Corporate Sponsorship Manager

Nashville Zoo•Nashville, TN

5d•$61,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Associate VP of Marketing and Communications, the Corporate Sponsorship Manager is responsible for generating revenue by connecting corporate and foundation partners to Nashville Zoo. This position works to support the Nashville Zoo in its mission and will work on the implementation of a comprehensive partner program designed to expand the Zoo’s community of supporters. The Corporate Sponsorship Manager is directly responsible for pursuing and securing corporate sponsorships, as well as coordinating sponsor stewardship, facilitating deliverables, and tracking results.

Requirements

Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects and support for multiple events at the same time
Ability to work well with volunteers and to coordinate efforts with staff in multiple departments
Excellent written and oral communications skills, including public speaking and grant writing among others
Proficient in MSWord, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and various graphics management programs
Well organized and able to create organizational structures to support multiple programs
Knowledge of IRS, other federal and state guidelines concerning charitable giving
Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a related field
At least three to five years of experience in fundraising or a proven track record in sales

Responsibilities

Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward corporate and foundation prospects in support of the Zoo’s fundraising events, educational programs, and capital and general operating needs.
Generate revenue by developing, securing and managing corporate funding.
Develop customizable sponsorship proposal templates and grant narratives to use in solicitations.
Collaborate with various departments including but not limited to Marketing, Events, Membership, Development, Education, and Animal Care to develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of funding opportunities, associated benefits and appropriate recognition/naming.
Oversee the signage maintenance of on-ground corporate sponsor displays.
Onsite coordination of all sponsor related activities, which ensures sponsor receives all activation benefits outlined in the partner agreement
Serve as the primary contact for sponsors; including during evening and weekend hours as needed for events
Solicit for in-kind donations for events as needed to offset budgeted items
Ensure continuity in relationship management by maintaining files to track contacts, communications, submissions and reporting deadlines in the donor database.
Assist with final preparation and day-of support for special events. Duties vary and include tasks from setup to cleanup and follow-up assistance.
Prepares and schedules follow-up reports with donors as requested
Prepares and sends all corporate sponsors post-event fulfillment material, including final outcomes, event marketing collateral, media material, etc.
Must deliver exceptional customer service by engaging with guests on a regular basis to create a friendly, memorable and positive experience. Ability to respond to common inquiries, requests, or complaints from guests and/or staff in a kind and courteous manner.
Ability to effectively promote the organization.
Possess a can-do attitude, be resourceful, and communicate respectfully with everyone.
Interact with courtesy, professionalism, and respect to staff, docents, volunteers, and guests consistent with the organization’s mission and core values.
Verbal and written ability to communicate with Zoo staff. Able to interact positively with a variety of individuals from varied socioeconomically backgrounds frequently.
Performs other duties as assigned by the Associate VP of Marketing and Communications