Corporate Partnerships Manager

Hennepin Arts drives cultural and economic vitality in Minnesota through leadership of the dynamic Hennepin Theatre District in downtown Minneapolis and educational programming that reaches every area of the state. Our historic venues — the Orpheum, State, Pantages and Dudley Riggs theatres, as well as our event center, The Hennepin — light up Hennepin Avenue with top-tier entertainment, including the best of Broadway and a wide variety of arts programming.

Hennepin Arts is a forward-looking organization that is currently in a state of dynamic growth and opportunity. By redeeming the city-issued bonds for Orpheum, State and Pantages theatres last year and welcoming new executive leadership, Hennepin Arts is poised to accelerate our work as a major performing arts center in driving the vitality of the Hennepin District.

Hennepin Arts celebrates diversity in all its aspects, ensuring equity and establishing a safe and inclusive environment for all. We continue to examine ourselves and our structures to ensure we are free of bias and inequitable practices. We work to create welcoming spaces that invite people to be their authentic selves.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Corporate Partnerships Manager leads the strategic development and growth of the sponsorship program. This role identifies, prospects, and secures new corporate partnerships while fostering relationships with senior executives and decision-makers. The Corporate Partnerships Manager plays a critical role in creating tailored sponsorship proposals and ensuring strategic alignment with the organization’s goals.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Sponsorship Prospecting and Development (40%)

• Under the leadership of the SVP of Corporate Partnerships, develop and implement a corporate sponsorship strategy to drive revenue growth and meet annual goals.
• Research and identify potential corporate sponsors aligned with organizational values and relay findings to Corporate Relations Manager to prepare sponsorship materials.
• Create compelling sponsorship proposals with customized value propositions.

Revenue Forecasting and Strategic Planning (30%)

• Collaborate with development leadership to forecast sponsorship revenue and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Develop long-term plans for sponsorship growth, including multi-year agreements and new industry opportunities.
• Use data-driven insights to evaluate sponsorship strategies and adjust plans as needed.

Relationship Building and Stewardship (20%)

• Build and maintain relationships with senior executives and corporate decision-makers.
• In partnership with the Director of Partnerships & Development Operations, oversee sponsor engagement, ensuring the fulfillment of agreements and long-term partnership satisfaction.
• Lead strategic touchpoints such as presentations and special event invitations.

Internal Collaboration and Reporting (10%)

• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., Marketing & Communications, Arts Education, and Events Operations) to maximize sponsorship integration.
• Provide regular updates to senior leadership on sponsorship performance, prospects, and strategic insights.
• Work closely with the Director of Partnerships & Development Operations, to ensure seamless execution of sponsorship deliverables.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, communications, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience directly in corporate sponsorships, partnerships, business development, or fundraising, preferably in nonprofit, arts, or cultural sectors.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and closing corporate sponsorships or partnership agreements.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage and influence senior executives and corporate decision-makers.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to create compelling sponsorship proposals and deliver persuasive presentations.
• Analytical abilities to forecast sponsorship revenue, evaluate performance metrics, and refine strategies using data-driven insights.
• Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and office productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and aligning with organizational goals.
• Self-motivated and results-driven, with a collaborative mindset and commitment to fostering long-term partnerships.
• Passion for the organization’s mission and familiarity with trends in sponsorship and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Due to the nature of our work, employees may be required to work some non-traditional business hours including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to lift up to twenty-five (25) pounds
• Ability to stand for extended periods of time while navigating multiple levels and areas within a venue
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the assigned and essential functions.