Reports To: COO
Direct Reports: None
FLSA Status: Full-time salaried exempt
Application Deadline: Rolling application
Work Location: New Orleans/Metairie, LA
Our Mission and Your Impact
The New Orleans Saints, New Orleans Pelicans, and Laketown Squadron proudly represent the NFL, NBA, and G-League using our platform to uplift the Gulf Coast and create lasting community impact. Rooted in the vibrant spirit of New Orleans, we celebrate diversity, embrace culture, and unite people through the power of sports. Guided by our core values—community, teamwork, celebrating individuality, people first, integrity, and excellence—we foster an inclusive culture and seek people who share these values to help strengthen the bond between our teams and the city we call home.
Position Summary:
The New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans are seeking a Director, Charitable Giving & Development to lead all charitable giving, philanthropic strategy, and community partnerships. This role is highly external-facing and requires a polished, professional presence with the ability to manage high-profile relationships and communicate effectively in sensitive situations. The Director will be responsible for balancing organizational priorities with community expectations.
What You’ll Be Doing:
Assist with developing and executing the organization’s charitable giving strategy and priorities
Serve as a primary external representative of the organization with community leaders, nonprofit partners, donors, public officials, and other stakeholders
Evaluate and respond to a high volume of charitable requests, including exercising sound judgment and delivering clear, professional communications in both approvals and denials that preserve long-term relationships and the organization’s reputation.
Lead fundraising strategy and execution, including management of corporate, foundation, and individual gifts, and identification of new donor opportunities
Oversee all fundraising events and initiatives in partnership with internal teams and third-party partners
Build and maintain strong relationships across the New Orleans and Gulf South philanthropic community, enhancing the organization’s reputation and visibility
Coordinate and execute all charitable events, including in-stadium fundraising (50/50 raffle), Season of Giving (December), and other community-based initiatives
Partner with Finance and Accounting to develop and manage the annual charitable giving budget, ensuring appropriate oversight and reporting
Oversee grant application review and decision-making process, including stakeholder communication, tracking, reporting, and compliance
Liaise with NFL and NBA charitable organizations to ensure alignment, coordination, and consistent communication
Exercise discretion and professionalism in high-visibility or sensitive situations involving external stakeholders
Occasionally serve as an external spokesperson for the organization’s charitable and philanthropic efforts
What You’ll Bring:
A strong commitment to the New Orleans and Gulf South community and alignment with the Saints and Pelicans core values
Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, public relations, nonprofit studies, or related field
7+ years of experience in charitable foundation management, nonprofit leadership, corporate social responsibility, or a similar external-facing role
Demonstrated success managing relationships with high-profile or sensitive stakeholders, including donors, public officials, and community leaders
Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to deliver difficult messages with professionalism, diplomacy, and sound judgment
Strong interpersonal skills and executive presence, with the ability to represent the organization effectively in public and stakeholder-facing settings
Proven ability to navigate complex or sensitive situations while preserving relationships and organizational credibility
Experience designing and executing comprehensive development strategies, including securing gifts from individuals, corporations, foundations, and government agencies
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously
High level of emotional intelligence, discretion, and situational awareness
All Candidates Should Have:
Commitment to community and a people-first mindset
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
Ability to celebrate individuality and value diverse perspectives
High integrity and a proactive, solutions-oriented “winning” mindset
What We Offer:
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance options
401K with employer contributions
Paid parental leave
PTO and paid holidays
Wellness Program
