Business Development & Partnerships Manager

Art • Cincinnati, OH

1d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed