Sponsorship and Grant Coordinator

Under the general supervision of the Promotions and Marketing Supervisor, the Sponsorship and Grant Coordinator performs a variety of professional and administrative functions to generate vital revenue for the support of department programs and events within the context and culture of philanthropy. Establishes and maintains professional relationships with representatives from local, regional and national organizations, businesses, school districts and government agencies to seek out and secure sponsorships, grants, alliances, and partnerships.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Performs some or all of the following)

• Works with representatives from partnering organizations and department staff to create, solicit, and execute sponsorship packages for department programs, classes, events, fields, courts and facilities. Creates tiered sponsorship and partnership packages based on department needs. Manages contracts to ensure deliverables are met across all available social media platforms, City website, City signage, electronic newsletters, and printed flyers, brochures, and catalogs.
• Seeks grant opportunities and collaborates with staff to prepare grant applications for programming, park amenities, and equipment. Ensures reports are completed and submitted as required.

Professional Functions:

• Travels locally to solicit sponsorships and partnerships with businesses, non-profit and for-profit organizations, school districts, and other agencies. Develops and maintains positive relationships.
• Determines sponsorship and partnership deliverables, reporting methods, and incentives for local, regional, and national businesses.
• Oversees sponsorship program to ensure each award meets with department standards, philosophy, and objectives; revises program as necessary to meet department needs.
• Attends department programs and events as necessary, including some evenings, weekends, and holidays, to ensure sponsor and partner deliverables are met and relationships maintained.
• Represents Parks & Recreation at professional and community functions as necessary to develop and maintain professional relationships and promote department functions.

Administrative Functions:

• Prepares detailed reports for management staff regarding available sponsorship and partnership opportunities, including key performance indicators such as sponsorships received, partnerships established, revenue generated and expenses incurred.
• Manages sponsorship renewals and negotiations; oversees communication with sponsors.
• Analyzes and interprets market research, utilizing knowledge and metrics to generate and cultivate new and prospective clients.
• Reviews, analyzes, and prepares reports related to grants to ensure requirements are met. Presents reports to management and commissions.
• Collaborates with staff during the development of digital content for social media platforms, City signage, City web pages, presentations and electronic newsletters to ensure contracted deliverables and key objectives are met accurately.
• Collaborates with staff during the development of content and layout of printed brochures, fliers, newsletters, catalogs, and other materials for public distribution to ensure contracted deliverables and key objectives are met accurately.
• Ensures promotional materials contain accurate and current information related to sponsors, partners and grantors.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

College coursework or Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree preferred, in business administration, communications; public relations, marketing, or related area;

AND

Two (2) years of experience in sponsorship, underwriting, corporate/media sales or fundraising;

Two (2) years progressively responsible administrative experience performing above and related duties;

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Considerable knowledge of principles, practices, and methods of public relations; sponsorship and partnership contracts and deliverables related to parks and recreation; principles, practices, and methods in writing, editing, page design, and layouts of publications, administrative principles and practices of contract management; current trends across various social media platforms; basic principles of computer applications related to the work, including word processing and graphics software; principles and practices of parks and recreation programming and special events coordination.

Thorough knowledge of English language, including spelling, grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary. Bilingual skills preferred.

Working knowledge of principles and practices of the parks and recreation industry and customer service; local and regional industry and market trends; administrative principles and practices including grant writing, report writing, data collection and input, statistical analysis, and records management; planning, coordinating, and scheduling appointments; applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; basic budgetary principles and practices.

Skill in communicating clearly and effectively, orally and in writing; thinking creatively and using imagination; preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and other written materials; organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up assignments with a minimum of direction; researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.

Ability to deal courteously and diplomatically with business professionals and the public; negotiate understand, interpret, and communicate complicated policies, procedures, and protocols; manage multiple projects and accounts simultaneously; use initiative; and work effectively in teams as well as independently with minimal supervision.

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; speak effectively before individuals and public groups, and respond to questions; read, interpret and develop documents; write reports and correspondence giving close attention to detail and accuracy; use tact, discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines; maintain confidentiality when handling any and all matters; maintain professional appearance as appropriate; work occasional evenings, weekends and holidays to establish and maintain professional partnerships and promote sponsored programs, classes and events; maintain a regular and reliable level of attendance and punctuality.

Special Qualifications: (depending on area of assignment)

Must complete required NIMS level training within first six months of hire.Valid State Drivers License

Work Environment:

Incumbent of the position generally performs in a typical office environment where there are little or no physical discomforts associated with changes in weather or discomforts associated with noise, dust, dirt and the like. While performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, to reach with hands and arms, and talk or hear. While performing the essential functions of this job the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Common eye, hand, finger dexterity is required. Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, critical thinking, and creative problem solving. The position may require working some evenings, weekends, and holidays to ensure operation efficiencies.

Drug Testing

Background Check

In addition to the application, testing and/or examinations may be required for further consideration on this position.

You may apply at www.indepmo.org/hr. Position open until 8/6/2026.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Independence is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all people without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, citizenship status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other legally protected category. The City of Independence is a background screening, drug-free workplace.

The City of Independence provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation in order to apply for a job, please submit your request to humanresources-coi@indepmo.org.

Disclaimer: The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. Management reserves the right in coordination with the governing union (if applicable) to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed without notice. This job description supersedes earlier versions.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - BILINGUAL SKILLS PREFERRED