Manager, Relationship Manager

The Esplanade Co Ltd; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Esplanade Co Ltd in Singapore seeks a seasoned fundraising professional to lead sponsorships, major gifts, and grants. You will build and manage a donor and sponsor base across corporations, foundations, family offices, and individuals, supporting Esplanade’s public programming and community access.

The role requires securing new sponsorships, crafting compelling proposals, and stewarding partners to deliver on commitments.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years' experience in fundraising, sponsorship, or partnerships; proven track record with secured sponsorships, major gifts or grants.
• Established network of corporate decision-makers, philanthropists, and foundations.
• Understanding of the arts and culture landscape and donor incentives.
• Strong writing, pitching, and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sponsorship and philanthropy plans, frameworks, policies, and procedures in line with Esplanade's priorities.
• Own and meet annual fundraising targets and performance indicators. Track results and adjust strategies so targets are met.
• Contribute to the team’s annual workplan and budget.
• Lead the development, pitching and submission of sponsorship proposals and grant applications, then negotiate and secure sponsorships, gifts, and grants.
• Generate and evaluate new fundraising ideas, campaigns, and affinity programmes. Conduct feasibility studies or cost-benefit analyses where relevant.
• Steward existing sponsors and donors to retain and grow their giving. Engage them through hostings, presentations, meetings, and updates on Esplanade’s programmes and impact.

Skills

Fundraising

Sponsorships

Partnerships

Proposal Writing

Negotiation

Donor Relationships

Networking

Event Hosting

Education

Business or Marketing Degree

Job description

Sponsorship and donation income are critical for Esplanade's financial sustainability, to support the diversity and vibrancy of our public programming at the national performing arts centre. You play a critical role in generating funds and reducing business spend through sponsorship, philanthropic giving, and partnerships.

You will support Head, Relationship Management to secure corporate sponsorships, major gifts, and grants. You will help bring the arts to more people across Singapore. Joining our fundraising team, you will build Esplanade's donor and sponsor base across corporations, foundations, family offices, and individual philanthropists. Their support funds our community and access programmes, audience and artist development, and our operations. This role suits someone who has won new sponsors and donors before, can make a compelling case for giving to the arts, and builds partnerships that last.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

FUNDRAISING STRATEGY AND TARGETS

• Develop and implement sponsorship and philanthropy plans, frameworks, policies, and procedures in line with Esplanade's priorities.
• Own and meet annual fundraising targets and performance indicators. Track results and adjust strategies so targets are met.
• Contribute to the team’s annual workplan and budget.

NEW SPONSOR AND DONOR ACQUISTION

• Research and identify prospective sponsors, donors, foundations, and family offices, and find out what each one wants to fund. Match their interests with Esplanade programmes to build a strong prospect pipeline.
• Use your networks across the corporate, philanthropic and arts communities to open doors and create new giving opportunities.
• Lead the development, pitching and submission of sponsorship proposals and grant applications, then negotiate and secure sponsorships, gifts, and grants.
• Generate and evaluate new fundraising ideas, campaigns, and affinity programmes. Conduct feasibility studies or cost-benefit analyses where relevant.

DONOR STEWARDSHIP AND PARTNERSHIP FULFILMENT

• Steward existing sponsors and donors to retain and grow their giving. Engage them through hostings, presentations, meetings, and updates on Esplanade’s programmes and impact.
• Make sure all sponsorship benefits and grant commitments are fulfilled and acquitted, in compliance with agreements. Provide timely, accurate impact reports to funders.
• Work closely with the administrative and marketing teams to deliver sponsor and donor benefits and hosting events. Advise internal stakeholders on aligning fundraising programmes with organisational objectives.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION

• Plan and manage fundraising projects efficiently and uphold best practices across the team.
• Keep accurate, up-to-date donor and sponsor records in the CRM. Follow up on all approval papers, contracts, invoices, and payments.
• Prepare management reports and papers as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• At least 5 years' experience in fundraising, sponsorship, or partnerships. You must have personally secured sponsorships, major gifts, or grants.
• An established network of corporate decision-makers, philanthropists and foundations.
• An in-depth understanding of the giving landscape, including corporate giving, foundations, grant making, and donor incentives. Good understanding of the arts and culture landscape is valued.
• Strong skills in writing proposals and grant applications, pitching, and negotiation.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage business leaders, major donors, and high-net-worth individuals with confidence.
• Qualifications in business administration, marketing or related discipline is preferred but not a must have.
• Resourceful, enthusiastic, and highly self-motivated.
• Required to attend events and host in the evenings, weekends, and Public Holidays.

We thank you for your interest in the Esplanade. Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.