Senior Development Officer: Corporate & Institutional Partnerships

Boston SCORES; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 81,000 - 99,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

100% employer-sponsored health, dental, and vision insurance

401K plan with employer match

Inclusive workplace culture

Job summary

A leading afterschool program in Boston seeks a Senior Development Officer to develop and manage corporate and institutional fundraising strategies. The role involves building and nurturing partnerships, securing sponsorships, and collaborating with various stakeholders to enhance engagement. Candidates should have over 5 years of relevant experience and excellent relationship-building skills. This position offers a competitive salary, generous benefits, and a hybrid work environment that promotes inclusivity.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in fundraising, corporate partnerships, or institutional giving.
• Demonstrated success in securing corporate sponsorships or institutional support.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage corporate and institutional partnerships to drive revenue growth.
• Develop tailored sponsorship proposals and activation plans.
• Oversee sponsorship fulfillment and ensure consistent donor engagement.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Relationship-building

Proposal writing

Strategic mindset

CRM navigation

Job description

Generous PTO and weeklong end-of-year office closure

About Boston SCORES

Boston SCORES is one of the largest afterschool programs in Boston, providing free soccer, poetry and service learning programs to nearly 2,000 students in grades K-12 each year.

Boston SCORES is one of 13 affiliates of the America SCORES network, a legacy program of the 1994 World Cup. More info at: www.bostonscores.org

Senior Development Officer: Corporate and Institutional Partnerships

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of Boston’s premier sports-based youth development organizations at a pivotal moment in its evolution. The Senior Development Officer (SDO) will step into a role with incredible potential - building fundraising strategies from the ground up, tapping into new donor opportunities, and helping to write the next chapter of a 25+ year legacy.

With the recent completion of our new headquarters and state-of-the-art education and recreation center in East Boston - and as a key player in Boston’s preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 - Boston Scores is uniquely positioned for growth. As one of 13 affiliates of the America SCORES network (a program born out of the 1994 World Cup), we are on an ambitious path to double the number of students we serve by 2026 and beyond. Through our holistic program model, we support students’ physical and mental health, boost academic engagement, build self-confidence, and foster a deep sense of belonging.

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the SDO will be the lead, strategic relationship manager for Boston Scores’ corporate and institutional supporters, playing a critical role in cultivating, securing, and stewarding partnerships that fuel the organization’s engagement and revenue growth. Approximately 80‑85% of the SDO’s time will be dedicated to building and managing these partnerships in collaboration with our CDO, Development Officer, and Grant Writer, with the remaining time supporting other development initiatives, including events, donor stewardship, and systems building.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Corporate & Institutional Partnerships (80–85%)

• Serve as a lead strategist and relationship manager for corporate and institutional sponsorships and fundraising, helping to shape systems, messaging, and pipelines that support sustainable long‑term growth, with added emphasis on retention and multi‑year strategies.
• Lead systems development around prospecting, researching, cultivating, and soliciting new corporate partners and institutional funders, with a strong emphasis on sectors aligned with Boston Scores’ mission and community; manage systems for tracking and reporting.
• Develop tailored sponsorship and philanthropic proposals, activation plan, and pitch materials aligned with corporate social responsibilities, DEI, and marketing objectives.
• Lead high‑level sponsorship outreach and stewardship for signature efforts, including Celebration, Inspired Art, and Scores Cup, ensuring sponsor ROI and meaningful engagement.
• Manage portfolio of high‑level corporate and institutional donors, ensuring consistent engagement, retention, recognition, and opportunities for growth; strategize and assist with Development Officers’ portfolio management and output.
• Collaborate with the Board of Directors and other Development team members as needed on high‑level sponsorship and institutional fundraising strategies, including emerging initiatives like ongoing international exchanges.
• Actively participate in event committee meetings, which include community volunteers and members of the Boston Scores Board of Directors; engage committee members in network mapping and cultivation practices to best utilize the group's strengths and networks.
• Oversee sponsorship fulfillment, including branding opportunities, impact reports, and recognition plans.
• Represent Boston Scores at networking events, corporate volunteer days, and prospecting meetings to build visibility and engage new partners.

Development Operations & Team Collaborations (15–20%)

• Participate in the planning and execution of donor‑facing events, focusing on enhancing the experience for sponsors and institutional partners.
• Maintain accurate database records and documentation for all assigned prospects and partners, supporting acknowledgment and reporting for the team.
• Collaborate on overall development and communication strategies to highlight donor impact through storytelling and recognition efforts.
• Contribute to department strategy, team meetings, and cross‑functional planning efforts.
• Other duties as assigned by the Chief Development Officer.

Skills and Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in fundraising, corporate partnerships, and/or institutional giving with a strong track record of success.
• Demonstrated experience securing and growing corporate sponsorships or institutional support, ideally in the $10K–$100K+ range.
• Excellent relationship‑building skills with the ability to connect with a range of stakeholders.
• Strong proposal writing, communications, and presentation skills.
• Highly organized and goal‑oriented with a strategic mindset and entrepreneurial spirit.
• Comfort navigating CRM systems and managing donor data.
• Passion for youth development, equity, and/or the transformative power of sport is highly valued.

Compensation and Environment

• Competitive salary up to $90,000
• Generous benefits & paid time off package including:
• 100% employer‑sponsored health, dental, vision, life insurance and long‑term disability insurance
• 401K plan with employer match (eligible after 1 year)
• 15 days of paid time off annually (incrementally increases to 30 days PTO with continued tenure)
• 10 paid federal holidays
• Approximately 1.5 weeks leave during organization‑wide winter break
• Inclusive and supportive workplace culture of 19 full‑time staff and several part‑time team members
• Currently operating in a hybrid work environment with all staff required to work in the office on Mondays and Wednesdays plus other days as required by the responsibilities of their role

Boston Scores is committed to recruiting and maintaining a diverse staff and individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Boston Scores does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, parenthood, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.

To Apply

Please email a paragraph about why you are interested in the role, plus your resume, to our Chief Development Officer, Elizabeth Plume ([e-mail]), with the subject line “Senior Development Officer Application”.