SPONSORSHIP MANAGER

The Sponsorship Manager will guide and grow the Michigan Theater's business partnership program, which is a critical support mechanism for the theater's programming and operations, including the Cinetopia Film Festival. Sponsors are recognized for their support via customized agreements that provide measurable marketing benefits across a variety of internal and external platforms. The Sponsorship Manager is a member of the Development Team, and reports to the Chief Development Officer.

The successful candidate will possess the confidence, poise, experience, integrity and ability to build strong, sustaining relationships with sponsors and donors. 

The Sponsorship Manager will guide and grow the Michigan Theater's business partnership program, which is a critical support mechanism for the theater's programming and operations, including the Cinetopia Film Festival. Sponsors are recognized for their support via customized agreements that provide measurable marketing benefits across a variety of internal and external platforms. The Sponsorship Manager is a member of the Development Team, and reports to the Chief Development Officer.

The successful candidate will possess the confidence, poise, experience, integrity and ability to build strong, sustaining relationships with sponsors and donors. 

Duties:

• Overseeing and executing the sponsorship/business partnership sales effort on behalf of the Michigan Theater
• Prospecting, selling, cultivating and maintaining the sponsorships, advertising and corporate partnerships
• Achieving established sales goals and budgets as set by the Chief Development Officer
• Working with CDO to establish quarterly and monthly goals
• Reporting on progress at weekly meetings with CDO
• Managing existing sponsorship relationships to result in renewals
• Conducting cold calls & arranged sales presentations
• Leading the execution of partnership fulfillment
• Working with Chief Development Officer to identify new prospects and develop sales plans for each
• Delivering a prompt summary of benefits received following the conclusion of a partnership (or the conclusion of a year within a multi-year deal)
• Working with CDO and Sponsorship Assistant to create a Sponsor / Partner appreciation event to be held annually to recognize contributions and to encourage per client growth
• Designing customized sales proposals and presentations for potential corporate partners
• Creating and implementing new ideas/opportunities that drive revenue
• Tracking prospective sales and inventory throughout the season
• Working and attending Michigan Theater events to greet and cultivate sponsors
• Performing other duties as assigned by Chief Development Officer

Qualifications

• Experience, skills and abilities:
  • A minimum of five years of sponsorship and/or advertising sales experience
  • Knowledge of local and regional business community 
  • Ability to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed, in addition to traditional business hours
  • Ability to maintain a system of contacts and relationships in the southeastern Michigan market
  • Must be a team player and be able to work efficiently and effectively within the established culture of the Michigan Theater
• Software:
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook
  • Knowledge of Donor Perfect or other donor software helpful
• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in business, marketing or related field