Director of Brand Partnerships

Title: Director of Brand Partnerships

Salary: $95,000-$115,000 

 About The James Beard Foundation: 

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 Brand Partnerships team is responsible for the continuity and expansion of the overall partnership portfolio for the Foundation. JBF’s strategic brand partners support the Foundation’s mission with financial support that drives growth of our programming and impact, as well as awareness of the JBF brand to drive audience growth. The team works closely with all of JBF’s internal departments including Marketing & Communications, Finance, Events, and Programs; as well as external agencies and cross-functional teams.

 The Director of Brand Partnerships will report to the Vice President of Brand Partnerships and will be responsible for all facets of partnership delivery and relationship management. They will work closely with the internal team and external partners in ensuring successful management of the existing sponsorship portfolio as well as the expansion of sponsor development for the Foundation. 

 Responsibilities:

Sponsorship Management 

 Liaise regularly with the Foundation’s portfolio of sponsors and partners regarding their overall partnership across JBF programs and events to nurture growth over time in alignment with JBF’s mission and values

• Oversee coordination, tracking, and reporting on sponsor activations and deliverables across events, digital, and social platforms, to ensure all deliverables are completed by contract end, and to create partnership wrap reports to demonstrate to sponsors that they are achieving their objectives
• Ensure implementation of agreed upon sponsorship team goals and procedures
• Work with cross-functional teams to manage internal priorities while working toward sponsor goals
• Coordinate with media team to oversee sponsor social strategy and calendar timelines for sponsors  
• Engage other JBF departments with sponsors as required to ensure excellent sponsor-facing communications 
• Ensure sponsors are represented correctly in JBF materials and in accordance with the provisions laid out in the contract, including review/approval timelines
• Partner with JBF communications team and external agencies to concept effective digital and sponsored content overlays for existing and new sponsors. 
• Keep abreast of key corporate moves and changes.

Business Development

 Support in refining overall sponsorship strategy to build targets, prospects, and proposals in line with JBF voice, mission, and values 

• Strategically manage sponsor outreach with event production partners, external sales agencies, and independent sales consultants for a coordinated voice in the marketplace
• Assist in the development of sponsor sales materials and tracking documents, 
• Develop best-in-class, customized sponsorship proposals, appeals and reports in coordination with various departments to meet a corporate sponsorship goal of $11MM annually
• Lead the valuation of current JBF program and event assets to ensure sponsor packages are delivering commensurate value year over year
• Guide the development of sponsor benefit packages for emerging and evolving JBF programs (e.g. JBF Institute)
• Partner with JBF Marketing & Communications team and external agencies to concept effective digital and programmatic extensions 
• Draft sponsor contracts and route for review and execution
• Maintain current sponsor tracking document of pitched and confirmed partners against budget
• Drive 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 sponsor payments are received and acknowledged accordingly
• Prospect research
• Keep abreast of key corporate moves and changes

 Requirements:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience working with corporate partners in an agency, non-profit, or events setting
• Experience working in special events, background in food media and/or culinary a plus
• Proven track record for corporate sales with successful delivery of 6- and 7-figure contracts
• Strategic thinker, creative problem solver, and excellent communicator with strong relationship management skills
• Strong sense of initiative and self-starter with a drive for success
• Excellent attention to detail, conscientious work ethic
• Excellent ability to multi-task, prioritize projects, and work efficiently and independently in a dynamic work-place
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Flexible and adaptable style 
• Tech savvy, proficient in MS Office including PowerPoint, CRM systems (preferably Salesforce), Adobe Acrobat Pro, Monday.com
• Ability to deal effectively with the diversity of individuals at all organizational levels
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize projects
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm 

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 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.