The Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships and Foundations is responsible for the growth and management of a comprehensive corporate, foundation and government donor base. The Senior Director will be a strategic and innovative individual prepared to lead a team in the development of relationships and financial support from a portfolio of external facing corporate, foundation and government prospects. 

The Senior Director is responsible for generating annual revenue through multiple channels, including but not exclusive to: 1) corporate philanthropy, 2) corporate sponsorships and partnerships, 3) cause marketing 4) public and private foundation grants 5) government grants. 
 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership:

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values.   

• Prepare multi-year strategic and annual operational plans for the identification, qualification, engagement, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major corporate, foundation and government donors and prospects to meet revenue expectations for Shedd’s funding priorities. 

• Lead a four-person team in the development and implementation of outreach, cultivation, and stewardship strategies for a portfolio of foundations, corporations, and government funding relationships. 

• Lead strategy and execution of marketing funding sponsorships, cause marketing opportunities, and corporate memberships with companies whose interests align with Shedd’s mission and values. 

Portfolio Management:

• Maintain a rigorous schedule of contacts, creating moves management plans, compelling presentations and comprehensive fundraising proposals. 

• Monitor and oversee proposal deadlines, prepare and edit original proposals and manage proposal submissions. 

• Act as primary liaison for a portfolio of corporate, foundation and government donors: 

• Submit annual fulfillment reports, and other stewardship reporting 

• Assist with benefit fulfillment, tours, site visits etc. 

Management and Administration:

• Oversee Corporate Donor & Member Coordination & Communication 

• Actively participate in departmental revenue and expense budget planning, balancing ambitious goals with accurate forecasting with regard to revenue and expense projections. 

• Use Tessitura efficiently, inclusive of Shedd’s prospect management system, and in compliance with established procedures (training provided by Development Services). 

• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS   

Education: 

• An undergraduate degree in communications, marketing, or a similar discipline is strongly preferred. 
   

Experience:  

• Minimum 7 years of experience with demonstrated success in external relations, fundraising, corporate marketing or business development skills. 

• Proven track record for establishing contacts and soliciting contributions. 

• Display knowledge of and interest in the corporate sponsorship and giving community. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills along with strong analytical and research skills are essential.  

• Must be self-motivated, strategic, detail-oriented, creative, organized, and able to work resourcefully within a group. 

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks effectively and to set priorities 

• Sincere commitment to work collaboratively with all constituent groups, including staff, board members, donors, program participants, and other supporters. 

• Tessitura experience is preferred.