Background:

The Atlanta Braves, an iconic Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise, has a rich history spanning over a century. Originally known as the Boston Red Stockings in the 1870s, the Atlanta Braves are the only Major League franchises to have fielded a team every season professional baseball has existed, making them the oldest continuously operating professional sports franchise in America. Since settling in Atlanta in 1966, the Braves have become a cornerstone of the city's sports culture and are deeply embedded in the Southeast. Known for their iconic "A" logo and dedicated fan base, the Braves have been home to some of the greatest players in baseball history, including Hank Aaron, Chipper Jones, and Greg Maddux. With four World Series championships (1914, 1957, 1995, and 2021) and multiple pennant wins, the Braves have been a dominant force in baseball. Today, they are one of MLB's most decorated franchises, with 23 division titles since the start of the divisional era in 1969—the most of any baseball team. Owned by Liberty Media since 2007, the team continues to focus on winning, developing top-tier talent, and enhancing fan engagement through innovative experiences at Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta.

The Braves' drive for success on the field is matched by their passion for giving back to their community and creating a lasting impact across Braves Country. Instituting a community outreach effort driven by the philosophy of “touch ‘em all,” the Atlanta Braves stands as an exemplar of excellence in sports philanthropy, setting the bar with their dedication and impactful contributions to the community. This endured philosophy fosters a strong sense of pride and a deep connection to the cities of Metropolitan Atlanta and across Braves Country, bringing great honor to employees, athletes, and all who call this community home.

Building on this dedication, the Atlanta Braves tap into their distinct advantages as a Major League Baseball team—channeling the enthusiasm of their fans, the reach of their brand, and their strong community presence—to make a meaningful difference across various causes, including promoting health and wellness, investing in education, supporting the growth and development of youth baseball and softball, and caring for our communities. To further cement this commitment to the community, the Atlanta Braves Foundation was established in 1994. This foundation was crafted to formalize and amplify the team's dedication to giving back, ensuring their impact resonates deeply within the community that has steadfastly supported them.

The Atlanta Braves Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, exists as the philanthropic outreach and community impact arm of the Atlanta Braves Baseball Club. Its purpose is to galvanize the entire team, front office, minor leagues, fan base, sponsors, and donors to build community through the sport of baseball. The mission of the Atlanta Braves Foundation is to build community through baseball, engaging Braves Country, reaching vulnerable populations, and improving equity and access to sports, health, education, and well-being outcomes for children, families, and communities. Since its inception, the Atlanta Braves Foundation has generously donated over $25 million in grants to hundreds of local nonprofits, including more than $3 million in 2024 alone.

Taking a strategic approach to community support, the Atlanta Braves have defined and committed to aligning their community engagement and social responsibility efforts with a programmatic focus on three key areas:

• Covering the Bases for Kids – investing in the health, wellbeing and educational opportunities for children.

• Championing our Communities – meeting the needs of vulnerable communities through corporate volunteerism and community investment.

• Leveling the Playing Field – increasing access and opportunities in baseball and softball through projects, events, and career development opportunities that reflect legacy of Henry Louis “Hank” Aaron.

Through a unified effort, the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the Community Affairs department have made a significant difference in the community in 2024. They’ve distributed over 156,000 pounds of food and provided essential support to more than 14,000 individuals through the Hope Plate Project in partnership with Chick-fil-A and Un Equipo, a partnership with Welcoming Atlanta to support Hispanic and Latino communities across Braves Country. Braves staff members have generously volunteered nearly 1,900 hours of community service, including building a Habitat for Humanity home for a local public servant, and partnering with Team Rubicon to support Hurricane Helen Relief efforts in Augusta, GA and Asheville, NC making a tangible impact across Braves Country. Through the MVT program, 43 educators received grants for their classrooms supporting the educational opportunities for more than 10,700 students. The team invested in multiple ballpark renovations, hosted 5 Make a Wish kids and experiences, and supported Foster Families – 41 children featured in the I Belong Project at Truist Park have been matched with adoptive families over the past 3 years. At Truist Park, 1,500 units of blood were donated, and almost 60,000 pounds of food was rescued and distributed to those in need. Additionally, the Braves remain the only MLB team with a VSO on campus - the Warrior Alliance served more than 3,000 veterans and their families, providing career development, wellness resources, and ongoing support through various partnerships, events, and exclusive experiences at Truist Park.

In conjunction with the Atlanta Braves community affairs team and the Foundation, The Henry Louis Aaron Fund, named in honor of the legendary Hank Aaron, is a cornerstone of the Atlanta Braves' commitment to community impact.

Following Henry Aaron’s passing in 2021, the Atlanta Braves, Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association created the Henry Louis Aaron Fund to positively impact the future of baseball by investing in those who are following in his footsteps on the field and in the front office. Operated by the Atlanta Braves Foundation, the Henry Louis Aaron Fund supports projects that enable increased representation in the game at all levels, events that showcase young talent from underrepresented communities and career development opportunities for future minority business leaders. For more information on the Henry Louis Aaron Fund and to support his legacy, please visit Braves.com/Hank. 

The Atlanta Braves have solidified their place as both a premier baseball team and a vital force within the community. The Braves Foundation empowers the team to make a meaningful, lasting impact that goes beyond the diamond. With a history defined by success and perseverance, the Braves are equally dedicated to strengthening and uplifting the metropolitan Atlanta community, ensuring that their legacy of service is just as enduring as their achievements on the field.

Any interested candidates should contact TurnkeyZRG directly. 

Contacting Atlanta Braves will only delay consideration of your qualifications. 

Position Summary: 

The Director of Social Impact (“The Director”) has a crucial leadership role within the Atlanta Braves Community Affairs Department and the Atlanta Braves Foundation team. In this newly created role, the Director will help set the vision for and execute a robust strategic plan for Club/Foundation giving, considering key stakeholders and brand alignment strategy to support the organization's long-term success. The Director will spearhead the development and execution of impactful community engagement and investment initiatives for the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Braves Foundation, and the Henry Louis Aaron Fund. This leader will drive both on-site programs and outreach initiatives, working at Truist Park and across Braves Country to enhance the Braves' connection to communities. The Director will cultivate strategic partnerships with community organizations, manage corporate partnership activation in community, oversee impactful outreach programs, and help amplify the Braves’ commitment to making a positive social impact for kids and families throughout Braves Country.

Leading a team of dedicated professionals, the Director will cultivate a culture of accountability, high performance, and flawless execution. Additionally, the Director will foster a collaborative environment, prioritize service and innovation, and ensure strong communication both within the department, across the club, and with key external stakeholders. Critical to success in this role will be a focus on measurable impact, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement. The Director must also champion a “baseball for all” approach in all outreach programs, ensuring that the Braves' commitment to social responsibility reaches all corners of Braves Country. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and an unwavering commitment to the team’s mission will be key factors in driving the departmentand its initiatives' success.

The ideal candidate will possess strong sports business acumen and a proven track record in corporate social responsibility, social impact management, program development, and partnership engagement within the sports or entertainment sectors. They will demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, mentor, and manage a team towards shared goals. Additionally, they will bring a track record of success in stakeholder management and be adept at building relationships across various sectors, including corporate partners, community organizations, and internal teams. Experience in designing and executing large-scale community impact programs will be essential. The candidate should also have a strategic mindset, with the ability to track progress, measure outcomes, and adjust strategies to maximize impact.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive community relations strategy that aligns with the Atlanta Braves’ values and objectives, focusing on sustainable community impact. Align the Atlanta Braves Foundation’s grantmaking priorities and employee volunteerism with high-impact community partnerships and the organization’s overarching goals to maximize social impact.

• Program & Project Management: Oversee the design, execution, and evaluation of community initiatives that address the critical needs of Braves Country while advancing the Foundation’s mission.  Ensure all programs deliver measurable impact, meet stakeholder expectations, and align with broader organizational priorities.

• Team Leadership: Lead and mentor a team of community relations professionals, fostering a high-performing, innovative, collaborative, and innovative work environment. Work cross-functionally with colleagues on fundraising, operations, and communications to drive forward departmental, Culture Team, and organizational priorities.

• Financial Stewardship & Fund Development: Manage program budgets, ensuring optimal resource allocation, compliance with funding requirements, and alignment with financial sustainability goals. Collaborate on fundraising strategies, including grant applications, donor relations, and corporate sponsorship fulfillment, to enhance financial sustainability.

• Partnership Development: Identify, cultivate, and manage strategic relationships with nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, corporate sponsors, and key community stakeholders. Expand the Club and Foundation's reach and effectiveness through high-value collaborations and corporate-sponsored engagement programs.

• Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy: Serve as a key liaison between Community Affairs/ Atlanta Braves Foundation and key stakeholders, including internal departments, corporate partners, and community organizations. Build and maintain strong relationships that enhance collaboration and drive meaningful impact.

• Strategic Communication & Impact Reporting: Develop and implement communication strategies that effectively convey the mission, objectives, and initiatives of Community Affairs, the Atlanta Braves Foundation, and the Henry Louis Aaron Fund. Ensure transparent and compelling reporting on program outcomes, key milestones, and overall impact to internal and external stakeholders, driving engagement, alignment, and visibility.

• Event Coordination: Oversee the planning, coordination, and execution of flagship community events, including game-day activations, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, youth clinics, and volunteer engagement initiatives. Ensuring events are impactful, well-executed, and aligned with organizational priorities.

• Impact Measurement: Establish and implement data-driven metrics to assess the effectiveness of programs and partnerships. Leverage technology and analytics to develop reporting tools, track key outcomes, and communicate results to internal and external stakeholders.

• Crisis Management & Risk Mitigation: Proactively identify and address potential risks associated with community engagement initiatives. Develop strategies to navigate sensitive issues, uphold the organization’s reputation, and maintain community trust.

• Advocacy and Representation: Serve as a spokesperson for Community Affairs/Atlanta Braves Foundation in community and media settings, promoting its mission and programs.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field; Advanced degree preferred.

• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in community relations, CSR, nonprofit management, and program development; experience in professional sports or a related industry is a plus.

• Exceptional leadership and strategic planning abilities, including expertise in project management, budgeting, and demonstrated experience mentoring and influencing team members.

• Superior written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to articulate the Club’s mission and vision compellingly, engage diverse audiences, and inspire key stakeholders.

• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the capacity to effectively prioritize, meet deadlines, and drive results in fast-paced environments.

• Proven effectiveness in leading complex multi-stakeholder planning processes and successfully managing cross-team projects to achieve desired outcomes.

• Strong expertise in managing relationships, networks, and teams with diverse representation from public and private sectors, community-based organizations, nonprofit and civic leadership, and program beneficiaries.

• A positive team player who promotes innovation and collaboration and thrives in a dynamic and fast paced work environment.

• Passion for philanthropy, nonprofit/community impact work, and the role sport can play to move communities forward.

• Flexibility and the ability to work non-standard hours, including evenings and weekends (as needed)

• Demonstrated proactive and goal-driven self-starter.

• Knowledge of community needs and issues, particularly across the Southeastern United States.

• Strong executive presence and solid business acumen.

• Proven success in program development, execution, planning, and budgeting, with a track record of delivering impactful results.

• Familiarity with fundraising strategies and grant writing is a plus.