Job Description
Job Description
Salary : $85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year; commensurate with experience.
Join LAs BEST as a Corporate Relations Manager and help shape high-impact partnerships that support expanded learning, whole-child development, and meaningful community engagement across Los Angeles. Apply today and be part of our mission!
About LAs BEST
LAs BEST is a public / private partnership between the City of Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), and the private sector, working together to provide safe, engaging, and enriching afterschool programming for elementary school students. Established 37 years ago, LAs BEST serves children in neighborhoods with the greatest needs but the fewest resources, ensuring access to meaningful learning experiences beyond the school day.
Through this public-private partnership, LAUSD operates the program, the City of Los Angeles provides crucial public support, and the nonprofit entity advocates for funding and resources. This shared commitment allows LAs BEST to provide high-quality enrichment activities that nurture academic growth, social-emotional well-being for students while also supporting working families across Los Angeles.
At LAs BEST, we believe that diversity fuels innovation, creativity, and success. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where every individual's unique perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences are valued and celebrated. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are dedicated to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, abilities, ages, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Join us in our mission to create an environment where everyone feels empowered to thrive and contribute their best work. Your voice matters, and we invite you to bring your authentic self to our team.
Job Overview and Responsibilities
Reporting to the Director of Institutional & Corporate Giving, the Corporate Relations Manager is responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive corporate partnership strategy to support the mission, programs, and strategic goals of LAs BEST. This role leads efforts to cultivate, secure, and steward corporate philanthropic support, including sponsorships, in-kind contributions, and long-term funding commitments. Working closely with the President & CEO, LAs BESTs Development department, and other internal teams, the Corporate Relations Manager builds mission-aligned partnerships that enhance brand visibility, generate sustainable revenue, and expand corporate engagement across LAs BESTs network. Core responsibilities may include :
Corporate Partnerships Strategy, Fund Development, & Proposal Writing (approximately 60%) :
- Support the Director of Institutional & Corporate Giving in the development and execution of a comprehensive corporate relations strategy to secure funding (including multi-year partnerships), sponsorships, and in-kind support for LAs BEST programming, events, and initiatives.
- Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of corporate prospects and donors, ensuring strong, mission-aligned partnerships that meet the goals of both the organization and funders.
- Collaborate with the President & CEO and Director of Institutional & Corporate Giving to align corporate engagement efforts with broader fundraising priorities and campaigns.
- Stay informed on corporate philanthropy and sponsorship trends by conducting regular research and analysis to identify emerging opportunities, industry benchmarks, and best practices in corporate fundraising.
- Develop tailored pitch materials, sponsorship decks, proposals, and reports that effectively communicate program impact and partnership value.
- Collaborate with internal departments to gather relevant data and success stories for corporate proposals and reports.
- Oversee the development of materials and strategies to support corporate giving as part of broader campaign efforts, including events and capital projects.
Relationship Management & Donor Stewardship (approximately 25%) :
Build and maintain long-term relationships with corporate partners, ensuring timely benefit fulfillment, public recognition, and meaningful engagement opportunities (e.g., volunteer activations, site visits, networking events).Maintain regular communication with corporate stakeholders, providing updates on program impact and recognition deliverables.Ensure timely delivery of stewardship materials, reports, and acknowledgments for corporate donors.Departmental Collaboration & Reporting (approximately 15%) :
Collaboration with other departments on key initiatives or special projects as assigned.Partner with the Development Operations Manager to track corporate gifts, sponsorship timelines, and recognition deliverables in donor databases (Salesforce).Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications department to ensure proper branding and corporate recognition across public-facing materials and digital platforms.Provide regular updates to senior leadership on corporate partnership performance, pipeline growth, and strategic opportunities.Represent LAs BEST at external meetings, conferences, and networking events to cultivate new prospects and deepen community visibility.Core Competencies
Ability to maintain regular and consistent attendance.Strong commitment to timely stewardship, benefit fulfillment, and recognition for corporate partners, maintaining trust and credibility with donors.Ability to build, nurture, and sustain long-term relationships with corporate partners, aligning their interests with the mission and goals of LAs BEST.Expertise in developing and implementing corporate giving strategies, securing sponsorships, and stewarding corporate donors to generate sustainable revenue.Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling proposals, pitch presentations, and impact reports tailored to corporate audiences.Ability to work collaboratively across departments to gather data, align messaging, and execute deliverables.Skilled in managing multiple corporate fundraising initiatives, from proposal development to sponsorship activation and event coordination, while meeting deadlines and maintaining attention to detail.Strong focus on measurable outcomes, with the ability to set and achieve ambitious fundraising targets, track performance, and adapt strategies to optimize impact.Ability to analyze partnership performance, campaign outcomes, and donor data to inform decision-making and enhance fundraising strategies.Understanding of brand partnerships and the importance of consistent, values-aligned messaging when engaging with external stakeholders.Represents LAs BEST with professionalism and enthusiasm in all external engagements, embodying the organizations mission, values, and commitment to youth development.Qualifications and Experience Requirements
Bachelors degree or equivalent years of relevant work experience is required.Minimum of 3-5 years of significant experience in corporate fundraising, cause marketing, corporate social responsibility (CSR), or business development, preferably within the nonprofit sector.Proven track record of securing significant corporate sponsorships, gifts, or partnerships that meet or exceed fundraising goals.Demonstrated experience developing and implementing successful corporate relations strategies and donor stewardship plans.Strong understanding of corporate giving trends, CSR priorities, and sponsorship models.Exceptional writing and presentation skills with the ability to produce compelling proposals, pitch materials, and donor communications tailored to corporate audiences.Experience collaborating with senior executives, board members, and cross-functional internal teams.Skilled in planning and executing corporate engagement events, site visits, and volunteer activations.Proficiency in using donor management and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) for tracking donor pipelines, stewardship activities, and recognition deliverables.Excellent organizational, project management, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.Experienced with representing an organization at external meetings, conferences, and networking events is required.Compensation
85,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year; commensurate with experience.
Work Location
Currently, there is a hybrid work environment with two days per week (Wednesdays & Thursdays) required at the office in downtown Los Angeles, with a transition to three days per week required at the office, effective July 1st, 2025. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required throughout the year. Candidates must also be able to travel to school sites and meetings / events within LA County on a semi-regular basis and have access to reliable and timely transportation.
Company Benefits
LAs BEST provides Employer paid medical, dental, & vision insurance for employees, life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match after six months of continuous employment, paid time off, cell phone stipend, and other benefits.
Equal Opportunity
LAs BEST is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability or veteran status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request (LAs BEST is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request).
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your application. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until this position is filled. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered.