Director of Corporate Partnerships

Project Sunshine’s mission is to bring the healing power of play to children with medical needs through trained and dedicated volunteers Our programs include in-person play with patients (Here to Play), curated activity kit deliveries (Kits for Play), and live, virtual play sessions (TelePlay).

Over 18,000 trained volunteers deliver programs that provide opportunities for creative expression, socialization, intellectual stimulation, and sensory integration to approximately 250,000 pediatric patients and families each year. Our unique volunteer engagement model allows community groups, colleges, and corporations to create moments of connection with pediatric patients, caregivers, and families providing child and family-centered, play-based programming. Project Sunshine partners with 500 medical facilities across the U.S. and in three international locations.

Project Sunshine partners annually with nearly 100 companies on employee engagement opportunities including in-office and in-hospital service events and brand awareness partnerships with PepsiCo and Michaels. In 2024, Project Sunshine launched its first brand building awareness day, Summer Solstice, the longest day of play.

We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven professional to drive revenue, increase awareness, and expand the organization’s impact through high-value relationships with corporate partners. In this role, you will lead efforts to identify, cultivate, and secure long-term partnerships that align with Project

Sunshine’s mission of supporting pediatric patients and their families around the world. You will be instrumental in advancing the organization’s corporate giving strategy by developing innovative partnership models and fostering strong, mutually beneficial collaborations.

Partnership Strategy:

• Design and implement a comprehensive corporate partnership strategy aimed at securing financial contributions to support Project Sunshine’s global programming.
• Elevate Project Sunshine’s current employee engagement programming where we plan and coordinate in-office and in-hospital volunteering events.
• Proactively identify, solicit, advocate and negotiate new strategic alliances with companies who are passionate about volunteerism, children with medical challenges and play.

Relationship Building:

• Stewards Project Sunshine’s base of corporate and corporate foundation supporters by effectively cultivating, soliciting and stewarding relationships to renew and grow large-scale, integrated partnerships. Corporate partnerships may include cause-related marketing promotions, sponsorships, and direct programmatic support.
• Develop compelling proposals and lead negotiations to secure impactful corporate partnerships that align with Project Sunshine’s mission and brand values.
• Develop a business strategy and oversight for new partnership agreements by establishing, negotiating and executing contracts.
• Oversee the fulfillment of partnership deliverables, ensuring that all commitments are met, and relationships are nurtured for long-term engagement.

Leadership:

• Lead and mentor a team of two coordinators and one manager.
• Represent partnership strategy and outcomes to senior leadership and governing committees.

Collaboration and Tracking:

• Partner with Project Sunshine’s Development, Program, and Marketing teams to deliver successful partnerships that achieve organizational goals.
• Stay abreast of Project Sunshine’s programs and activities, as well as children’s health and volunteerism trends, to identify opportunities to secure additional funding, to share updates with existing funders, and to engage funders in programmatic work, as appropriate.
• Track and report on partnership performance, ensuring transparency and measuring the impact of corporate contributions on Project Sunshine’s programs.

Market Insights:

• Stay abreast of trends in corporate philanthropy, CSR, and corporate volunteerism, ensuring Project Sunshine remains a leader in innovative corporate partnerships.

Qualifications:

• At least 8 years of experience in successfully managing corporate relations - sponsorship, cause marketing and/or marketing programs either from the corporate, agency or partner side. Direct experience managing large-scale cause-marketing or CSR/corporate philanthropy partnerships a plus.
• Successful track record of managing staff with the ability to coach, persuade, energize, delegate, and motivate others; a minimum of 5-7 years of proven progressive management experience
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both verbal and written), including strong presentation skills.
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, time management, and organizational skills required. An ability to manage multifaceted projects and a capacity to perform well independently in a fastpaced, multi-tasking environment are essential.
• Emotional intelligence and strong orientation towards customer service (internally and externally).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in an entrepreneurial environment.
• High energy and demonstrated passion for Project Sunshine’s mission.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to hr3@projectsunshine.org

Project Sunshine values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

Project Sunshine is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal law. In compliance with federal law, all people hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.