Corporate Partnerships Coordinator Denver Zoo

Denver Zoo seeks a Corporate Partnerships Coordinator that is a proactive, confident self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment that values results. He/she is tenacious, persistent, and driven to succeed in cultivating and managing multi-faceted partnerships with new and existing corporate sponsors and donors. Success will require the following qualities:

• Self-motivated, self-sufficient, and driven to achieve success;
• Strategic, proactive, and forward thinking;
• Persuasive, outgoing, and confident;
• Possesses the highest standards of personal and professional integrity

Please note that this position requires frequent weekend work including at least one weekend per month where hours must be fullfilled on both Saturday and Sunday.

Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume. Our careers system supports multiple attachments.

OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Corporate Partnerships Manager and serving as a key member of the Corporate and Foundation Partnerships (CFP) team, the Corporate Partnerships Coordinator manages the identification, engagement, solicitation, fulfillment, and stewardship of an assigned portfolio of existing and prospective corporate sponsors/donors with the goal of significantly increasing revenues from this sector (via gifts, grants, and sponsorships) and to advance Denver Zoo’s mission and goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Partnership Engagement & Solicitation Manages an assigned portfolio of existing and prospective corporate sponsors/donors with the goal of significantly increasing revenues from this sector via gifts, grants, sponsorships, and in-kind donations to meet or exceed annual goals. Manages Zoo’s Corporate Membership program for the purpose of securing new and recurring corporate revenues to meet or exceed annual goals. Manages, cultivates, and solicits corporate sponsors (and prospects) for the Zoo’s marquee events, such as Do at the Zoo, Boo At The Zoo, and Zoo Lights, as well as other special events and exhibits throughout the year to meet or exceed corporate sponsorship goals. Participates in meetings with current and prospective corporate funders/sponsors to qualify their interests and priorities in partnering with Denver Zoo and presents funding/sponsorship opportunities that align with those interests and also advance the mission/goals of the Zoo. Meets specific monthly targets/metrics with respect to face-to-face prospect meetings, presentations, solicitations, etc. Presents compelling opportunities to corporate partners that provide measurable returns in the areas of philanthropic/corporate citizenship, market/brand equity, customer loyalty, and/or employee satisfaction through a variety of Zoo programs/opportunities, including: corporate membership; outright gifts/grants that support exhibits, conservation, education, animal care, and/or veterinary medicine; event sponsorships; volunteer programs; cause-related marketing; sampling/customer engagement; corporate events/rentals, and in-kind contributions. Works with the Manager and Director in the preparation of creative and innovative written proposals and related collateral materials for solicitation of corporate support, with a particular emphasis on broadening and deepening the engagement with corporate funders/sponsors in a manner that leads to more multi-faceted, year-round partnerships (philanthropic and/or marketing-oriented). Prepares briefing materials, necessary reports/data, and/or other presentation materials for the CDO and/or President/CEO for meetings with corporate executives. Maintains up-to-date, detailed corporate partner records in CRM database (Raiser’s Edge) in a timely and accurate manner, including contacts, contact reports, next steps, and tracking of proposal activity.

Partnership Fulfillment & Stewardship Provides excellent client service throughout the life cycle of the corporate partnership from identification of prospective corporate supporters, through assisting in the development of proposals and preparation of agreements to fulfillment of benefits, follow-up reporting, and related stewardship activities all while meeting or exceeding client expectations and Zoo standards. Conducts evaluations/assessments, surveys, and in-person interviews to collect quantitative and qualitative client feedback with the goal of continuously improving corporate client satisfaction and to better tailor future proposals, related benefits and recognition. Acts as a liaison with Communications, Guest Relations, Events Management, and other departments as needed to ensure timely fulfillment of all sponsor benefits, including recognition, signage, media, social media, events, tickets, etc. as outlined in sponsor agreements.

Prospect Research and Analysis Conducts research to identify and grow a pipeline of new prospective corporate supporters by remaining current on business and corporate news and trends in the Denver Metro area and the State of Colorado, as well as monitoring corporate partnership activity at local nonprofit organizations and among other zoos and similar organizations in Colorado and nationally. Evaluates and qualifies new leads/prospects through research and discussion with colleagues.

Other Administrative

• Manages initial phone and email inquiries/leads for the Corporate Partnerships team and responds/routes them in a timely manner. Coordinates invoicing, payment reminders, and payment fulfillment among all corporate donors/sponsors and provides regular updates to Manager and Director. Assists manager in tracking corporate revenues against goals/budget. Hosts VIP and behind-the-scenes tours with corporate donors and other Development guests/prospects as assigned. Staffs special events at the Zoo, as needed, particularly those with a Development component. Serves as a liaison to other Zoo departments and on Zoo committees, as assigned. Represents the Zoo, particularly in the Denver Metro area, with relevant business and professional organizations and associations that advance CFP goals and objectives. Stays abreast of philanthropic, economic, social, and community trends related to Denver Zoo. Contributes to the overall team objectives/goals of the Development Department. Adheres to and promotes Denver Zoo’s mission, core values, and strategic initiatives. Demonstrates a commitment to Denver Zoo’s Safety & Sustainability Policies by adhering to all environmental, safety, and health regulations, procedures, and goals. Value and consistently apply Denver Zoo’s ROADMAP (Reaching Our Audiences by Developing Mission Aligned Programs) process and resources in engaging and educating guests at Denver Zoo.

QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor’s Degree required, with 2-3 years of experience in corporate relations/fundraising, sponsorships, and/or event sales/hospitality management, preferably in a similar role at an organization of comparable size and complexity. Previous success in soliciting corporate giving/sponsorships and related portfolio management strongly preferred. Creative, marketing-oriented fundraiser/salesperson, skilled in the operational elements needed to execute solicitations and the ability to move between big picture strategy and day-to-day details. Enthusiasm for fundraising/sales, prospecting, and planning. Positive personality and willingness to work as part of a team. Knowledge of the local and national corporate community a plus. Dynamic public speaking skills, as well as effective individual communication skills, including by email and phone, and with executives. Effective proposal writing skills, with attention to detail, and ability to present information and ideas in a visually compelling manner. Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple, concurrent tasks, exhibit flexibility, and meet deadlines. Ability to analyze and present data effectively, prioritize work/deadlines, and align time/effort with opportunities. Acts with tact and discretion, respecting confidentiality and proprietary information. Proficient with CRM systems (Raiser’s Edge preferred), MSOffice, and Internet required. Knowledge of relevant online research tools (e.g., Hoover’s) strongly preferred. Possesses a passion for Denver Zoo and its mission and engages prospects with same passion. Ability to travel locally and sometimes out-of-state, occasionally work after hours and on weekends, and operate an automobile. Clear driving record. (If selected must be able to pass a MVR Motor Vehicle Records review). Ability to pass drug and alcohol screening. Ability to pass reference and background check. Provide negative TB test result prior to start date if hired.

Physical Demands: The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk and listen. The employee frequently is required to use hands to maneuver handle or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance; also, reach, stoop and kneel. Specific vision abilities required include close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception vision and ability to adjust focus. The position requires both mental and visual concentration.

Work Environment: This position requires a substantial amount of contact with staff, volunteers, and other departments. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts and in outside weather conditions and may be occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles and chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to medium.

Compensation and Benefits: This is a regular full-time position with excellent benefits, including complete medical/dental/vision coverage, 403(b) retirement plan, and a generous vacation package.

Completed applications must be submitted by April 8, 2017

Denver Zoo reserves the right to close the position prior to the above date.

Denver Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer

At Denver Zoo, our mission is to secure a better world for animals through human understanding. We are a respected leader in animal care and exhibition, conservation programs, scientific study, environmental education and public service.