Director, Partnerships & Sponsorships

• Develop and execute annual sales cycles and strategies to meet and exceed revenue targets for sponsorship and advertising.
• Identify and secure new sponsorship opportunities, building a strong pipeline to sustain and grow revenue streams.
• Develop compelling sponsorship materials, defining sponsorship levels, packages, and pricing structures aligned with market trends and partner needs.
• Negotiate and close sponsorship deals, ensuring timely contract renewals and long-term partnerships.
• Implement structured sponsorship recognition programs to maximize partner visibility and engagement.
• Provide detailed post-sponsorship reports to demonstrate value and support renewals.

Strategic Partnership Development & Membership Growth

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with sponsors, advertisers, and non-retail members to ensure loyalty and revenue expansion.
• Work closely with the VP, Education & Partnerships, and cross-functional teams to align sponsorship efforts with overall strategic plans.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Member Services to drive the growth and retention of non-retail members.
• Engage prospective sponsors in membership activities, manage membership renewals, and onboard supplier community members.
• Secure in-kind/media partnerships to enhance reach and reduce operational costs.

Operational Leadership & Business Planning

• Develop and manage departmental budgets, business plans, and financial reports, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Collaborate with Finance on invoicing, payment processing, and revenue tracking.
• Prepare revenue and performance reports for the Board and executive team.
• Oversee sponsorship team workload, ensuring project timelines and objectives are met.
• Lead and mentor direct reports, conducting performance reviews, development planning, and coaching.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Sales, Business/Commerce, Marketing, or equivalent.

Experience

• 7-10 years of experience in sales, sponsorship, or business development, ideally within an association, nonprofit, or related industry.
• Proven track record of revenue generation, negotiation, strategic sales planning, and relationship management.
• Experience managing the full sponsorship sales cycle, from prospecting to contract negotiation and renewals.
• Familiarity with pipeline management, budgeting, and financial forecasting.
• Sales & Negotiation: Exceptional ability to craft compelling sponsorship proposals and secure high-value partnerships.
• Strategic Planning: Strong aptitude for aligning sponsorship strategies with organizational goals and market trends.
• Relationship Management: Proven ability to build and maintain long-term partnerships, fostering trust and delivering mutual value.
• Project & Financial Management: Experience overseeing multiple sponsorship accounts, managing budgets, and ensuring sponsor satisfaction.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to assess sponsorship performance, measure ROI, and enhance future sales strategies.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to create impactful presentations and reports.
• Technological Proficiency: Skilled in CRM tools for tracking sales pipelines and managing partner relationships; advanced Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook) expertise.

Assets:

• Knowledge of association sponsorship dynamics and industry-related partnerships.
• Graphic design experience to support sponsorship material creation.

Corporate Culture

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape sponsorship and partnership strategies in Canada’s retail industry. They provide a collaborative and forward-thinking work environment where your contributions will directly impact industry growth and member engagement. They value innovation, strategic thinking, and the ability to drive meaningful relationships with key stakeholders. Employees are supported through professional development opportunities, a dynamic team culture, and the chance to work with some of the leading organizations in the industry. If you are looking for a rewarding role that offers both challenge and impact, this is the opportunity for you.