Chief Development Officer, The BASE

Tsne Missionworks • Boston, MA

117d • $130,000 - $145,000

About The Position

This is an exciting moment to join The BASE, a nationally recognized, Boston-based leader in leveraging the power of sports to transform lives and communities. As Chief Development Officer, you will lead and grow an ambitious fundraising strategy that directly fuels opportunities for urban youth to achieve their full potential. Reporting to the President & CEO and serving as a key voice on the Senior Leadership Team, you will collaborate with a dedicated staff, engaged Board members, and dedicated partners to expand The BASE's reach and impact. This is an opportunity for a proven development leader who enjoys both strategy and hands-on work to bring creativity, passion, and rigor to a mission-driven organization poised for its next chapter of growth. As part of this close-knit team, the CDO will thrive in a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and fast-paced environment where rolling up your sleeves is just as important as leading strategy.

Requirements

• Significant senior leadership experience (at least 7-10 years) successfully designing and leading comprehensive fundraising programs.
• Proven success in securing six- and seven-figure gifts from individuals, corporations, and foundations; experience raising significant annual revenue (ideally $3M+) is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of and direct experience with Greater Boston philanthropic networks preferred; national experience and transferable networks are also valued.
• Background in youth development, sports/athletics, education, or related fields is a plus.

Nice To Haves

• Visionary strategist with the ability to design and implement multi-year, multi-faceted fundraising campaigns.
• Exceptional relationship builder who can inspire confidence among donors, Board members, partners, and colleagues.
• Strong people manager who fosters accountability, collaboration, and professional growth within a development team.
• Skilled communicator (written, verbal, and public speaking) with the ability to translate mission and impact into compelling cases for support.
• Entrepreneurial, action-oriented, and able to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented organization.
• Deep personal commitment to equity, social justice, and youth empowerment.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement The BASE's overall multi-million-dollar fundraising strategy, ensuring growth and sustainability.
• Partner with the CEO, Board, and Senior Leadership Team to translate The BASE's mission and vision into compelling development opportunities, campaigns, and partnerships.
• Support the development of a long-term public funding strategy to diversify revenue sources and strengthen financial resilience.
• Raise a minimum of $3 million annually for general operating support, with additional fundraising for special projects and capital campaigns.
• Build and steward deep, multi-faceted relationships with individual major donors, corporations, foundations, and government funders.
• Engage and equip Board members and committees to actively participate in fundraising through personal giving, events, and network connections.
• Maintain a personal portfolio of high-level donors and prospects, ensuring exceptional cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Lead and manage the fund development team with clarity, accountability, and a strong commitment to The BASE's culture of excellence.
• Supervise grant writing efforts and collaborate with the Chief Program Officer to ensure funded initiatives have measurable goals and outcomes.
• Manage the stewardship calendar, reporting processes, and reconciliation with accounting to ensure accuracy and transparency.
• Provide clear fundraising reports to leadership and the Board.
• Pitch in as needed across events and initiatives, modeling The BASE's culture of teamwork and flexibility.
• Ensure The BASE's mission, intended impact, and brand are fully integrated across all development efforts.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to leverage media, storytelling, and events to advance fundraising and elevate The BASE's local and national profile.
• Serve as a visible ambassador and spokesperson for The BASE at events, meetings, and in the broader community.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Salary is commensurate with experience, in the approximate range of $130,000-$145,000

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services