Overview

Responsible for the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks’ corporate sponsorship strategy. This position requires strong customer service and relationship management skills and an ability to creatively construct and deploy affinity marketing relationships. Key components of this role include business development, the coordination of all aspects of the corporate sponsor relationship, and a customer service mindset

Responsibilities

• Develops and oversees the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks corporate sponsorship strategy.
• Evaluates and helps determine all sponsorable assets across all 4 properties as well as develops and assigns rates and sales packages for each asset
• Works with CZA team to develop innovative concepts and ideas that deliver value to partners and leads to partner activation.
• Cultivates and maintains relationships with corporate partners to meet financial and promotional CZA goals.
• Identifies potential partners, prepares proposals, makes presentations, closes sales, prepares and implements documentation and contracts.
• Services existing relationships on an ongoing basis while pursuing new partnerships to create goal-oriented revenue streams to the operation, as well as provide additional marketing and promotional resources.
• Works in conjunction with departmental stakeholders to communicate obligations and expectations of clients and staff to ensure proper servicing and value fulfillment of partnerships.
• Reports on sponsorship sales and prospect pipeline.
• Oversees and conducts surveys regarding attitudes and awareness of sponsors and reports results to appropriate constituents.
• Tracks sponsor objectives, marketing platforms, spending and activation efforts to ensure relationships are meeting both CZA and sponsor objectives.
• Establish and maintain relationships with outside organizations to promote the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.
• Maintains software solutions tool for sponsorship management and fulfillment
• Plans, assigns and reviews work of staff.
• Assists with the design and production of program materials as necessary.
• Works closely with the Purchasing and Communications departments to obtain quotes and order promotional materials as needed.
• Provides leadership and work direction to seasonal team members and interns if applicable.
• Manages and plans overall department budget
• Functions as a strong team member with other members of the Philanthropy department by performing other duties as assigned including but not limited to other fundraising projects, programs and events as directed.
• Acts as Director On Duty as assigned by the CEO.
• Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.
• Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• B.S. business administration, communication or related field required.
• Minimum of 5 to 7 years with successful experience in corporate sponsorship sales/servicing or affinity marketing preferred.
• Experience selling six-figure sponsorship deals preferred.
• Sales experience within a theme park, zoo or cultural institution a plus.
• Three or more years of proven managerial experience preferred
• Proficiency with computers and a variety of software packages linked to database management required.
• Ability to exercise discretion in dealing with confidential and personal information required.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with sometimes stressful situations required.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings, weekends, holidays, frequent off-site meetings and overnight travel required.
• Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing required.
• Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision required.
• Ability to provide excellent guest service by positively interacting with guests and upholding the Make it G.R.E.A.T. standards required.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all Zoo team members and contacts regarding company business required.
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
• Possession of a valid Ohio motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required.
• Proof of negative TB screening prior to placement and annually thereafter required.
• Ability to adhere to the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks’ drug-free workplace policy including but not limited to pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion and follow-up treatment required.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check annually required.