Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Position Description

Position Title:  Corporate Sponsorship Manager

Department: Marketing

Supervisor: Associate VP of Marketing and Communications

Position Status: Full-Time

Company Overview:

Nashville Zoo is dedicated to inspiring a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation, and leadership. With a diverse collection of animals and a commitment to wildlife preservation, we provide engaging experiences for visitors of all ages.

Position Description: Reporting to the Associate VP of Marketing and Communications, the Corporate Sponsorship Manager is responsible for generating revenue by connecting corporate and foundation partners to Nashville Zoo. This position works to support the Nashville Zoo in its mission and will work on the implementation of a comprehensive partner program designed to expand the Zoo’s community of supporters. The Corporate Sponsorship Manager is directly responsible for pursuing and securing corporate sponsorships, as well as coordinating sponsor stewardship, facilitating deliverables, and tracking results.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify, cultivate, solicit and steward corporate and foundation prospects in support of the Zoo’s fundraising events, educational programs, and capital and general operating needs.

• Generate revenue by developing, securing and managing corporate funding.
• Develop customizable sponsorship proposal templates and grant narratives to use in solicitations.

• Collaborate with various departments including but not limited to Marketing, Events, Membership, Development, Education, and Animal Care to develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of funding opportunities, associated benefits and appropriate recognition/naming.
• Oversee the signage maintenance of on-ground corporate sponsor displays.
• Onsite coordination of all sponsor related activities, which ensures sponsor receives all activation benefits outlined in the partner agreement
• Serve as the primary contact for sponsors; including during evening and weekend hours as needed for events
• Solicit for in-kind donations for events as needed to offset budgeted items
• Ensure continuity in relationship management by maintaining files to track contacts, communications, submissions and reporting deadlines in the donor database.
• Assist with final preparation and day-of support for special events. Duties vary and include tasks from setup to cleanup and follow-up assistance.
• Prepares and schedules follow-up reports with donors as requested
• Prepares and sends all corporate sponsors post-event fulfillment material, including final outcomes, event marketing collateral, media material, etc.
• Must deliver exceptional customer service by engaging with guests on a regular basis to create a friendly, memorable and positive experience. Ability to respond to common inquiries, requests, or complaints from guests and/or staff in a kind and courteous manner.
• Ability to effectively promote the organization.
• Possess a can-do attitude, be resourceful, and communicate respectfully with everyone.
• Interact with courtesy, professionalism, and respect to staff, docents, volunteers, and guests consistent with the organization’s mission and core values.
•  Verbal and written ability to communicate with Zoo staff. Able to interact positively with a variety of individuals from varied socioeconomically backgrounds frequently.
• Performs other duties as assigned by the Associate VP of Marketing and Communications

Qualifications:

Skills:

• Ability to work independently and handle multiple projects and support for multiple events at the same time
• Ability to work well with volunteers and to coordinate efforts with staff in multiple departments
• Excellent written and oral communications skills, including public speaking and grant writing among others
• Proficient in MSWord, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and various graphics management programs
• Well organized and able to create organizational structures to support multiple programs
• Knowledge of IRS, other federal and state guidelines concerning charitable giving

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a related field
• At least three to five years of experience in fundraising or a proven track record in sales

Physical Responsibilities:

• Work environment is a typical office setting; must be able to sit/stand for an extended time.
• Must be able to walk throughout the zoo when needed.
• Must be able to view a computer screen and type for extended periods of time.
• Move, lift, carry, push, pull, and place objects weighing less than or equal to 25 pounds without assistance.

Work Schedule:

• Full-time position, averaging 40 hours per week. Must be able to work a flexible schedule as needed to connect with supporters and participate in zoo events.

Benefits:

Nashville Zoo offers a comprehensive benefits package to full-time employees, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, Employee Assistance Programs, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, sick leave, long-term disability coverage, park discounts, and membership benefits.

Pre-employment requirements:

Nashville Zoo is an EEO Institution and a Drug Free Workplace.

Candidates for this position must submit to a criminal background check and pass a drug test.