Philanthropic Engagement Manager

Rip City•Portland, OR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Become a part of the team behind the team. As employees of the Portland Trail Blazers at the Rose Quarter, we do more than basketball. We are blazing trails toward winning championships on and off the court. We are pioneers and innovators. We look for people who push boundaries, who dream, who are committed to inclusivity – who want to contribute to Rip City! As our Philanthropic Engagement Manager, you will lead the day-to-day execution of Trail Blazers Foundation fundraising and community initiatives that generate resources to lift up community partners throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington. Reporting to the Executive Director, you’ll manage a dynamic portfolio of programs - from the 50/50 Raffle and auctions, to events, and donor and fan engagement initiatives. In this hands-on role, you bring ideas to life, managing projects from initial concept through final reports, and you will partner across departments to keep programs moving. You will also play a key role at Trail Blazers home games, leading the 50/50 Raffle and coordinating nonprofit volunteers who support game-day fundraising efforts. You’ll ensure every campaign and event is thoughtfully planned, well-executed, and translates into meaningful impact for the communities we serve. Our ideal candidate is a highly organized philanthropic professional who loves turning ideas into action. You’ve led fundraising programs, events, auctions or other revenue-generating initiatives and know what it takes to move a project from planning through execution and reporting, while keeping timelines, budgets, and details on track every step of the way. You thrive on building strong and productive relationships with nonprofit partners, vendors, donors, and internal teams. Most importantly, you’re excited by the opportunity to create meaningful community impact. If this sounds like you, apply by September 6.

Requirements

At least five years of experience in foundation or nonprofit operations, fundraising, development, philanthropic programs, revenue-generating events or initiatives, cause marketing, sports foundations, or a related field.
Experience managing events, auctions, donor engagement programs, or fan-facing giving initiatives.
Strong project management skills, including developing workplans, managing timelines and budgets, coordinating vendors and partners, and keeping multiple initiatives moving from planning through execution.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to coordinate effectively across a variety of internal and external partners.
Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with donors, corporate partners, nonprofit organizations, vendors, and internal teams.
Working knowledge of donor-management or CRM systems, online fundraising platforms, and performance reporting.
Experience leading, guiding, or coordinating the work of employees, seasonal staff, interns, vendors, or volunteers.
Ability to work home games, evenings, weekends, and special events as required.

Nice To Haves

Experience operating or supporting a 50/50 raffle, gaming-related fundraising program, or other highly regulated fundraising activity.
Experience within professional sports, sports foundations, entertainment, or a complex community development organization.
Knowledge of Oregon and Southwest Washington's corporate, philanthropic, civic, and nonprofit communities.

Responsibilities

Deliver and maintain a portfolio of philanthropic and fundraising initiatives, including auctions, events, and individual and corporate giving opportunities.
Manage vendors, technology platforms, contracts, purchasing and payment processes, operational calendars, and program documentation to ensure programs run smoothly and effectively.
Research and recommend new and innovative fundraising opportunities that leverage Trail Blazers games, players, alumni, facilities, digital platforms, and fans.
Meet annual fundraising goals to grow charitable resources available for grants, programs, nonprofit partners, and other community investments.
Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise seasonal staff, vendors, and other operational support.
Own the Foundation's 50/50 Raffle, including revenue performance, game-night execution, e-commerce operations, nonprofit partner participation, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement.
Develop and implement tactics with the Executive Director and internal departments to grow awareness, participation, average purchase value, and revenue across in-arena and online channels.
Serve as the primary Foundation lead during home games, overseeing volunteers, sales execution, issue resolution, reconciliation, and coordination with internal departments and external service providers.
Manage the selection, onboarding, communication, and game-night experience of participating nonprofit partners, helping create a positive experience for both partners and fans.
Partner with Finance and Legal to ensure accurate reconciliation, reporting, disbursement, recordkeeping, licensing, and compliance with all applicable raffle requirements.
Manage the Foundation's annual auction program, including planning, sourcing memorabilia, exclusive experiences, hospitality opportunities, player and alumni assets, promotion, fulfillment, and revenue tracking.
Partner with the Executive Director to plan and bring to life signature fundraising events, donor experiences, or other fan-facing initiatives.
Develop and manage event workplans, including timelines, budgets, vendors, logistics, registration, guest experience, and on-site execution; establish ticket pricing and packages, attendance and sales goals, auction and giving opportunities, and other strategies to drive participation and maximize funds raised.
Collaborate with Basketball Operations, Alumni Relations, Ticket Sales, Corporate Partnerships, Retail, and other departments to secure and appropriately use organizational assets to support fundraising efforts.