Boston Scores inspires youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world. We envision a world where all youth feel a sense of belonging and achieve their full potential.

Boston Scores’ programs were born out of the desire to close the opportunity gap for students in Boston, with a specific focus on soccer and out-of-school enrichment activities. While soccer is generally played across economic classes internationally, the sport is dominated by a “pay to play” model in the United States, requiring considerable financial contributions to cover equipment costs, travel expenses, club fees, and much more. Play equity gaps lead to health equity gaps and systemic barriers to joining high-quality teams and leagues deprive our society of a vast resource of youth talent.

At Boston Scores, students can join a free soccer team at their school. After their soccer practices, students move with their teammates from the field to the classroom, where they engage in hands-on curricula that connect to their real-world experiences. They emerge empowered to make positive changes in their lives and in their communities.

THE POSITION

Boston Scores seeks a dynamic and visionary Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead and transform its development efforts. Reporting to the Executive Director, the CDO will play a critical role in cultivating major donors, driving revenue growth, and leveraging new opportunities to expand the organization’s impact. Following the success of a $17 million campaign, Boston Scores is poised for significant growth with exciting initiatives, including the launch of East Boston FC, new summer camp programs, and "Festival 26," a global youth festival during the FIFA World Cup. The CDO will lead a team of four, with a primary focus on the cultivation and stewardship of major donors, implementing targeted donor cultivation plans, and ensuring a personalized approach to engagement. With a goal to increase revenues by 50% over the next three years, this role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of our fundraising efforts.

The Chief Development Officer directly supervises the Development team and reports directly to the Executive Director of Boston Scores.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Donor Cultivation and Stewardship

• Develop and implement comprehensive donor cultivation plans, with a strong focus on identifying, engaging, and stewarding major donors.

• Build and manage a robust pipeline of major gift prospects, ensuring consistent engagement and solicitation strategies tailored to individual donor interests.

• Partner with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to deepen relationships with key stakeholders, leveraging their networks to expand donor support.

• Design and execute high-impact donor engagement opportunities, including exclusive events, personalized updates, and site visits to Boston Scores’ state-of-the-art soccer and education complex.

• Manage the overall marketing and promotional functions to construct and market an appropriate image and develop ties with the community.

Strategic Leadership

• Create and execute a multi-year fundraising strategy that prioritizes major gift growth while expanding corporate sponsorships, foundation grants, and government funding.

• Serve as a key advisor to the Executive Director on all development-related initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.

• Lead the development department, fostering collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

• Participate in the development of the organization’s plans and programs as a strategic partner and member of the leadership team.

• Act as a public ambassador for Boston Scores, representing the organization at events and engagements to increase visibility and donor interest.

Revenue Growth

• Drive a 50% increase in annual revenue over the next three years, growing from $2.2 to $3.5 million.

• Expand corporate sponsorship opportunities and establish meaningful partnerships aligned with Boston Scores’ mission and goals.

• Identify and secure new foundation and government funding opportunities to support programmatic growth and special initiatives.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and mentor a high-performing development team, including a Grant Writer, Development Officer, Development Coordinator, and Senior Development Officer.

• Provide professional development and establish performance metrics to ensure team success.

• Cultivate a team culture that prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and donor-centric approaches.

Events and Campaign Management

• Oversee the planning and execution of signature fundraising events, including donor-centric activities tied to Festival 26.

• Lead special fundraising initiatives, ensuring strong donor engagement throughout.

• Partner with the Development Coordinator to design and execute annual fundraising events that deepen donor relationships.

Data and Reporting

• Leverage donor management systems to track cultivation plans, engagement touchpoints, and solicitation outcomes for major donors.

• Utilize data analytics to assess fundraising effectiveness and refine strategies as needed.

• Prepare regular reports for the Executive Director and Board of Directors, highlighting progress toward revenue goals and major donor engagement metrics.

QUALIFICATIONS 

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree is required; an advanced degree or equivalent experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, or a related field is preferred.

• 8–10 years of nonprofit fundraising experience, including a proven track record of cultivating and securing major gifts.

• Leadership experience managing teams and driving revenue growth, preferably in a mission-driven organization.

Skills and Competencies

• Expertise in major donor cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation strategies.

• Exceptional relationship-building skills with the ability to engage and inspire donors at all levels.

• Strong strategic planning and project management abilities, with a focus on driving results.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal writing and public speaking.

• Proficiency with donor management software (e.g., Salesforce, Raiser’s Edge) and data-driven fundraising approaches.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about youth development, sports, and education.

• Entrepreneurial mindset with a commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

• High level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to Boston Scores’ mission.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

• The salary range for this position is $140,000-$160,000 annual.

• Comprehensive benefits package, including 100% employer-paid health & insurance or cash opt-out option, retirement plan, and generous paid time off.

• Hybrid Work Environment (currently in office Mondays & Wednesdays, subject to change)

• Opportunity to make a significant impact on youth development and global collaboration initiatives.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Boston Scores is working with Positively Partners to recruit for the CDO position. We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis and expect to begin interviews with aligned candidates in late February. Candidates who advance can expect to have an initial interview by video followed by a multipart final assessment which will include an opportunity to meet with a range of stakeholders from Boston Scores and to participate in a practical demonstration of fundraising skills. We expect to make an offer by the end of March 2025 and set a start date soon thereafter.

Boston Scores is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply.