Corporate Relations Manager

Special Olympics Minnesota Inc•Minneapolis, MN

5d•$55,000 - $65,000•Hybrid

About The Position

SOMN (Special Olympics Minnesota) is a chapter of the world’s largest organization advocating for the advancement and inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities, and through current sports, health, and leadership programs engaging people with and without disabilities, provides a positive impact for Minnesotans of every age and every ability. Position Summary The Corporate Relations Manager is responsible for identifying, cultivating, securing, and stewarding corporate partnerships that advance the mission and fundraising goals of Special Olympics Minnesota. This position supports the growth of SOMN’s corporate partnership portfolio through new business development, account management, sponsor engagement, proposal development, event participation, employee volunteer opportunities, and post-event stewardship. This role works closely with the Development Team, Special Events Team, Program Team, and Marketing and Communications Team to ensure corporate partners receive meaningful engagement opportunities, high-quality service, and clear connection to SOMN’s mission, programs, events, athletes, and community impact. Direct Report: Director of Corporate Relations

Requirements

One to three years of experience in fundraising, sales, marketing, business development, nonprofit development, account management, corporate relations, or a related field.
Experience managing multiple projects, deadlines, events, and stakeholder relationships in a fast-paced environment.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare professional outreach materials, proposals, reports, and stewardship communications.
Demonstrated ability to build relationships, provide strong customer service, and represent an organization professionally with external partners.
Experience entering, tracking, and managing data in CRM systems, donor databases, or similar platforms.
Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications, including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, follow-through, and ability to balance competing priorities.
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with volunteers, partners, participants, and staff.

Nice To Haves

Experience with nonprofit fundraising, corporate sponsorships, donor stewardship, or cause-related marketing.
Experience using Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, CERVIS, Games Management System, or similar database systems.
Experience using Adobe Acrobat, InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, or similar design and communication tools.
Experience supporting fundraising events, volunteer engagement, community events, or large-scale outdoor events.
Familiarity with Special Olympics Minnesota’s mission, programs, events, and statewide impact.

Responsibilities

Identify, research, cultivate, and secure new corporate partnership opportunities that align with SOMN’s mission, fundraising priorities, programs, and events.
Support the expansion of SOMN’s corporate partnership portfolio through proactive outreach, relationship building, and strategic engagement.
Develop sponsor proposals, partnership materials, presentations, and related resources for cultivation, confirmation, and renewal of corporate partnerships.
Track historical partnership data, sponsor commitments, benefits, deliverables, and engagement outcomes in appropriate systems.
Collaborate with internal teams to identify opportunities for corporate partners to support SOMN through sponsorship, employee volunteerism, in-kind support, fundraising teams, event participation, and mission engagement.
Serve as a primary relationship manager for assigned corporate partners and sponsor contacts.
Provide high-quality customer service to corporate partners, their primary contacts, and participating employees.
Coordinate the fulfillment of sponsor rights and benefits in collaboration with Development, Marketing and Communications, Program, and Special Events staff.
Prepare sponsor recaps, stewardship reports, impact summaries, and other follow-up materials that demonstrate partner value and mission impact.
Maintain regular communication with corporate partners to strengthen relationships, increase engagement, and support renewal opportunities.
Coordinate corporate partner participation in SOMN events, including Polar Plunge events, state and regional competitions, fundraising events, volunteer opportunities, and other mission-based activities.
Support employee volunteer opportunities connected to corporate partnerships, including communication, registration, preparation, and on-site coordination as needed.
Provide on-site event support, which may include volunteer training and supervision, event setup and teardown, participant registration and check-in, troubleshooting, supply preparation, and coordination with event staff.
Assist with meetings, trainings, online events, and partner engagement activities, including preparation of materials, supplies, equipment, and related logistics.
Collect, enter, update, and manage partner information, registration details, contact records, sponsorship data, event participation information, and other records in appropriate databases and systems.
Use Microsoft 365, CRM systems, and other technology platforms to support partnership management, communication, reporting, and collaboration.
Maintain organized records, files, materials, and reports related to corporate partnerships and sponsor engagement.
Participate in shared Development Department responsibilities, including team meetings, department meetings, staff meetings, routine communications, inventory support, supply organization, and material procurement.
Support other SOMN events, initiatives, and organizational activities as assigned.