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