help steward existing donor relationships and support cultivation of new donor prospects
* Coordinate donor and prospect correspondence, including customized cultivation materials (mailings, supplemental thank-you letters, reports, etc.)
* Support the Administrative Coordinator in enhancing and maintaining the donor database, and provide oversight of donation processing, acknowledgment, and reporting
* Support major fundraising efforts from start to finish, including annual appeals and special campaigns
* Coordinate closely with Program Staff and youth to ensure data, storytelling, and messaging meaningfully and authentically represent Level Ground’s work and the young people we serve
** Grants Management
*** Steward and strengthen current foundation relationships while identifying and securing new public and private funding sources
* Broaden Level Ground’s corporate fundraising partnerships
* Oversee all grant efforts, including partnership with Level Ground’s grants consulting firm, strategy, compliance, and research, writing, and submission as needed
* Write and submit grant reports
** Events & Special Campaigns
*** Plan, manage, and execute special events and fundraising initiatives
* Oversee event logistics, budgets, timelines, and post-event follow-up
* Identify opportunities for new fundraising events and donor engagement experiences
** Marketing, Social Media & Awareness
*** Develop and grow Level Ground’s social media presence and digital platforms
* Create or oversee content that tells compelling stories about Level Ground’s mission, impact, and programs
* Ensure consistent branding, messaging, and tone across all public-facing channels
** Public Relations & Networking
*** Raise awareness of Level Ground through networking, partnerships, and community engagement
* Represent Level Ground at events, meetings, and public forums    Build relationships with community leaders, organizations, and potential collaborators
* Support media outreach, speaking opportunities, and other PR efforts
** Financial Management & Compliance
*** Assist…