Business Development & Partnerships Manager

Position Summary

The Business Development & Partnerships Manager drives earned revenue and corporate sponsorships. This role leads fee-for-service business development while building strategic corporate partnerships that support programs and events. This is a relationship-focused, sales-driven role responsible for expanding revenue, growing client and sponsor pipelines, and advancing long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

Business Development & Earned Revenue (65%)

• Build and manage a robust pipeline of prospective clients for fee-for-service offerings (e.g., public art, creative services, consulting, event rental or related programs)
• Identify, cultivate, and secure new business opportunities aligned with organizational capabilities
• Lead the full sales lifecycle: prospecting, outreach, proposal development, negotiation, and closing
• Align client needs with program delivery, timelines, and capacity
• Maintain client relationships to drive repeat business
• Contribute to organizational revenue planning and forecasting by providing accurate sales projections and pipeline insights

Corporate Sponsorships & Strategic Partnerships (25%)

• Develop and execute sponsorship strategies for major programs, events, and initiatives
• Create tailored sponsorship packages
• Identify and cultivate new corporate partners
• Manage sponsor relationships to ensure strong retention and growth
• Align sponsor messaging with marketing and organizational goals
• Leverage overlap between clients and sponsors to deepen engagement and revenue opportunities

Event & Relationship Engagement (10%)

• Attend key fundraising and cultivation events to build relationships with corporate partners and clients
• Support sponsor engagement and stewardship at events (not responsible for event logistics)
• Represent the organization externally with professionalism and enthusiasm

Qualifications Required

• 5+ years of experience in business development, sales, partnerships, or related field
• Proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue targets
• Experience managing a sales pipeline and closing deals
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Ability to think strategically while executing tactically
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and follow-through

Preferred

• Experience in nonprofit, arts, or mission-driven organizations
• Background in sponsorship sales or corporate partnerships
• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce)
• Experience working across teams to deliver complex projects or services

Key Competencies

• Results-driven and revenue-oriented, with an entrepreneurial and proactive approach 
• Strong communicator and skilled negotiator 
• Highly organized with excellent attention to detail and follow-through 
• Able to manage multiple priorities while consistently delivering on commitments 
• Demonstrates strong relationship-building skills, both internally and externally 
• Provides a high level of client service, ensuring a positive and responsive partner experience 
• Collaborative team player who works effectively across functions 
• Adaptable and responsive, with the ability to adjust approach and demeanor to meet changing needs and priorities