Job Title: Development Sponsorship Manager

Salary Range: $48,500-$63,500

Job Type: Full- Time Exempt

Location: ArtWorks Administrative Office, 2429 Gilbert Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45206

Reports to: Senior Director, Advancement

Direct Reports: None

Job Description

The Development Sponsorship Manager will be responsible for developing, managing, and growing corporate and individual sponsorship programs to support ArtWorks’ public art projects, mural seasons, youth employment programs, and special events. This role involves identifying and cultivating new sponsors, stewarding existing relationships, and ensuring successful execution of sponsorship agreements. The ideal candidate will have a passion for arts advocacy, experience in fundraising or sales, and a demonstrated ability to engage with corporate and community partners.

Key Responsibilities:

Sponsorship Strategy and Growth

• Develop and implement a comprehensive sponsorship strategy to support murals, mural seasons, youth employment programs, Gallery Openings, Artist talk events (“Wet Paint”), and cultivation events.
• Identify and research potential corporate and individual sponsors whose values align with our mission.
• Create tailored sponsorship packages that meet the goals of both the sponsor and the organization, ensuring a compelling value proposition for each partner.
• Engage with prospective sponsors through cold outreach, networking events, and personalized communications.
• Manage a portfolio of corporate and individual sponsors, providing regular updates and ensuring that sponsorship deliverables are met.
• Develop persuasive sponsorship proposals and presentations that highlight opportunities for corporate engagement.
• Negotiate sponsorship agreements and manage the execution of sponsor contracts, ensuring compliance with all deliverables and deadlines.
• Track and report on sponsorship revenue, engagement metrics, and outcomes, providing regular updates to the Senior Director of Advancement.
• Work closely with the Marketing and Communications team to ensure sponsor recognition in promotional materials, digital platforms, and social media.
• Collaborate with the Impact team to understand the goals of each mural season and project, ensuring sponsor alignment and opportunities for engagement.
• Support general event logistics for Development events, including set-up, check-in, meet & greet, and breakdown.

ArtWorks is an equal opportunity employer and is strongly committed to building and retaining a diverse team. We believe in creating an inclusive workplace which harnesses each voice to collectively advance ArtWorks’ mission. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals and other marginalized applicants.

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 3-5 years of experience in sponsorship sales, fundraising, or corporate partnerships preferably within the nonprofit arts sector.
• Experience working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
• Demonstrated track-record of securing and managing sponsorships with corporate partners.
• 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
• Is resourceful in securing and deploying resources effectively and efficiently
• 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
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Proficiency with MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Salesforce as well as proficiency with digital research tools, databases, and information management systems 
• Adhere to ethical behavior and business practice