Director, Business Partnerships at ArtWorks

Description

Job Title: Director, Business Partnerships

Salary Range: $55,000-$65,000

Job Type: Full-Time Exempt

Reports to: Senior Director, Advancement

Start Date: January 5th, 2026

Job Description

The Director, Business Partnerships will be responsible for building and managing strategic corporate partnerships that drive revenue through sponsorships, social enterprise initiatives, and facility rentals. This role will lead efforts to secure and steward corporate sponsors for major events and programs, cultivate new business opportunities for public art and creative studios, and serve as the primary point of contact for external facility inquiries. The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in corporate engagement, sales or fundraising, and event strategy, with the ability to develop compelling value propositions and foster long-term relationships that advance the organization’s mission.

Key Responsibilities: 

Sponsorship Strategy & Business Engagement

• Develop and implement sponsorship strategies for major events and programs (e.g., 30th Anniversary Gala, murals and mural tours, gallery openings, and art auctions).
• Identify and research potential corporate and individual sponsors aligned with the mission.
• Create compelling sponsorship packages and presentations tailored to partner goals.
• Cultivate sponsors through outreach, networking, and personalized communication.
• Manage sponsor portfolios, ensuring deliverables and recognition are fulfilled.
• Negotiate and execute sponsorship agreements, maintaining compliance.
• Track and report sponsorship revenue and engagement metrics.
• Collaborate with Marketing for sponsor visibility across media and events.
• Work with Impact team to align sponsorships with project goals.

Social Enterprise & Client Partnerships

• Provide input on messaging and sales materials for enterprise initiatives.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective clients for public art and creative studios.
• Implement sales strategies and manage client partnerships from inquiry to contract.
• Coordinate with Impact team on project schedules and priorities for clients.
• Deliver periodic sales reports, projections, and assist with budgeting.
• Meet or exceed annual sales goals and gather client feedback for future opportunities.
• Collaborate across departments to support enterprise growth.

Events Management

• Lead planning and execution of fundraising and corporate engagement events, ensuring logistics and guest experience.
• Manage external inquiries and coordinate rentals for organizational facilities.

Requirements

Qualifications and experiences:

• Commitment to ArtWorks’ mission, values, culture and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Plan
• Preference is a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Business, Communications, Arts Management, Nonprofit Management) or equivalent job experience.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in sponsorship sales, business development, corporate partnerships, fundraising, and event planning, preferably within the nonprofit arts sector.
• Demonstrated track-record of securing and managing sponsorships with corporate partners.
• Experience working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Proven ability to build prospect database and manage clients in multiple development stages.
• Knowledge of how to align with sponsors’ branding and marketing goals.
• Willing and able to attend evening and weekend arts or community events.
• Passion for the arts and community engagement is highly desirable.

Skills and abilities:

• Builds effective relationships through excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Collaborates by building internal and community partnerships with shared objectives.
• Champions diversity that recognizes the value of different perspectives and cultures.
• Embraces change by adapting approach and demeanor to match the shifting demands of different situations.
• Secures and deploys resources effectively and efficiently.
• Possesses strong organizational and planning skills for fundraising events.
• Plans and aligns work to meet commitments that support organizational goals.
• Communicates effectively in a variety of communication modes – writing, presentations, negotiation with groups, 1-1, and virtual.
• Has excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Is proficient with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Salesforce as well as proficiency with digital research tools, databases, and information management systems. 
• Experience with Canva and other graphic design tools a plus.
• Adheres to ethical behavior and business practice.