Corporate Sponsorship Manager

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.

• →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

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.

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.