The Chicago Zoological Society's Brookfield Zoo is known throughout the world as a leader in animal welfare and conservation and offers an exciting, fast-paced work environment.
The Sponsorship Sales Manager is a member of the Partnership Marketing Team, which is responsible for supporting the mission of CZS through the generation of sponsorship revenue while building awareness of Brookfield Zoo’s exciting exhibits, events, and attractions.
The Sponsorship Sales Manager contributes to the success of the Chicago Zoological Society by supporting the Society’s financial sustainability through revenue-generating marketing programs. This role will achieve sponsorship sales goals by stewarding new relationships through the sales cycle by researching, communicating, negotiating, selling, contracting, and fulfilling partnership relationships. This is a full-time salaried position.
Primary duties and responsibilities:
Serve as a key member of the Partnership Marketing team by supporting the generation of sponsorship sales revenue to achieve annual sales goals. Establish and steward marketing-related partnerships by identifying prospects, researching potential leads, identifying marketing interests and revenue opportunities, preparing proposals, pitching ideas, negotiating contracts, closing sales, and preparing and fulfilling contracts.
Responsible for assigned target categories and/or territories for sales solicitation efforts. Achieve and exceed assigned sales goals each year. Research assigned portfolio of prospects and clients to understand market and industry trends and fill the sales pipeline with new contacts and leads.
Utilize telephone solicitation as well as electronic and written communication to secure meetings and engage prospects and clients. Develop customized partnership programs that address client’s marketing needs.
Identify creative opportunities to grow the available inventory of sellable assets.
Provide excellent customer service and foster strong business relationships throughout the sales cycle. Oversees sponsorship activations and event participation to ensure positive engagement and event success.
Prepare weekly sales reports, contracts, recaps reports, and budget documents, as needed.
Other related duties as assigned.
The requirements for this position include the following:
High school diploma or (GED) equivalent required.
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business or related field required.
Four years of relevant sponsorship or marketing experience with a non-profit organization, sports establishment, or corporate entity with focus on partnership marketing sales.
History and record of negotiating and closing new sponsorship deals, multi-year deals, and renewals.
Experience in developing relationships with local and national corporations. Must be able to establish, interact effectively, and maintain strong rapport and positive relationships with a warm, amiable personality. Ability to interact effectively, nurture, engage, maintain and grow positive relationships.
Must have a record of being proactive with respect to institutional evaluation, needs, and activities.
Ability to deal with emergent issues, multiple projects, and clients simultaneously. Must be able to adhere to critical timelines/key date schedules.
Strong communications skills required - verbal, written, and effective listening skills. English fluency at a full professional proficiency.
Strong computer skills required. Experience with a variety of software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
Must be strategic in orientation, proactive, persistent, and helpful.
Solid analytical and proven decision-making skills required.
Must be self-motivated, flexible, confident, goal orientated, and enjoy working in a dynamic environment.
Cultural competency; experience and/or ability to work and interact effectively with a diverse, multicultural audience.
Valid driver’s license is required.
The preferred qualifications include:
Multilingual ability and/or Spanish fluency a plus.
Experience with Raiser’s Edge, Winmo, and/or other customer service database management programs.
Working or general knowledge of the non-profit IRS rules of sponsorship a plus.
Additional Information: This position description summarizes the primary duties and functions of this position, but should not be considered a complete listing of every duty the incumbent may ever be called upon to perform. This is a visible position, interacting with various internal departments and the Society’s entire range of external constituencies. In order to understand how marketing activities affect operations, incumbent is required to gain an intimate understanding of the Society, its mission, vision, values, and operating philosophies. Position requires organization, management, and communication with partners to close sales, generate revenue, and secure client renewals. Incumbent must enjoy a challenge, be passionate about his/her work, and have a commitment to excellence. Workweeks of 45+ hours are not unusual. Incumbent must be willing to work weekends, evenings, events, and holidays, as needed. Some early mornings or late evenings may be required.
The Chicago Zoological Society is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
If interested in being considered for this opportunity, please visit the CZS Career Center to obtain more details about the position and to apply by submitting your profile. Please visit our website at www.czs.org/careers. Please look for requisition number 2002BR.
