Role summary
The Manager, Corporate Partnerships is responsible for developing, securing and managing corporate partners (cash and in-kind) to fund exhibitions, programmes and other museum initiatives. The role will identify new fundraising opportunities, prepare tailored proposals, negotiate agreements, coordinate delivery across teams, and steward partner relationships to maximise long-term income and strategic alignment. This role combines business development, project management and stewardship with a strong commitment to the museum's mission.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategy & Business Development
- Support the corporate partnerships strategy and help achieve annual income targets.
- Identify sector opportunities and develop effective engagement models.
- Build and manage a pipeline of prospective partners, preparing tailored proposals, sponsorship decks, and presentations.
- Negotiation & Agreement Management
- Lead negotiations and secure sponsorship and donation agreements.
- Draft and oversee contracts, ensuring clarity of deliverables, recognition, and timelines.
- Balance partner objectives with institutional priorities and curatorial integrity.
- Internal Coordination & Delivery
- Act as the main liaison between partners and internal teams, including curatorial, programmes, marketing, finance, and operations.
- Coordinate cross-departmental input to ensure all partner benefits are delivered on time and to standard.
- Gather data, audience insights, and visuals to support proposals, reporting, and activation.
- Stewardship & Activation
- Implement tailored stewardship plans, including reports, previews, VIP hosting, and partner events.
- Identify opportunities to deepen engagement and secure renewals.
- Team & Organisational Contribution
- Support museum-wide fundraising events, donor cultivation, and shared prospecting activities.
- Assist with internal reports, Board/Committee materials, and uphold best practice in fundraising ethics and recognition.
- Execute other ad hoc duties to further the goals of Partnerships & Patronage Team where appropriate.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, arts or any other related field.
- Minimum 5 years of experience in fundraising, marketing and communications or business development within museums, cultural institutions, art galleries or other related companies, with a proven track record of success.
- A genuine interest in the arts, and ideally some knowledge of the art world, its key players, and trends.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex and diverse relationships and the proven ability to operate effectively with multiple stakeholders, both internally and externally.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and persuasive manner.
- Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of a team, in a fast-paced environment.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- Proficiency in MS Office and experience with design tools and CRM databases is preferred
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends, if required
Other Information
Key Attributes
- Strategic thinker, resilient and results-oriented
- Articulate, with a natural ability to build rapport with a wide range of stakeholders.
- Mature and proactive, able to take initiative and handle responsibility.
- A growth mindset, open to learning and adapting in a fast-paced environment
- High ethical standards and stewardship-focused mindset.