The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation Manager 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 Foundation Manager 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 $17.5 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.
Fundraising Strategy & Campaign Execution
- Plan and execute Foundation fundraising initiatives in alignment with annual revenue goals and organizational priorities.
- Develop and implement gameday fundraising strategies, promotional plans, and related marketing initiatives.
- Coordinate fundraising activations and campaigns in collaboration with internal departments, external partners, vendors, and community organizations.
- Oversee Foundation merchandise strategy and program development, including Mystery Pucks, theme-night merchandise, specialty jerseys, Hats for Heroes, and other fundraising merchandise.
- Manage the development and execution of promotional creative and campaign assets in partnership with Digital, Marketing, and other internal teams.
- Monitor fundraising activity and results to identify opportunities for program growth, increased engagement, and improved revenue performance.
Grant & Scholarship Administration
- Manage the end-to-end administration of Foundation grant and scholarship programs, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and community impact goals.
- Oversee the full grant lifecycle, including application management, review and evaluation, funding recommendations, award administration, agreements, reporting, and closeout.
- Manage ongoing relationships with grant partners, including stewardship, impact tracking, reporting, and follow-up.
- Administer scholarship programs, including application management, review and selection processes, award coordination, and recipient communication.
- Maintain accurate program records and documentation to support reporting, compliance, and effective program management.
Donor Relations & Stewardship
- Develop and implement comprehensive donor engagement and stewardship strategies designed to strengthen relationships, encourage retention, and support long-term philanthropic investment.
- Process and manage donor contributions in coordination with Finance, ensuring accurate and timely gift processing and documentation.
- Coordinate timely, personalized, and appropriate donor acknowledgments and recognition.
- Develop and execute stewardship plans for key donor audiences, including individual donors, corporate partners, board members, and Hockey Operations, players, and their families.
- Identify opportunities to deepen donor engagement and cultivate transactional supporters into long-term philanthropic relationships.
- Maintain accurate donor records and engagement activity within the Foundation’s CRM and related systems.
Board Governance & Executive Support
- Support effective Foundation board operations and organizational governance.
- Prepare board meeting materials, agendas, packets, and supporting documentation.
- Coordinate board meeting logistics, communications, attendance, and follow-up.
- Maintain governance records and ensure required documentation, including signed agreements and other organizational records, is complete and up to date.
- Record, prepare, and distribute official meeting minutes.
- Provide administrative and operational support to the Executive Director on Foundation initiatives, projects, and organizational priorities.
Supervisory Responsibilities
Directly supervises part-time game night support staff and Foundation intern. 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 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.