Senior Manager of Corporate and Strategic Partnerships

Job Summary

The Senior Manager/Director of Corporate and Strategic Partnerships will play a critical role in expanding Reading Is Fundamental’s corporate and institutional philanthropy efforts, contributing to the organization’s ambitious $75M Comprehensive Campaign. This position focuses on cultivating and securing significant corporate partnerships by identifying new opportunities and re-engaging previous supporters.

Reporting to the Senior Vice President and collaborating closely with the Senior Director of Corporate and Strategic Partnerships, the Senior Manager/Director will manage a portfolio of 75-150 prospects, overseeing all stages of the giving cycle. The role requires strong relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to craft compelling proposals that align donor interests with RIF’s mission. With responsibilities that include managing high-level stakeholder relationships and engaging with volunteer leadership, this position is integral to advancing RIF’s goals.

The ideal candidate is a self-motivated professional with a proven track record in securing five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts, skilled in both in-person and virtual solicitation, and experienced in corporate fundraising strategies. This position requires frequent travel, cross-departmental collaboration, and an ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment.

Salary Range: $90,000-$100,000 annually

Essential Duties

• Achieve an annual fundraising goal of $1M-$2M, as determined in collaboration with the Senior Vice President.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 75-150 corporate and institutional prospects, guiding them through all stages of the giving cycle, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective corporate partners through frequent in-person meetings, phone calls, and email communication.
• Collaborate with the programs and finance teams to develop customized proposals, budgets, and reports that align with partner interests and organizational goals.
• Coordinate with the Campaign Director and account management team on corporate and foundation gift requests to support RIF’s $75M Comprehensive Campaign.
• Ensure seamless handoff of new partnerships to the programs team for effective implementation and stewardship of funded initiatives.
• Engage and support volunteer leadership, including members of the Strategic Initiatives and Campaign Committees, to maximize their contributions to fundraising efforts.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of donor interactions, proposals, and gifts in the CRM system to track progress and inform strategy.
• Stay informed of corporate philanthropy trends and best practices, proactively identifying new opportunities for partnerships and sponsorships.
• Represent RIF at relevant events and meetings to enhance organizational visibility and cultivate relationships with potential partners.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university; advanced education or equivalent experience in fundraising or a related field is a plus.
• 5 years of experience in fundraising or corporate partnerships, with a track record of securing five-, six-, and seven-figure gifts.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate and institutional donors, including converting prospects into long-term partners.
• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills, with experience engaging diverse stakeholders such as board members, volunteers, and corporate executives.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and project management skills, with the ability to interpret financial information and manage data effectively.
• Proficiency in MS Office and CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), with a solid understanding of donor databases and tracking systems.
• Self-motivated and innovative, with the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Familiarity with current trends and best practices in corporate sponsorships, partnerships, and fundraising; experience with capital campaigns is preferred.
  
  

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Work Environment: The job operates in a hybrid office environment, with regular work at the RIF Office and remote work at the home office.
• Travel Requirements: Travel up to 40%.
• Physical Demands: This is largely a sedentary role. Physical requirements include operating standard office equipment. Communicating orally with stakeholders, management, direct reports, and other co-workers is essential. Regular use of the telephone, computer, and e-mail for communication is essential. Continuous typing and viewing of a computer screen are required.
  
  

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as required to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.