Director of Corporate Partnerships

About The Shed

The Shed is a cultural institution of and for the 21st century. We produce and welcome innovative art and ideas, across all forms of creativity, to build a shared understanding of our rapidly changing world and a more equitable society. In our highly adaptable building on Manhattan's west side, The Shed brings together established and emerging artists to create new work in fields ranging from pop to classical music, painting to digital media, theater to literature, and sculpture to dance. We seek opportunities to collaborate with cultural peers and community organizations, work with like-minded partners, and provide unique spaces for private events. As an independent non-profit that values invention, equity, and generosity, we are committed to advancing art forms, addressing the urgent issues of our time, and making our work impactful, sustainable, and relevant to the local community, the cultural sector, New York City, and beyond.

About the Position 

The Shed seeks a Director of Corporate Partnerships to work as a member of a highly accomplished and skilled Development team. The Director of Corporate Partnerships will report to the Chief Development Officer and will be the senior executive responsible for corporate revenue and corporate partnerships for The Shed.  Specifically, this role will be responsible for maintaining and servicing current relationships, developing programs for and securing revenue through multiple corporate revenue channels, identifying new corporate revenue opportunities, and developing strategic partnerships to support the creative and/or operational needs for The Shed. They will manage the strategic development, direction, and implementation of all corporate relations activities.

The ideal candidate has a track record of success in leadership positions and is a proven builder of a similar business. They have the gravitas and broad-based business background to lead the Corporate Partnerships business. The Director of Corporate Partnerships will build the Corporate Partnerships business and manage and direct dedicated cross-functional resources necessary to build and implement programs. 

Additionally, the Director of Corporate Partnerships will participate in relevant industry conferences and events in order to keep The Shed at the leading edge of corporate engagement.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to 

Corporate Sponsorships

• Execute an innovative sponsorship platform focused on market segmentation and dynamic marketing channels including digital/media, experiential, and content capable of serving a broad spectrum of corporate brands and industries
• Lead as primary senior point of contact for all current Corporate Sponsors and Partners
• Secure new multiyear, industry-leading sponsorships from top-tier brands as official partners of The Shed
• Through research and industry knowledge, identify target-partners and develop a market strategy with buy-in from executive and crossfunctional teams
• Partner closely with Executive team and The Shed Board of Directors to leverage networks and manage introductions 
• Oversee the sales process including research, outreach, and contract negotiations
• As each partnership warrants, integrate partnerships with marketing, publicity, programming, and operational needs
• Oversee crossfunctional account management team (i.e. agencies, contractors, and vendors) to fulfill year-round partnerships including all activations (digital, content, hospitality, events, publicity, B2B, writing reports and proposals)
• Lead the contract process with supporting internal teams

Corporate Philanthropy

• Oversee fundraising and fulfillment of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) giving and existing Corporate Membership program
• Manage the pipeline, applications and letter writing process, fulfillment, and reporting for corporate foundation grants and CSR giving
• Work with Board and Executive team when applicable to identify candidates for committee and Board relationships

Crossfunctional & Administrative 

• Coordinate with leadership, CFO, and financial team to ensure sound forecasting
• Work closely with internal departments (programming, operational, and marketing teams) to ensure that internal goals are incorporated into partnership strategy and corporate partners have optimal engagement and value-driven programs
• Keep internal teams up to date on status of corporate revenue programs
• Participate and/or lead internal committees to offer expertise and corporate revenue POV when applicable
• Collaborate with internal teams and Board on identifying new partners
• Present regular updates with leadership

Corporate Marketing Industry

• Monitor competitive trends; identify and target new market segments; initiate and implement marketing strategies in collaboration with Chief Marketing Officer that capitalize on marketplace opportunities
• Participate in panels and conferences to maintain high-profile nature of The Shed for corporate marketing community

Qualifications and Qualities

• At least five years of experience leading corporate partnerships
• Demonstrated experience establishing innovative corporate partnership programs and closing six and seven figure deals, with a track record of meeting or exceeding fundraising goals
• Highly honed ability to understand corporate marketing goals and match with nonprofit benefits and opportunities 
• Active relationships in the corporate sector
• Confidence and poise when presenting to C-suite level executives
• A demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as part of a highly motivated, energetic team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding in dealing with sensitive employee issues
• Experience in the practice of tactfulness, discretion, and diplomacy
• Strong digital presentation skills essential
• Ability to work occasional early mornings, evenings, or weekends as needed
• Attention to detail, excellent project management skills, including the ability to multitask, manage deadlines, and work efficiently in a fast-paced environment

Compensation 

The salary range for this position is $140,000 – 150,000. Compensation is commensurate with experience.

Application Process

Interested candidates should complete an application and submit a résumé and cover letter in a Word or PDF document saved as the candidate's first and last name through our Career Center. Only résumés and cover letters submitted in this format will be reviewed. 

The Shed is dedicated to building an equitable environment that is mixed across lines of difference and strongly encourages applications from Black, Indigenous, people of color, women, transgender, and nonbinary candidates. This position will remain open until filled and until a diverse and qualified pool of candidates is identified. Applicants from populations underrepresented in the arts field are strongly encouraged to apply. Whether you're new to arts and culture administration, returning to work after a gap in employment, simply looking to transition, or taking the next step in your career path, we will be glad to have you on our radar.