Director Sponsorships

Research and identify categories and companies to solicit for sponsorship of events, programs and initiatives. Communicate the company's mission and programs with enthusiasm and make compelling cases for support to attract and secure corporate funders/sponsors and members. Develop and create attractive sponsorship and marketing presentations and other new and innovative collateral for program support and corporate memberships in collaboration with Development, Creative Services, and Marketing teams. Secure and lead face-to-face meetings and presentations with key decision makers by leveraging professional relationships and by identifying and cultivating new prospects. Pitch, negotiate, and close sponsorships and work with legal counsel through contract execution. Work with the Vice President, Development to ensure the implementation of sponsorship and corporate member benefits are delivered and managed with excellence, professionalism and best-in-class client service.

Increase corporate membership and maintain relationships throughout the year to avoid attrition and ensure membership renewals. Identify, create, and implement additional cultivation opportunities and events to increase engagement and instill a sense of pride among the sponsors and members. Analyze industries and identify sponsorship trends. Continuously develop and maintain strong relationships with top brand decision makers and their respective advertising agencies. Maintain a deep active current pipeline of prospects and prepare weekly executive status report for the VP Development and CFO. Meet sponsorship revenue targets within specified deadlines. Has solid business and financial acumen with a demonstrated understanding of sponsorship business models; controls activation costs to maximize net contribution to the company. Work with IT team to capture and enter all key data into the company's CRM system and utilize CRM to maximize efficiencies and effectiveness. Attend industry conferences and events to represent the company and recruit new sponsors and corporate members. Implement best practices, standardize processes and create templates to maximize efficiency and effectiveness. Engage as a company ambassador for social media initiatives by actively sharing the company's social media posts within one's own networks, to amplify the organization's reach and foster community engagement. Participates in other projects as assigned by the executive team.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

5+ years of event sales, with sponsorship and development experience a plus. Must have experience at the manager-level. Ability to work on-site Monday to Friday. Ability to work after hours, weekends, and travel as necessary. Proven track record of success in prospecting, developing and closing sales, including six and seven figure deals. Solid relationships with senior executives (including chief marketing officers with national/regional brands and corporate social responsibility/philanthropy officers) that have sponsorship decision-making authority. Ability to build and nourish client relationships. Excellent written & verbal communication skills. Proficient using Airtable, Microsoft Dynamics 365. Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university required.

Contract to Hire opportunity.