Director of Development & Partnerships Operations

This role is based in the Greater Minneapolis/St. Paul Metro Area. The candidate will need to be within 50-60 minutes of such. NO Relocation Assistance will be provided.

Position Summary

The Director of Development & Partnerships Operations is responsible for the strategic management and fulfillment of corporate sponsorship packages within the organization’s Development Department. This role focuses on ensuring that all elements of sponsorship agreements are successfully delivered, while maintaining strong relationships with sponsors and partners. The Director will work cross-departmentally to coordinate event-related activations, oversee marketing collateral, and ensure that sponsor expectations are met to the highest standards. This individual will also play a crucial role in ensuring sponsorship agreements align with the organization’s mission and values, contributing to the long-term financial sustainability of the organization.

Responsibilities

Sponsorship Activation and Fulfillment (50%)

• Oversee the execution of all corporate sponsorship agreements, ensuring that all deliverables are met within agreed-upon timelines and budgets.
• Collaborate with marketing, development, and events teams to develop and manage all sponsor-related activations.
• Maintain detailed records of sponsor deliverables, tracking the status of fulfillment and monitoring renewals.
• Ensure all sponsor branding is properly executed in materials, events, and marketing collateral, and that all sponsor benefits are fulfilled.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for sponsors, ensuring clear communication and timely updates.

Corporate Sponsor Relationship Management (25%)

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with corporate sponsors by providing exceptional service and proactive communication.
• Work closely with corporate partners to ensure that sponsorship agreements align with both the sponsor’s objectives and the organization's goals.
• Conduct regular check-ins and provide updates on the status of sponsorship deliverables, engagement opportunities, and other relevant developments.
• Collaborate with the SVP of Corporate Sponsorships to cultivate and retain corporate sponsorships through strategic relationship-building.

Event Activation and Coordination (15%)

• Lead sponsor-related activations at key events, ensuring seamless execution and maximum visibility for sponsors.
• Coordinate with the events team to manage VIP sponsor experiences, including lounges, ticketing, and hospitality.
• Oversee the distribution of event invitations, sponsor tickets, and other perks in alignment with sponsorship agreements.
• Track and provide post-event summaries to sponsors, including event impact and return on investment (ROI).

Strategic Planning and Reporting (10%)

• Collaborate with the SVP of Corporate Sponsorships and SVP of Individual & Institutional Giving to create sponsorship packages that align with the organization’s strategic goals and financial objectives.
• Monitor sponsorship trends and opportunities to refine activation strategies and ensure the organization remains competitive in the market.
• Prepare regular reports on the status of sponsorship agreements, including financial performance, sponsor engagement, and activation outcomes.
• Provide insight and recommendations for future sponsorship opportunities based on data and sponsor feedback.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in marketing, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience in sponsorship activation or corporate partnerships, preferably in the arts or nonprofit sector.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and deliver complex sponsorship agreements.
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills.
• Proficiency in CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) and project management tools.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to attend events, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods during events.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.