Corporation Partnerships Manager

Lincoln Park Zoo is the nation’s only privately-managed free zoo and an urban oasis in the heart of Chicago. The zoo’s mission is to create a world in which nature and wildlife thrive in our urbanizing world. The zoo is a local and global leader in conservation, animal care and welfare, learning and community engagement. A historic Chicago landmark founded in 1868, Lincoln Park Zoo was one of the first zoos in the nation. The zoo is committed to an inclusive and welcoming environment, and we celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, value, and experiences of all people. For Wildlife. For All. Visit us at lpzoo.org.

• The Corporate Partnerships Manager is responsible for implementing the zoo’s corporate relations portfolio, including corporate sponsorship, philanthropy and membership.
• This individual works closely with the zoo’s events and marketing team to secure sponsorship and brand partnerships for programs and events, and coordinates between the sponsor/brand and zoo grounds staff.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Working with the Director, set goals, prepare annual plan and implement strategies to achieve goals and objectives.
• Work interdepartmentally to create sponsorship opportunities for events and programs; and deliver recognition and benefits to corporate partners
• Create proposals and sell-sheets for potential sponsors (and high level brand activations), directly solicit mid-level partners and provide support to Director to secure high-level commitments
• Create reports and valuations for sponsors and partners
• Manage the Corporate Partners (Membership) program, including identification of prospects, solicitation, and fulfillment of benefits, to bolster this  unrestricted donor program.
• Research current and prospective sponsors and donors, keeping current on sponsorship, marketing and corporate giving trends.
• Track activity with finance department and status toward goals in donor database (Raiser’s Edge/Salesforce)
• Network with agencies and corporations.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Desire and comfort networking and selling business
• Exceptional communication and writing skills
• Ability to communicate and be understood in business English
• Thorough knowledge of office practices, procedures and equipment, and ability to operate standard equipment
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, SharePoint)
• Familiarity with Outlook, Raiser’s Edge and/or Salesforce (fundraising software)
• Open to learning new technologies
• Ability to handle confidential matters with discretion
• Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously and complete in a timely manner
• Ability to work independently, exercising independent judgment and discretion
• Ability to interact courteously and respectfully with supervisors, fellow employees, volunteers, zoo visitors and general public.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education/experience is required.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 3+ years of experience in corporate giving, agencies, media companies, sponsorship and/or promotions
• Experience working collaboratively, across teams, to execute brand activations and sponsored events.
• Note: A comparable combination of education, experience or training that would provide the level of knowledge, skills and ability required may qualify an individual

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to sit for long periods of time
• Ability to navigate zoo grounds and buildings in all weather conditions.
• Ability to drive electric cart.
• No allergy to plants or animals.
• Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time.
• Ability to work in open office environment
• Ability to traverse zoo grounds to facilitate tours, greet visitors, coordinate meetings

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Available to work special events that may occur outside of regular work schedule, including evenings, weekends or holidays, as assigned
• Salary Range: $66K to $78K
• Lincoln Park Zoo is committed to an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. We celebrate the diverse qualities, perspectives, values, and experiences of all people. 
• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and others who identify as nonwhite, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and those with lived experience with racism and/or misogynoir are encouraged to apply.
• For Wildlife.
• For All.

Salary

• $66,000-$78,000