Business Development Manager

Tennessee Aquarium; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

The Tennessee Aquarium is seeking a Business Development Manager to lead corporate partnerships and hotel sponsorships, designing strategies to accelerate revenue growth and expand consignment programs. You will drive outreach to local companies, manage renewals, and coordinate with marketing to promote engagement initiatives.

This is a full-time, on-site role in Chattanooga. Evening and weekend events may be required as part of partner activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, is preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ sales/marketing/business development experience.
• Proven ability to engage corporate partners and manage sponsorship programs.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop strategies to engage companies and secure corporate support for the Corporate Partner and Hotel Sponsor programs.
• Meet with Corporate Partner prospects and secure annual partnerships; manage budgeting, revenue reconciliation, and reporting.
• Grow ticket consignment and hotel sponsor programs; create new hotel packages and expand consignment with large employers in the region.
• Pursue opportunities with local business organizations to engage new partners.
• Support development of new opportunities and analyze program performance to suggest improvements.
• Collaborate with marketing to promote engagement initiatives via social media, email, web, and traditional media.
• Uphold the Aquarium’s core values and mission.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation

Project management

Organizational skills

Data analysis

Written communication

Team collaboration

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

The Business Development Manager will play a leading role in growing the Corporate Partner and Hotel Sponsor programs to exceed revenue objectives and increase corporate and community support for the Tennessee Aquarium. This position will design, implement and oversee strategies that result in the rapid growth of business and hotel consignment programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1. Identifies and develops strategies to engage companies and secure corporate support to grow the Corporate Partner and Hotel Sponsor programs. Maintains an ongoing list of corporate prospects and identifies opportunities to increase their giving levels. Manages renewals, benefit fulfillment, and ongoing communication throughout the year.
2. Independently identifies and meets with Corporate Partner prospects, effectively communicating the Aquarium’s mission, strategic plan outline, and program offerings and benefits. Secures support through annually contracted partnerships. Manages all budgeting, revenue reconciliation, and reporting for the Corporate Partner and Hotel Sales programs.
3. Grows the Aquarium’s ticket consignment program. Expands existing programs by creating new hotel packages with existing Hotel Sponsors. Identifies opportunities to expand consignment ticket sales with large employers in the Chattanooga region. Develops and implements strategies to promote discounted Aquarium memberships and other programs to Corporate Partners.
4. Identifies and pursues new engagement opportunities with local companies through involvement with the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Chattanooga Hospitality Association, and other local organizations.
5. Supports the development and implementation of new business opportunities and projects led by the Senior Director of Business Development. Evaluates existing programs, analyzes performance data, and recommends improvements and new opportunities for growth.
6. Works cross-functionally with the marketing and graphics teams to create content and promote corporate engagement initiatives through social media, email, web, and traditional media.
7. Upholds the Tennessee Aquarium’s core values, service standards, and mission.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Strong interpersonal, relationship-building and negotiation skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Proven data analysis skills and the ability to quickly learn new software
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to collaborate effectively as part of a team
• Strong leadership skills

Educational/Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, nonprofit management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience, is preferred.
• Minimum of three years’ sales/marketing/business development experience

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily on-site in an office environment.
• Occasional off-site meetings, community events, and business development activities are required.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described below are representative of those that may be encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Office duties involve extended computer use and communication by phone and other methods.
• Occasional standing and moving throughout meeting and event spaces may be required.

Full-time, salaried (Starting at $55,000/year, commensurate with education and experience); Typically Monday-Friday. Evening and weekends required as necessary.

All submissions must be received by October 30, 2026, at 5:00 PM EST.