Director Of Development

Job Type

Full-time

Description

The IRONMAN Foundation is a global 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating positive, tangible change in race communities through grant funding and volunteerism. We partner with local nonprofit organizations across the world to leave lasting impact long after race day by supporting community-driven initiatives that improve access to athletics, health, education, and community resources. Since 2003, the Foundation has provided more than $60 million in charitable giveback to over 10,000 organizations in more than 75 race communities worldwide. 

We are athletes, volunteers, and givers united in our belief that service through sport and commitment to community can transform lives. Our work spans grant programs such as community grants, volunteerism grants, youth empowerment initiatives. Through programs like TEAM IMF, Your Journey, Your Cause, Swim Ready, Bikes for Kids, and more, athletes and supporters connect their athletic journey with charitable impact. 

The IRONMAN Foundation operates as the charitable arm of The IRONMAN Group, the world-leading endurance sports organization behind the IRONMAN and IRONMAN 70.3 race series and other global running and multisport brands. Through this partnership, the Foundation leverages the reach and community of IRONMAN events to create meaningful philanthropic impact in race communities around the world. Together, they link athletes, volunteers, and supporters to give back through grant funding, volunteer service, and inclusive programs that extend IRONMAN’s mission beyond the finish line. 

Mission: Create positive, tangible change in race communities through grant funding and volunteerism.  

IRONMAN Foundation  – Director of Development

What You’ll Be Doing

Step into a role where no two days are the same, and your impact is felt far beyond your desk. You will:

Lead Revenue Strategy and Execution 

• Build and implement a comprehensive development strategy with a focus on major gifts, foundation and corporate support, and institutional funding. 
• Collaborate with leadership to prioritize fundraising opportunities and optimize resource allocation. 
• Support development initiatives tied to key organizational milestones, including anniversary campaigns and signature fundraising events. 

Cultivate and Manage Donor Relationships 

• Serve as a key relationship manager for major donors, partners, and prospects. 
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure effective stewardship and donor engagement. 
• Elevate the organization’s visibility and credibility with supporters who have potential for multi-year commitments. 

Strengthen Infrastructure and Systems 

• Improve development systems, tools, and processes to support efficient tracking, reporting, and analysis of fundraising performance. 
• Partner with operations and technology teams to implement CRM and reporting enhancements. 
• Establish measurable performance metrics and accountability frameworks. 

Support Community Engagement and Fundraising Programs 

• Assist with fundraising tied to TEAM IMF, community fund entries, and other athlete-driven initiatives.  
• Collaborate with volunteer and community partners to amplify the Foundation’s mission and expand reach. 
• Engage board members and key volunteers in cultivation and fundraising activities. 

Requirements

What You Bring to the Team

We’re looking for someone who doesn’t just tick boxes, but thrives in our fast-paced, global environment. Ideally, you have:

Required 

• 7+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising with a focus on major gifts and institutional funding. 
• Demonstrated ability to lead revenue growth initiatives and manage complex donor portfolios. 
• Experience building fundraising systems and processes in a small to mid-sized organization. Experience with fundraising events (auctions, galas, etc.) 
• Strong relationship building, communication, and strategic planning skills. 

Preferred 

• Experience in athletics, sports, or community engagement organizations. 
• Familiarity with volunteer-driven fundraising programs and athlete fundraising platforms. 
• Track record of exceeding fundraising targets and developing sustainable giving pipelines.

Why You’ll Love Working with Us

The IRONMAN Foundation is a mission-driven organization where impact, community, and legacy guide everything we do. We value: 

• Service through Sport: leveraging athletic experiences to uplift communities. 
• Collaboration: working across teams and with stakeholders to achieve shared goals. 
• Innovation: building development approaches that are both effective and meaningful. 
• Inclusivity: promoting access and equity through programs like the Race for Change Scholarship.  

Impact Highlights 

• $60M+ provided in charitable support in race communities since 2003.  
• Support for 10,000+ organizations worldwide.  
• Programs that empower youth, break down barriers to participation, and support volunteer-led community initiatives. 

The above declarations are not intended to be an “all inclusive” list of duties and responsibilities of the job described, nor are they intended to be such a listing of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Rather, they are intended only to describe the general nature of the job and are a reasonable representation of its activities.

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.