Development & Corporate Partnerships Manager

General Summary:  The Development & Corporate Partnerships Manager supports the Development Department in achieving fundraising and partnership goals through corporate sponsorship management, relationship building, event coordination, and operational support. This role serves as the primary liaison for corporate partners and plays a key role in revenue generation, donor engagement, reporting, and community outreach. Additionally, the Development & Corporate Partnerships Manager will support the Zoo’s conservation, sustainability, education, and DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) goals.

Essential Functions:

Corporate Partnerships & Sponsorships

• Manage the Zoo’s corporate partnership and sponsorship program, including prospecting, outreach, invoicing, stewardship, and renewals.
• Serve as the primary contact for corporate members and sponsors.
• Develop and maintain relationships with businesses, community organizations, and prospective partners.
• Identify and pursue new sponsorship opportunities, including on-site sponsorship inventory.
• Conduct outreach to major employers and prospects in Baltimore and surrounding counties.
• Track sponsorship deliverables and prepare ROI reports for partners.
• Support the creation and distribution of sponsor and donor communications, proposals, and newsletters.

Fundraising & Development Support

• Contribute to departmental fundraising and revenue goals.
• Research and cultivate new opportunities for corporate and community support.
• Assist with donor stewardship and sponsorship solicitation efforts.
• Collaborate with the Marketing Department on partnership promotion and corporate marketing strategies.

Event Planning & Coordination

• Coordinate and manage corporate member events, including vendors, logistics, staffing, setup, and breakdown.
• Provide support for Zoo-wide events and cross-department initiatives as needed.
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Department to identify volunteer support opportunities.

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate corporate member and sponsor records within the organization’s database system.
• Track revenue, admission codes, contracts, invoices, and sponsorship activity.
• Prepare weekly, monthly, and year-over-year reports for leadership.
• Ensure proper management of contracts, certificates of insurance, purchase orders, and financial documentation.

Administrative & Operational Support

• Manage Development Department correspondence and acknowledgements.
• Coordinate departmental IT and operational needs.
• Assist with budgeting, invoice verification, ticket sales, and cash handling responsibilities.
• Create clear and timely internal communications and event memos.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 1–3 years of relevant experience required; nonprofit fundraising or development experience preferred.
• Demonstrated sales and customer service experience required.
• Experience with fundraising databases, POS systems, and Google Workspace/Microsoft Office applications preferred.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) certification.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities.
• Detail-oriented with strong data accuracy and recordkeeping skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively across diverse teams and communities.
• Professional, adaptable, and customer-service oriented.
• Must be able to operate a variety of machines and equipment including computer, telephone, radio, and vehicles, etc.

Working Conditions

• Must be able to stand and remain active for an eight-hour shift;
• Must be able to walk large areas of the Zoo as needed;
• Must be able to work in an outdoor weather environment in all seasons and weather, including heat/humidity, cold temperatures, and/or wet conditions;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule to include weekends, holidays, and special events;
• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects; and,
• Exposure to potential environmental hazards such as poison oak/ivy, uneven terrain, insect bites/stings, and Hepatitis B depending on the position.

Benefits

• We offer an excellent benefits package including 24 days of Paid Time Off (PTO), Sick and Safe Leave, and 2 paid holidays.
• Eligible for medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability and life insurance.
• 401(k) with employer match.

Disclaimer

The statements above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skills required of all personnel so classified.  Therefore, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change.