Manager, Endurance Series, Development

Job purpose

The mission of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation is to honor the sacrifice of firefighter Stephen Siller who laid down his life to save others on September 11, 2001. We also honor our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is committed to eradicating homelessness amongst our veterans.

This role supports the Foundation's Endurance Series, overseeing national endurance events and peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives. The position drives athlete recruitment, fundraising growth, and participant retention while coordinating race logistics, coaching athletes on fundraising best practices, and ensuring an exceptional, mission-driven experience from registration through post-event stewardship.

Duties and responsibilities

• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Tunnel to Tower's Endurance Series, including major marathons, endurance races, and athletic challenges nationwide.
• Develop and execute annual growth strategies to increase athlete participation, fundraising revenue, and geographic reach.
• Collaborate with leadership to identify new endurance opportunities, races, and strategic partnerships.
• Drive peer-to-peer fundraising.
• Recruit, onboard, and support individual athletes, teams, and corporate endurance partners.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for endurance participants from registration through race day and post-event stewardship.
• Build long-term relationships with high-performing athletes to drive retention and year-over-year participation.
• Set fundraising minimums and performance benchmarks across endurance events.
• Coach athletes on best practices for peer-to-peer fundraising, donor engagement, and storytelling.
• Monitor fundraising progress and proactively support participants approaching key milestones.
• Collaborate with Development leadership on incentives, recognition programs, and donor stewardship strategies.
• Coordinate race-weekend logistics including travel, lodging, race credentials, team dinners, and expos.
• Serve as on-site lead or support staff at major endurance events.
• Ensure a high-quality participant experience that reflects Tunnel to Towers' professionalism and mission.
• Track athlete engagement, fundraising performance, and donor interactions using CRM tools.
• Maintain accurate records of participant communications, donations, and event outcomes.
• Produce post-event reports, revenue summaries, and performance insights for leadership.
• Coordinate mission storytelling opportunities, honoree engagement, and media moments tied to endurance events.
• Keep accurate inventory of endurance team gear.
• Track and process invoices and expenses for events.
• Support Foundation-wide campaigns and national initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience of fundraising, athletic events, or nonprofit development.
• Strong understanding of marathon and endurance event culture.
• Proven success managing peer-to-peer fundraising programs.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and relationship-management skills.
• Ability to travel frequently, including weekends and race-weekends.
• Proficiency with CRM systems (Salesforce strongly preferred).
• Strong interpersonal and written communications skills with demonstrated attention to detail and ability to relate to individuals at varying levels internally and externally.
• Specific experience stewarding and cultivating donors and alumni a plus.
• A strategic thinker providing positive and proactive solutions to fundraising related challenges and opportunities.
• The knowledge and demonstrated ability to successfully identify, cultivate, recruit, and maintain relationships with top-level fundraisers.
• Proven track record of developing and managing relationships with donors, prospects, or sponsors.
• Understand the market and perspective of donors, fundraisers, and sponsors. An ability to stay current on strategies and trends within development/fundraising.
• Outcome-driven; strong project management ability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Detail oriented.
• Ability to multitask multiple projects.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office/ Google Suite (or equivalent).
• Pre-employment screening, including a background check, is required.

Working conditions

Special working conditions may include: a change in days worked, shift hours, and/or working conditions (outdoors or other locations) when participating and assisting in special events needed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $65, $75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending