Lead Director, Corporate Partnerships Strategy

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

2d•Remote

About The Position

The Lead Director, Corporate Strategy is a direct report of the Vice President, Corporate Partnerships Strategy and is responsible for providing strategic oversight, leading and optimizing BBBSA’s national corporate and foundation partnership portfolio. This leader will oversee the account management function, managing a team of Account Directors to drive year-over-year revenue growth, execute and deepen partner engagements, and deliver best-in-class stewardship across a diversified portfolio. This role will design and implement a portfolio-wide partnership stewardship framework that advances fully integrated, multi-dimensional partnerships, spanning executive engagement, cause marketing, point-of-sale campaigns, corporate and foundation grants, employee engagement and volunteerism, partnership marketing and PR, and thought leadership. The Lead Director will ensure partnerships are managed holistically, with a forward-looking perspective on the evolving landscape of corporate philanthropy and social impact. Serving as a critical peer to the new business development lead, this role ensures seamless partnership handoffs and continuity of strategy from acquisition through long-term growth and renewal. The Lead Director will work cross-functionally to align partnerships with programmatic impact, brand strategy, and operational execution, ultimately positioning BBBSA as a premier, integrated partner for corporate and philanthropic investors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent experience required.
8–12+ years of progressive experience in corporate partnerships, account management, or business development, including at least 3–5 years of direct supervisory experience.
Demonstrated success managing and growing a corporate and/or foundation partnership portfolio of $30M+ with measurable revenue outcomes.
Deep experience in partnership stewardship and account management, including development of integrated, multi-channel partnerships.
Strong understanding of cause marketing, point-of-sale campaigns, corporate philanthropy, and restricted grant management.
Experience aligning partnerships with programmatic impact and delivering measurable outcomes.
Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.
Strong cross-functional leadership skills, with experience working across marketing, communications, program, and finance functions.
Excellent relationship management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage senior corporate leaders.
Strategic thinker with the ability to translate market trends into actionable partnership strategies.
Exceptional project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex partnerships simultaneously.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred, but not required.
Experience within a national or federated nonprofit organization preferred.
Experience managing national corporate partnerships within a federated nonprofit model.
Background in marketing, brand partnerships, or PR activation.
Familiarity with ESG, CSR, and evolving corporate philanthropy trends.
Experience integrating employee engagement and volunteerism into partnership strategies.
Exposure to CRM systems and partnership tracking tools.

Responsibilities

Help develop and execute a multi-year strategy to grow and diversify BBBSA’s corporate and foundation partnership portfolio of $30M+, driving sustained year-over-year revenue growth in partnership with the New Business team.
Establish annual revenue goals, portfolio forecasts, and performance benchmarks across all managed partnerships.
Identify opportunities to expand existing partnerships into multi-faceted, integrated engagements that increase both revenue and mission impact.
Monitor portfolio performance and implement proactive strategies to strengthen retention, growth, and long-term partner value.
Lead, manage, and develop a team of Account Directors responsible for day-to-day partnership management and execution.
Design and implement a newly established, portfolio-wide partnership stewardship framework that ensures consistency, quality, and strategic depth across the portfolio.
Oversee the development and execution of customized partnership plans that align partner objectives with BBBSA’s mission and strategic priorities.
Ensure delivery of high-quality reporting, impact storytelling, and value creation for all partners.
Drive the development of fully integrated partnerships that activate across multiple channels and dimensions, including: – Executive engagement and leadership alignment – Cause marketing and point-of-sale campaigns – Corporate and foundation grants (restricted and unrestricted) – Employee engagement and volunteerism – Partnership marketing, communications, and PR – Thought leadership and convening opportunities
Ensure all partnerships are multi-dimensional, integrated, and structured to maximize both revenue and long-term strategic value to BBBSA and its network.
Serve as a strategic peer to the new business development lead, ensuring seamless and consistent handoff of newly secured partnerships.
Establish clear protocols for onboarding new partners into the portfolio, including internal alignment, goal setting, and execution planning.
Maintain continuity of relationship strategy from acquisition through renewal and expansion.
Partner closely with Program & Impact teams to ensure partnerships are aligned with programmatic priorities and deliver measurable outcomes.
Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to activate partnerships through compelling storytelling, campaigns, and brand alignment.
Work with Finance and Operations to ensure strong fiscal management, grant compliance, reporting, and operational execution.
Serve as a key connector across the national office and agency network to ensure partnerships are effectively activated at the local level where appropriate.
Bring a forward-looking perspective on the evolution of corporate and foundation partnerships, including trends in ESG, shared value, and integrated philanthropy.
Identify and pilot innovative partnership models that align with market trends and partner expectations.
Continuously assess the competitive landscape to position BBBSA as a best-in-class partner.
Recruit, lead, and develop a high-performing team of Account Directors, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellence.
Provide ongoing coaching, performance management, and professional development opportunities.
Ensure clear goal setting and alignment of individual performance with portfolio-wide outcomes.
Lead and manage resources (people and capital) to achieve measurable success across the partnership portfolio.
Demonstrate commitment to BBBSA’s shared leadership competencies and organizational values.
Provide consistent follow-up regarding assigned projects and after meetings.
Cultivate an environment where all team members feel valued, included, and empowered to achieve their potential.
Manage related and other duties as assigned in support of department and business needs.