Director, Corporate Relations

Who We Are

Independent Sector (IS) is the nation's membership organization for nonprofits and philanthropy. Our vision is for a charitable sector that is healthy, trusted, and equitable and helps all people in the United States thrive in a vibrant civil society and just democracy. We unite nonprofits and philanthropy to strengthen the charitable sector, identifying structural challenges and mobilizing around policy and practice solutions.

Why Choose Us

1. Comprehensive benefits: (100% employer covered for self) to include coverage for health, dental, vision, life, disability insurance and additional coverage for dependents.
2. Retirement Contribution: We will match up to 7.5% of your 403(b)-retirement savings.
3. Leave Options: Unlimited time off, paid time off (PTO), 14 holidays, parental leave, and DC FMLA.
4. Work life balance: Flexible hours core hours with a hybrid work schedule (3 days of telework), access to wellness and employee assistance programs (EAP).
5. Professional Development: A yearly stipend for continuous learning and professional development.
6. Company Events and Social Activities: Participate in companywide events, team building activities and social gatherings.
7. Inclusive and Collaborative Culture: Be a part of a diverse and inclusive workplace where your unique perspectives and contributions are valued.
8. Advocacy: Opportunities to travel, engage, and represent IS at various meetings and conferences.

Summary

The Director, Corporate Relations stewards and cultivates a portfolio of annual corporate partners and provides critical leadership for the Independent Sector National Summit sponsorships and exhibitors. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategies to engage corporations in mutually beneficial partnerships, fostering long-term collaboration, and achieving revenue goals.

Essential Job Functions

• Directly manage a portfolio of approximately 40-50 corporate partners and sponsors, cultivating and stewarding financial and in-kind support valued between $5K-$500K for the National Summit sponsorship and organizational sponsorship.
• Ensure Independent Sector and National Summit assets are structured, packaged, and valued to maximize revenue and value to corporate partners.
• Develop and build out the corporate pipeline by developing and implementing comprehensive strategies to identify, cultivate, pitch, secure and steward new and lapsed corporate partners.
• Lead the design and implementation of an organizational corporate sponsorship program to include the creation of an annual revenue and engagement plans for corporate relations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with corporate representatives, understanding their goals to align them with organizational priorities. Regularly meet and stay in contact.
• Develop compelling proposals that match the objectives and interests of both Independent Sector and the prospective partner.
• Ensure timely delivery of reports to funders, including outcomes and metrics of funded projects.
• Work closely with the Chief Operating Officer and the Finance team to negotiate and manage all corporate sponsorship contracts and deliverables.
• Collaborate with development team members to align corporate strategies with individual and foundation fundraising.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to develop and execute promotional opportunities and sponsorship collateral.
• Stay informed about trends in corporate philanthropy and advise leadership on opportunities to expand corporate engagement.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not currently include supervisory responsibilities, however, the role may evolve to include supervisory duties in the future as organizational needs develop.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS 

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or related field and/or equivalent experience, plus 5-7 years of experience in corporate partnerships, business development, and/or event sponsorship. Experience in front-line corporate fundraising is required.

Qualifications

• Strategic thinker with the ability to align corporate partnerships with organizational goals.
• Demonstrated experience in developing corporate sponsorships plus the ability to grow a portfolio of sponsors and increase revenue.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey the organization's mission, impact, and opportunities to corporate audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities, including active listening and navigating complex conversations with diplomacy and tact.
• Exemplary proposal writing and pitch creation skills in sponsorship requests and corporate grants.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and handle competing priorities.
• Solid experience with Microsoft Office and customer relationship management (CRM) software, Salesforce experience preferred.
• A deep understanding of the business, corporate philanthropy, and nonprofit community.
• Awareness of DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) impact on social change work, and willingness to integrate in professional development and programmatic work.
• Exceptional relationship-building and networking skills.
• Strong negotiation, persuasion, and communication abilities.
• Proficient in crafting presentations and proposals tailored to corporate audiences.

Work Environment: 

The work environment is a typical office environment. The noise level is usually quiet. Up to 10% travel may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands: 

• Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting for prolonged periods 
• Communicating with others to exchange information 
• Repeating motions, like typing or answering a phone, that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers. 
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness , and thoroughness of the work assigned .