Description:
The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) seeks a full-time Director of Sponsorships. Reporting to the Vice President for Conferences, this position is responsible for the cultivation, recruitment, and management of sponsorship relationships with companies providing services to independent colleges and universities and supporting CIC activities. CIC has a mature sponsorship program, many loyal and emerging sponsoring relationships, and a track record of raising over $1.25 million in sponsorships annually. Responsibilities also include payment collection, event logistics management, conference planning, and on-site event support. These responsibilities require a refined customer service orientation, highly effective written and oral communications skills, attention to detail and precision, confidentiality, strong interpersonal skills, good judgment, and database management abilities to track all aspects of CIC’s relations with sponsoring organizations. Key Responsibilities
- Recruit and cultivate relationships with corporate sponsors for CIC’s four major annual conferences: the Presidents Institute (the largest annual gathering of college and university presidents), the Institute for Chief Academic Officers, the State Councils Annual Conference, and the Workshops for Department and Division Chair.
- Develop and implement annual recruitment and marketing strategy to maximize revenue within limits and guidelines appropriate to CIC’s mission and culture.
- Serve as primary contact and on-site manager for all sponsor organization representatives at annual events.
- Collaborate with staff to include sponsors on the conference programs when appropriate.
- Meet budgeted sponsorship goals.
- Manage existing, and secure additional, multi-year agreements with highlevel sponsors.
- Establish annual sponsorship fundraising plan, including creating communication strategies and conducting market research.
- Use CRM Database management software to track sponsor engagement: pledges; registrations; pledge payments and collections.
- Collaborate with IT and Communications teams to integrate sponsor information into website and conference app, and develop digital and print marketing.
- Collaborate with the VP for Networks and Strategic Partnerships to support and enhance CIC’s new Corporate Affiliate Program.
- Collaborate with the VP for Conferences on on-site logistical management of sponsors.
- A bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of work experience (in business development preferably at a higher education association, college or university, or corporate sponsor partner) are required
- Positive attitude with great communication skills and attention to detail
- Proactive personality with the ability to resolve issues under pressure while maintaining a high degree of professionalism
- Ability to work independently as well as in a fast-paced, highly collaborative and collegial environment
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Knowledge of Microsoft CRM; experience with Protech Dynamics 365 and Association Analytics/Acumen ideal
- Ability to travel on occasion is required, including pre-planning site visits and attendance at CIC’s annual conferences