Manager, Corporate Relations

Summary: The Corporate Relations Manager serves as a key member of the Institutional Advancement team, managing a comprehensive and strategic development plan that raises approximately $1.5 Million annually from corporate funders. Reporting to the Director of Major and Institutional Giving, this role is responsible for identifying and developing new relationships with the intent to build long-term corporate partnerships, including sponsorships, memberships in the Corporate Partners program, and stewardship of the Corporate Council. The Corporate Relations Manager also provides critical assistance to sponsored fundraising events such as annual festivals and signature Garden events. This position requires close collaboration with the Manager, Foundation Relations, the Major Gifts team, as well as other Garden stakeholders in Communications and Marketing, Education, Events, and Visitor Operations.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Coordinator, Institutional Giving reports to this position

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Designs and implements strategic and operational plans for corporate major gifts, annual assistance through the Corporate Partners Program and Corporate Council, and sponsorships.
• Manages a portfolio of corporate funders to solicit five-and six figure gifts and corporate sponsorship commitments, with a target goal of $1 Million annually.
• Leads and expands the Corporate Partners Program, increasing corporate engagement, retention and revenue through targeted outreach to meet or exceed an annual goal of $200,000 in membership.
• Manages the Corporate Council and related sub-committees, cultivating relationships and leveraging council engagement to advance institutional goals and support. Plans and sets council strategies, agendas and activities.
• Designs and manages a comprehensive sponsorship program, securing significant financial and in-kind support for events and exhibitions across the Garden, Butterfly House, and Shaw Nature Reserve. Oversees the full sponsorship lifecycle from prospecting and proposal development to activation, recognition, and stewardship.
• Supports Director, Major and Institutional Giving, Senior Vice President of Institutional Advancement, and senior leadership to advance the Garden's mission and vision.
• Supervises the Institutional Giving Coordinator, providing strategic direction and mentorship to achieve departmental goals and professional growth.
• Works in partnership with Communication and Marketing to develop compelling sponsorship benefits, recognition, and activation packages; ensuring proper benefit fulfillment and stewardship
• Represents the Garden with professionalism and purpose, conducting high-level donor and prospect tours, participating in fundraising meetings, and supporting events across all Garden sites.
• Works within Tessitura to ensure accurate maintenance of all corporate records (active and archive), as well as, manages the Corporate Partner membership renewals and tax acknowledgement letters.
• Assumes a leadership role in setting appointments with current and prospective supporters, conducting the meetings alone or as part of a staff team, and coordinating necessary follow-up.
• Provides comprehensive and timely reports for summarizing activity, project status, and work plan timelines.
• Monitors and analyzes corporate activity in St. Louis and beyond to identify new and existing prospects.
• Meets expected attendance guidelines.
• Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
• Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes and fosters a culture of teamwork, collaboration, and respect within the division and throughout the Garden with all employees, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors, and others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• Communication - Listens to others and asks questions for clarification; Writes clearly and presents information accurately; Speaks professionally and responds well to questions; Supports positive visitor relations.
• Collaboration - Demonstrates teamwork and promotes respect in the workplace; Engages in problem solving and group initiatives; Cooperates in implementing procedures and process improvements; Strives for positive visitor experiences.
• Accountability - Demonstrates commitment to responsibilities and adaptable to changes; Effectively prioritizes, troubleshoots and takes appropriate actions; Follows policies and procedures, meets deadlines, quality, and safety standards; Strives to proactively, address visitor and internal colleagues' concerns.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems; Includes supervisor before taking action as necessary; Recommends solutions, demonstrates creativity and resourcefulness; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment in decision making process; Includes appropriate people in making decisions.
• Stewardship - Promotes and adheres to sustainability, safety and security protocols; Fosters a culture of respect, diversity and inclusion; Demonstrates effective and prudent use of Garden resources; Maximizes contributions during work hours.
• Leadership - Incorporates a cluster of knowledge, skills and abilities required for management of people, budgets and assigned business functions/operations.

Qualifications/Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of successful experience in fundraising, including knowledge of annual giving, major gifts, and corporate and foundation solicitations.
• Prior experience in Project Management is required.
• Available to work evening and weekend hours for special projects and events.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and team-building skills. Strong listening and problem-solving abilities with a positive and proactive approach.
• Ability to set and manage deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with internal team members at all levels of an organization for the purposes of achieving goals/objectives.
• Adheres to all health and safety policies/procedures.
• The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
• The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge, skill, and/or abilities required.

Education:

• A bachelor's degree in a related field, such as Nonprofit Leadership, Business Management, Marketing, Public Relations or Communications, is required.
• An equivalent combination of skills, education, and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Proficient experience using Microsoft Office suite (i.e., Access, Excel, and Word).
• Thorough knowledge of how to create and analyze spreadsheets and financial software applications.
• Solid Internet research skills.

Language Skills:

• Ability to communicate effectively in English (verbal and written).

Mathematical Skills:

• Ability to analyze financial reports, develop strategies, projections and budgets.

Reasoning Ability:

• Requires ability to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to problem resolution.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must possess and maintain a valid drivers license.
• Must have the ability to pass a background screening and motor vehicle report (MVR) to meet minimum insurance underwriting criteria.

Physical Demands:

• Requires ability to make frequent telephone calls and routine in-person visits to the organization's current and future corporate donors and prospects.
• Ability to utilize computer keyboard (typing) and sit for extended periods of the workday.
• Must be able to lift and carry 20 pounds when transporting supplies and assisting constituents; occasional hands-on participation with event set-ups required.
• May be required to perform tasks at varying heights (i.e., step stool ladders, etc.).
• Ability to move up and down stairwells (multiple MBG buildings have stairs); traverse facility frequently throughout the workday; frequent standing, reaching and stooping.
• Ability to drive (use of surrey to conduct constituent tours and meetings).
• Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors.

Work Environment:

• Quiet indoor office setting; office environment with multiple staff within the department, operate standard office equipment to include computer, copier, fax machines, and other equipment.
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (i.e., humid conditions, temperatures over 100°F as well as temperatures below 0°F, in the rain, snow, and other inclement weather conditions as needed).
• Comfortable working in immediate proximity to the general public, in a safe and friendly manner, answering general questions regarding the questions regarding horticulture collection, Garden operations, events, facilities, etc.

Contacts with Individuals/Organizations inside/outside the Garden:

• Other Institutional Advancement Division staff as well as cross-divisional staff.
• High-profile donors to the Garden.
• Garden employees, volunteers, guests, and vendors.
• Colleagues in other non-profit organizations.

Supervisor: Director, Major and Institutional Giving