The Corporate Sponsorship Specialist for the Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts (BOPA) is a regular, full-time, exempt position reporting to the Development Director. The primary responsibilities are to identify, inform, cultivate, solicit, thank, oversee benefit fulfillment and steward relationships with sponsors up to $25,000 to secure financial support for BOPA programs in meeting its mission of making Baltimore a more creative and vibrant city. This includes various festivals, events, arts initiatives/projects and other BOPA programs as needed.

Responsibilities:

Identify corporate prospects to broaden BOPA’s potential funding base:

• Conduct research on corporate prospects to identify potential matches, determine their capacity and prioritize them among current prospects and returning sponsors. Prospective sponsors discovered to have capacity of $25,000 and above to be turned over to Corporate Sponsorship Director.
• Collaborate with Development Team on creation of individualized strategic approaches for each prospect

Inform corporate prospects and current sponsors of up to $25,000 about BOPA programs and sponsorship opportunities for the purpose of securing sponsorships:

• Develop and implement communication strategy for each prospective and current sponsor
• Work with the Development Team and Art Department to develop and oversee the production of high quality materials for potential and current sponsors of all levels, including PowerPoint presentations, proposals and support materials.
• Oversee accuracy of sponsor information on BOPA website
• Represent BOPA at corporate networking opportunities to cultivate productive relationships

Cultivate corporate prospects and maintain relationships with current sponsors up to $25,000 to increase interest in sponsorships and build long-term relationships with BOPA:

• Develop and implement cultivation strategy for each prospective and current sponsor, including regular communication with prospective and current sponsors throughout the year
• Help develop and participate in VIP events and experiences
• Represent BOPA at corporate networking opportunities as needed to cultivate productive relationships. This includes increasing awareness of BOPA programs, identifying and following-up with prospective sponsors and building relationships with potential and existing sponsors.

Solicit corporate prospects and returning sponsors for financial support:

• Determine prospective sponsor goals and develop individualized proposals to reflect these goals
• Work closely with event, festivals and cultural affairs staff to create innovative sponsor packages resulting in unique and exciting sponsorship opportunities
• Meet with prospective and current cash sponsors up to $25,000 with board and/or staff as appropriate.
• Follow-up in a timely manner as needed to secure sponsorships
• Oversee contract preparation and delivery to sponsor
• Oversee receipt of contract

Thank sponsors:

• Process pledges and/or payments upon receipt
• Prepare and send appropriate thank you for each sponsor within 48 hours of acceptance of sponsorship, completed contract and funds received
• Work with Development Associate to prepare appropriate post-event thank you for each funder
• Enter all information into fundraising management database

Fulfill benefits for corporate sponsors:

• Oversee tracking of benefit needs and fulfillment for sponsors
• Ensure delivery of sponsor benefits in a timely and professional manner
• Greet sponsors on-site and work with them throughout event to ensure guidelines are met, troubleshoot issues and to create a positive experience

Post event stewardship:

• Solicit feedback from sponsors immediately following event or program to ensure a positive experience for sponsors.
• Work with the Development Director, Corporate Sponsorship Director and Art Department to develop and produce high quality post event reports for all corporate sponsors to document sponsor’s return on investment and lay groundwork for continued sponsorships.
• Develop and implement stewardship strategy for each sponsor, including regular communication throughout the year

Serving as a key member of BOPA’s Development Team:

• Attend Development Team meetings

• Staff BOPA programs and events as needed

Other:

• Input information in a timely manner to funder management database, including next steps for each of your prospects or funders
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Qualifications

• College degree in related field preferred
• Minimum two years’ experience in sponsorship sales and/or fundraising development

• Ability to thrive and work collaboratively as part of a development team of five in a fast-paced and growing program
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, well organized, highly motivated, positive attitude, and attention to detail and accuracy
• Effective time management skills with ability to work well under deadlines in a changing environment, establish priorities and perform multiple tasks effectively and concurrently
• Strong research skills – internet savvy
• Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• Experience working with fundraising database a plus
• Confidentiality, discretion and ethical gathering of information presumed

Compensation

Salary commensurate with experience.

Excellent retirement plan with employer match and medical benefits; including vision, dental, life, monthly transit pass or free parking.

The Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts is an Equal Opportunity Employer