Senior Director, Business Development

Lincoln Center•New York, NY

44d

About The Position

Reporting to the Advancement & Innovation Leadership, the Senior Director of Business Development will manage a portfolio of existing sponsors and supporters of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA), as well as prospect, pitch, and secure a consistent pipeline of new partners & revenue from the Corporate Sector. The Senior Director will work internally with teammates, including the Business Development and Lincoln Center Campus Fund frontline teams, as well as close cross-functional partners, including Programming, Marketing, PR, Campus Operations, Finance and Legal to craft and execute various deals. This position will allow the ideal candidate to carry forward existing high-level sponsors ranging from $750,000 - $2,000,000+. The role requires strong industry networks and relationships to build upon and effectively convert a robust pipeline of new high-level partnerships to contribute to the team's collective revenue goal. With many new and exciting moments on the horizon, including the West Initiative, the Pasculano Collaborative for Contemporary Dance and Heartbeat, our first-ever wellness summit - Lincoln Center is uniquely poised to welcome many new partners onto our iconic campus.

Requirements

At least 12 years of progressive, front-line experience in business development, corporate partnerships, or sponsorship sales (including 6 years of Management or Leadership experience) with a strong portfolio of senior industry contacts and a working knowledge of marketing and sponsorship nuances to craft and close large deals
Demonstrated track record leading both internal and external client relationships throughout various stages of partnership sales funnels, including key sponsor meetings throughout the year such as mid-partnership reviews, end of year recap calls, renewal pitches, etc.
Ability to collaborate with A&I Leads to efficiently manage multiple proposals (external) and team (internal) needs simultaneously
Strategic thinker with the ability to translate organizational goals into compelling partnership opportunities.
Proven track record of securing and managing high-value corporate sponsorships across a variety of sectors.
Demonstrated success in leading and mentoring high-performing teams.
Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with a strong network in the corporate sector.
Strong presentation and pitch development skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences.
Industry curiosity with a consistent pulse on the arts; sponsorship investments/integrations; tech innovation and more; bringing fresh, relevant sponsorship ideas and market trends forward
Excellent negotiation and deal-structuring capabilities, with a deep understanding of sponsorship metrics, KPIs, and ROI.
Strong project management skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
Collaborative, innovative, and entrepreneurial mindset.
Passion for the performing arts and Lincoln Center's mission.

Responsibilities

Manage and support a seasoned frontline team consisting of Senior Managers, Associate Director and Director level talent
Actively participate in cross departmental initiatives from creative ideation through post-sale transition to activation stages
Support frontline colleagues with strategic pipeline building
Develop and grow relationships with key LCPA teams to ensure that all goals are met regarding impeccable pitch delivery and key results for our sponsors (Marketing, Social Media, PR, Legal, Campus Operations, Programming, Education, etc.)
Attend meetings with Business Development Leads in pre-sale mode, engaging with sponsors and contributing to the strengthening of these critical relationships to effectively renew and close sponsorship deals
Be a part of a team that is collaboratively contributing to the future of Lincoln Center
Work alongside best-in-class LCPA leadership, resident arts organizations, and talent
Cultivate strong corporate relationships to collaboratively build sponsorship packages that will advance Lincoln Center's mission
Craft sponsorship scope to address key KPIs, metrics, and data to support the program delivery and execution
Effectively interpret our core products and programs to meet the needs of high caliber prospective sponsors, demonstrated in tight, effective pitches, bringing them to close
Strategically manage partnership budgets with Finance and Lincoln Center leadership to determine margins, etc. as relevant to key pitches and client needs
Navigate for-profit/private sector companies and LCPA, offering a unique opportunity for corporate leaders in CSR/ESG and civic engagement
Actively support and nurture long-term relationships with existing and new sponsors, co-leading relationships with internal LCPA Business Development leads as well as Marketing and Campus Operations partner relationship management
Enact effective approach to client/sponsor relationship management and building
Work closely and consistently with internal team and program leads to consistently garner updates on core programming, artists, program cycle, and more - leveraging key information to close sponsorship deals