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, helping 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

• Comprehensive Benefits: 100% employer-covered for self, including health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, with additional coverage for dependents.
• Retirement Contribution: Up to 7.5% matching for your 403(b)-retirement savings.
• Leave Options: Unlimited time off, PTO, 14 holidays, parental leave, and DC FMLA.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hours with core schedules, a hybrid work setup (three days of telework), and access to wellness and employee assistance programs (EAP).
• Professional Development: Yearly stipend for learning and professional growth.
• Company Events and Social Activities: Company-wide events, team-building activities, and social gatherings.
• Inclusive and Collaborative Culture: A diverse workplace where your perspectives are valued.
• Advocacy Opportunities: Represent IS at various meetings and conferences through travel and engagement.

Summary

The Director, Corporate Relations stewards and cultivates a portfolio of annual corporate partners and provides leadership for Independent Sector National Summit sponsorships and exhibitors. This role develops and executes strategies to engage corporations in mutually beneficial partnerships, fostering collaboration and achieving revenue goals.

Essential Job Functions

• Manage a portfolio of 40-50 corporate partners and sponsors, cultivating financial and in-kind support valued between $5K-$500K.
• Ensure IS and National Summit assets are structured to maximize revenue and value to corporate partners.
• Develop strategies to identify, pitch, secure, and steward new and lapsed corporate partners.
• Design and implement a corporate sponsorship program with annual revenue and engagement plans.
• Build and maintain relationships with corporate representatives to align goals with organizational priorities.
• Create compelling proposals matching IS’s objectives with prospective partners’ interests.
• Deliver timely reports to funders, including project outcomes and metrics.
• Collaborate with the COO and Finance team to negotiate and manage sponsorship contracts.
• Align corporate strategies with individual and foundation fundraising efforts.
• Work with Communications to develop and execute sponsorship collateral and promotions.
• Stay informed on corporate philanthropy trends and advise leadership on engagement opportunities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role does not currently include supervisory responsibilities but may evolve to include them as organizational needs develop.

Minimum Requirements and Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Nonprofit Management, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 5-7 years of experience in corporate partnerships, business development, or event sponsorship.
• Front-line corporate fundraising experience required.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic thinker with alignment capabilities for corporate partnerships and organizational goals.
• Proven experience in developing corporate sponsorships and increasing revenue.
• Excellent communication skills for conveying organizational mission and opportunities to corporate audiences.
• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building, and active listening skills.
• Exceptional proposal writing and pitch creation abilities.
• Effective in managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and prioritizing tasks.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM software; Salesforce experience preferred.
• Understanding of corporate philanthropy, nonprofit community, and DEI impact on social change.
• Negotiation, persuasion, and tailored presentation skills for corporate audiences.

Work Environment

• Typical office environment with a quiet noise level.
• Up to 10% travel may be required.
• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities.

Physical Demands

• Stationary positioning (sitting) for extended periods.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repetitive motions like typing or phone usage.
• Assessing accuracy, neatness, and thoroughness of assigned work.

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