Manager, Corporate Relations

Missouri Botanical Garden•St. Louis, MO

1d•$63,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Corporate Relations Manager serves as a key member of the Institutional Advancement team, managing a comprehensive and strategic development plan that raises approximately $1.5 Million annually from corporate funders. Reporting to the Director of Major and Institutional Giving, this role is responsible for identifying and developing new relationships with the intent to build long-term corporate partnerships, including sponsorships, memberships in the Corporate Partners program, and stewardship of the Corporate Council. The Corporate Relations Manager also provides critical assistance to sponsored fundraising events such as annual festivals and signature Garden events. This position requires close collaboration with the Manager, Foundation Relations, the Major Gifts team, as well as other Garden stakeholders in Communications and Marketing, Education, Events, and Visitor Operations.

Requirements

Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in fundraising, including knowledge of annual giving, major gifts, and corporate and foundation solicitations.
Prior experience in Project Management is required.
Available to work evening and weekend hours for special projects and events.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills.
Strong listening and problem-solving abilities with a positive and proactive approach.
Ability to set and manage deadlines.
Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with internal team members at all levels of an organization for the purposes of achieving goals/objectives.
Adheres to all health and safety policies/procedures.
Proficient experience using Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Access, Excel, and Word).
Thorough knowledge of how to create and analyze spreadsheets and financial software applications.
Solid Internet research skills.
Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written).
Ability to analyze financial reports, develop strategies, projections and budgets.
Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
Must have the ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report (MVR) to meet minimum insurance underwriting criteria.

Nice To Haves

The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.

Responsibilities

Designs and implements strategic and operational plans for corporate major gifts, annual assistance through the Corporate Partners Program and Corporate Council, and sponsorships.
Manages a portfolio of corporate funders to solicit five-and six figure gifts and corporate sponsorship commitments, with a target goal of $1 Million annually.
Leads and expands the Corporate Partners Program, increasing corporate engagement, retention and revenue through targeted outreach to meet or exceed an annual goal of $200,000 in membership.
Manages the Corporate Council and related sub-committees, cultivating relationships and leveraging council engagement to advance institutional goals and support. Plans and sets council strategies, agendas and activities.
Designs and manages a comprehensive sponsorship program, securing significant financial and in-kind support for events and exhibitions across the Garden, Butterfly House, and Shaw Nature Reserve. Oversees the full sponsorship lifecycle from prospecting and proposal development to activation, recognition, and stewardship.
Supports Director, Major and Institutional Giving, Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement, and senior leadership to advance the Garden’s mission and vision.
Supervises the Institutional Giving Coordinator, providing strategic direction and mentorship to achieve departmental goals and professional growth.
Works in partnership with Communication and Marketing to develop compelling sponsorship benefits, recognition, and activation packages; ensuring proper benefit fulfillment and stewardship.
Represents the Garden with professionalism and purpose, conducting high-level donor and prospect tours, participating in fundraising meetings, and supporting events across all Garden sites.
Works within Tessitura to ensure accurate maintenance of all corporate records (active and archive), as well as, manages the Corporate Partner membership renewals and tax acknowledgement letters.
Assumes a leadership role in setting appointments with current and prospective supporters, conducting the meetings alone or as part of a staff team, and coordinating necessary follow-up.
Provides comprehensive and timely reports for summarizing activity, project status, and work plan timelines.
Monitors and analyzes corporate activity in St. Louis and beyond to identify new and existing prospects.
Meets expected attendance guidelines.
Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and respect within the division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors, and others.
Performs other duties as assigned.