Sponsorship Senior Manager

The James Beard Foundation ( JBF ) is a vital cultural institution with deep roots honoring and advancing the culinary arts industry.

JBF’s mission is to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability.

As a 501(c) (3) national non-profit organization, JBF brings its mission to life through the annual James Beard Awards, industry and community-focused initiatives and programs, advocacy, partnerships, and events across the country.

The Sponsorship Senior Manager holds a key role within the Sponsorship team, also working closely with the Finance and Events departments, external agency partners, and external production teams to support the expansion of sponsor development for the Foundation.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Sponsorship, the Sponsorship Senior Manager will steward sponsors through renewals and expanded programmatic support, and perform outreach to clients and prospects, supporting with pitch decks and contracts, status tracking and invoice coordination with the finance department.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include but are not limited to :

• Maintain sponsor sales pitches and confirmations across all Foundation programs and events
• Support in refining overall sponsorship strategy to build targets and prospects
• Conduct prospect research, solicit and secure sponsors to meet a corporate sponsorship goal of $10MM+
• Assist in the development of sponsor benefits packages for emerging and evolving JBF programs
• Generate sponsor proposals in line with JBF's voice and mission
• Assist in the management of sponsor outreach and nurturing relationships to deepen and grow over time in alignment with JBF's mission and values
• Partner with the JBF Marketing & Communications team and external agencies to concept effective digital and programmatic extensions
• Draft sponsor contracts and route for review and execution
• Maintain accurate corporate partner records in the Salesforce database, inclusive of contract tracking, contact information, and follow-up actions, as well as current upkeep of all prospect lists
• Oversee sponsor invoicing in partnership with Finance Department
• Support the smooth transition of sponsors from the contract execution phase and oversee handoff to the Sponsor Relations team for activation and account management
• Assist in driving bi-weekly sales meetings with all stakeholders who participate in the sales and activation process, distributing meeting notes and action items in a timely fashion and ensuring follow-up with team members
• Ensure implementation of agreed upon Sponsorship team procedures
• Assist in the development of sponsor sales materials, tracking documents, and wrap reports
• Prospect research
• Keep abreast of vital corporate moves and changes

Requirements

To be effective in this role, key core competencies and personal characteristics include :

• 5+ years’ experience working with corporate partners in an agency, non-profit, or events setting
• Strategic thinker, creative problem solver, and excellent communicator with strong relationship management skills
• Strong sense of initiative and a self-starter with a drive to succeed
• Excellent ability to multi-task, prioritize projects, and work efficiently and independently in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent attention to detail, conscientious work ethic
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm
• Tech savvy, proficient in MS Office including PowerPoint, CRM systems (preferably Salesforce), Adobe Acrobat Pro
• Ability to deal effectively with the diversity of individuals at all organizational levels
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize projects
• High energy and passion for the James Beard Foundation’s mission
• Experience working in special events, background in food media and / or culinary a plus

The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000.

Benefits

• JBF offers its employees a dynamic work environment with benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents;
• life insurance; flexible spending account; commuter benefits; retirement savings; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement / professional development;

and generous paid time off. We also offer fertility planning support and up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave. Additional perks include staff events, tickets to events at Platform by JBF (Pier 57), and much more.

The Foundation currently works a hybrid schedule that requires employees to be in our NYC office 2-3 days per week. This position is not eligible for relocation.

JBF requires all employees to be fully vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19 unless a medical or religious accommodation is needed in accordance with applicable law.