Director of Corporate Partnerships

ABOUT NAVY PIER, INC.

Navy Pier is the People’s Pier, Chicago’s lakefront treasure, welcoming all and offering dynamic and eclectic experiences through partnerships and programs that inspire discovery and wonder. Since its reopening in 1995, more than 200 million guests have enjoyed the Pier’s five acres of unparalleled attractions and experiences. An independent nonprofit organization since 2011, Navy Pier is the top-visited attraction and cultural destination in the Midwest.  Navy Pier values diversity and racial equity and expects each and every role to uphold a high standard of inclusion, justice, and fairness. Learn more at www.navypier.org.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Corporate Partnerships leads the corporate philanthropic partnership strategy for Navy Pier. Working closely with the Vice President of Development to achieve corporate fundraising goals through corporate prospect research, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Works closely with the Marketing and Arts, Culture & Events teams to identify and prepare funding and engagement opportunities for corporate partners. Supports Navy Pier’s Board of Directors in developing long-term giving relations with major local and regional corporations.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Advances all corporate sponsorship and philanthropic strategy for the Pier through a robust annual fundraising plan.
• Works closely with the Vice President of Development to develop and implement effective corporate engagement and solicitation strategies.
• Support Navy Pier’s Executive Leadership Team and Board of Directors in their engagement of corporate leaders with the goal to secure partnerships on behalf of the Pier.
• Works with the Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Development to set and monitor annual corporate partnership revenue goals.
• Collaborate with the Vice President of Marketing and the Vice President of Arts, Culture and Engagement (ACE) to prepare and execute custom corporate sponsorship and philanthropic support of Navy Pier’s programs.
• Work closely with colleagues across the Pier to plan and activate corporate sponsor and donor recognition that reflect the mission and values of the Pier and steward corporate partners’ investments.
• Manages a portfolio of 100+ corporate prospects and regularly refreshes a pipeline of additional prospects to engage.
• Manages solicitations, publications, and corporate donor recognition strategies and prepares letters, proposals and presentations for corporate donors and prospective donors.
• Develops corporate giving communication strategies with compelling and relevant messages that promote the tangible benefits of donating to Navy Pier.
• Serves as the main point of contact for all corporate partners and utilizes a portfolio management approach designed to maximize relationships.
• Manages corporate prospect research, prospect and donor engagement, and sponsorship and donor recognition.
• Administers corporate partner contract fulfillment and servicing, maintains accurate and up-to-date development records, corporate donor tracking, manages correspondence for current and prospective corporate donors and complies with reporting requirements based on relationship and grant parameters.
• Prepares and presents data-driven reports on corporate fundraising efforts and results, and monitors progress against annual revenue goals.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships within the funding community through networking activities and participation in professional development opportunities. Stays informed about new trends and techniques in philanthropy.
• Represents Navy Pier to outside constituent groups such as business leagues, industry associations and related organizations and maintain professional affiliations.
• Supports the mission of Navy Pier and upholds organizational priorities as stated.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

Education:   Requires a Bachelor’s Degree with an emphasis in business administration, marketing, or industry-related field.

Experience:  Requires a minimum of five years of years of experience in philanthropy, corporate relations or related field.

Additional Information:  Requires the ability to work extended (long hours) during a normal work week.  Must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays as necessary and required. Work is performed in a normal office environment, but may be required to entertain current and prospective donors in local areas restaurants or at major Navy Pier events.