Business and Community Affairs Manager

Position Summary  

Reporting to the Vice President of Development, the Business and Community Affairs Manager will deepen and expand corporate partnerships and sponsorships. As a critical member of the Development Department, the Business and Community Affairs Manager will partner closely with Blumenthal Performing Arts (BPA) peers and key BPA stakeholders to implement a consultative sales and marketing mentality, and develop, and execute effective and innovative strategies to fund the mission. Critical to growth and impact will be intentional internal collaboration, seeking more programmatic funding, and expanding relationships from general supporters to sponsors. The Business and Community Affairs Manager is responsible for managing a portfolio that will yield $1,000,000+ annually by securing Business Leaders for the Arts (general operating support) memberships, programmatic sponsorships, corporate grants, and in-kind/trade giving. This position requires occasional night and weekend work.

Duties & Responsibilities 

• Lead all aspects of corporate relationships, from the development of innovative growth strategies to the delivery of plans with comprehensive, collaborative solicitations across multiple funding channels that deepen and expand partnerships.
• Work closely with the VP of Development, volunteer leadership, and other development team members to develop engagement strategies for business and corporate entities to accomplish the goals of Blumenthal Performing Arts, meet established annual metrics, and meet annual fundraising goals.
• Solicit portfolio to accomplish revenue goals, manage corporate relationships, ensure partnership fulfillment.
• Develop new marketing materials to support corporate sponsorship and business partnership solicitations.
• Develop a firm understanding of BPA operations and collaborate with colleagues in programming, education, and others to prepare proposals and grant submissions for companies in support of Blumenthal programming.
• Research, cultivate and solicit grant and sponsorship requests for Blumenthal education and community programs, including but not limited to: Blumenthal LEAP, Junior Theater Celebration Charlotte, The Blumey Awards, Arts for All Access Grants, Blumenthal Fellows Program, Charlotte International Arts Festival, and others.
• Oversee all efforts related to Blumenthal Business Leaders for the Arts (BBLA), including but not limited to face-to-face meetings and solicitations, developing strategies and tactics to secure new and renewed partnerships; recruiting and managing volunteer leadership; planning, managing and implementing all activities around BBLA events (luncheons, annual dinner and others that may be determined in the future).
• Manage in-kind giving program to leverage trade and offset Blumenthal expenditures.
• Ensure all sponsorship deliverables are fulfilled and post-event reports are provided to sponsors.
• Maintain corporate and foundation records including contacts, giving history, and background insights.
• Monitor corporate and sponsorships revenue projections and year-over-year comparisons.
• Develop an annual stewardship and renewal plan for all current and potential partners.
• Remain current with giving and relationship trends and issues pertaining to non-profits.
• Contribute to overall team effort in planning and development and share in the decision-making process, implementing and promoting all decisions in a spirit of cooperation.
• Assist in departmental events/functions.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in liberal arts, marketing, communications, or related field supplemented by a minimum of three years of experience in development/fundraising, marketing, or sales, to include demonstrated success in building corporate relationships as well as negotiating and soliciting partnerships.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of Charlotte corporate community preferred
• Must be comfortable asking for charitable contributions via phone and face to face meetings
• Must be willing to make cold calls or solicit volunteer support to develop new corporate relationships
• Tenacious in meeting and exceeding fund development goals
• Must exhibit superior organizational skills, oral and written communication skills, editing and presentation skills
• Experience working with a diverse base of leaders and in motivating key volunteers
• Driven, personable, and positive individual with integrity and a sense of humor, who works effectively and collaboratively with Board, donors, volunteers and internal staff
• Self-starter with ability to problem solve and negotiate with tact and diplomacy
• Proven ability to organize information and develop tracking systems
• Strong proficiency in MS Word (mail merges specifically), Outlook, Excel and database management programs required
• Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage multiple deadlines simultaneously
• Genuine interest in the performing arts

To apply for this position, click on the link below and submit application.

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