Director of Sponsorship

Director Of Sponsorship Marketing & Communication

Gustavus Adolphus College seeks a talented and seasoned Sponsorship Director to join our team full time. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability and eagerness to dive into our partnership opportunities, helping us elevate our Gustavus brand and story through intentional partnerships across our region. This position is key to furthering the College's marketing and communication objectives, including student enrollment, engaging alumni and donors, and amplifying the energy across campus.

The Sponsorship Director is a key role within the marketing and communication department. Working closely with the Chief Marketing Officer, this position will offer a fast-paced environment for a dynamic and results-driven team member. A motivated individual will flourish in this role. You will be responsible for selling sponsorships, developing partnerships, creating compelling presentations, and executing sales calls to drive revenue growth.

Main Responsibilities

• Contribute to a growing, high-performing team while promoting a strong culture of collaboration, excellence, and accountability.
• Contribute to the development and execution of Gustavus Adolphus' sponsorship strategy.
• Identify, develop, and secure sponsorship and partnership opportunities for College assets and properties.
• Conduct research to identify potential sponsors and key decision makers.
• Cultivate relationships with prospective sponsors and partners in order to elevate our brand through partnerships.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with sponsors, partners, and stakeholders.
• Develop and deliver persuasive sales presentations to prospective partners.
• Negotiate sponsorship agreements and contracts.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure the successful activation and execution of sponsorship deals.
• Monitor, track and report on sales performance, market trends, metrics, and outcomes.
• Meet and exceed revenue goals through proactive outreach and relationship management.
• Champion innovative change and approaches, helping teams and individuals succeed.
• Find ways to streamline current processes and help implement new ideas and best practices to reach our targeted goals.

Skills & Qualifications

Education / Training : Proven business development, sponsorship sales and management experience.

Experience : A minimum of 7-10 years of paid industry experience in a related field.

Negotiation : Proficiency in strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.

Software Proficiency : Proficiency in Google Suite apps and / or MS Office, Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Sponsorship Tracking : Experience in using CRM / tracking system.

Reports : Experience building recaps to highlight partnerships and demonstrate value.

Relationship Management : Past experience and proven ability to build and maintain relationships with corporate sponsors.

Proven Sales Experience : Experience managing inventory, developing sponsorships, landing six-figure deals, and a robust professional network.

Business Mindset : Ability to translate business goals and objectives into actionable plans that drive results.

Independence : Ability to work independently, take initiative, and manage projects from start to finish.

Creative and Detail-Oriented : A creative mindset with a keen eye for detail.

Communication and Collaboration : Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues, students, and partners.

Time Management : Ability to work under tight deadlines, manage multiple projects, and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Gustavus offers competitive and comprehensive benefits which include : medical insurance (which includes access to Nice Healthcare) as well as dental, vision, and life insurance. Workplace accommodations for physical or mental health concerns. Onsite health services. Free parking, exercise classes, and use of library and athletic facilities. Paid parental leave. Employer contribution to retirement savings plan (after one year of employment). Tuition scholarships for dependents. Tuition benefit plan for employees and spouse. 13 paid holidays + generous PTO plan.

Gustavus Adolphus College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities. Gustavus Adolphus College is one of the nation's leading private liberal arts colleges serving approximately 2,000 students. The College aspires to be a community of persons from diverse backgrounds who respect and affirm the dignity of all people. Known for its strong science, writing, music, athletics, study-away, and service-learning programs, Gustavus is located on a scenic 340-acre hill in St. Peter, Minnesota only one hour southwest of the Twin Cities.