Development Manager, Corporate Partnerships

CEF in STEM; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) matching

Hybrid work flexibility

Paid time off

Job summary

CEF is seeking a Development Manager to grow our corporate network and revenue across the Greater Houston and Gulf Coast regions. This revenue-driven, relationship-focused role carries an individual fundraising goal and a full-cycle fundraising mandate.

You'll build partnerships with aerospace, maritime, medical, oil & gas, technology sectors and collaborate with the Chief Development Officer to expand existing relationships and win new multi-year commitments.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of developing multi-million-dollar portfolios and meeting annual fundraising goals.
• Experience in corporate partnerships and revenue generation.
• Preferred: 2–5+ years in nonprofit development or related field with measurable revenue goals.

Responsibilities

• Build and manage a portfolio of Houston-area corporate prospects and partners.
• Identify and cultivate new corporate relationships through research, networking, referrals, industry events, and community engagement.
• Own the full fundraising cycle—from prospecting and relationship development through proposals, solicitation, negotiation, and stewardship.
• Develop customized corporate partnership opportunities aligned with workforce development, employee engagement, community impact, and corporate responsibility.
• Secure new corporate investments, sponsorships, renewals, upgrades, and multi-year partnerships.
• Build and maintain a qualified prospect pipeline with clear next steps, projected values, and anticipated timing.
• Develop trusted relationships with corporate executives, HR leaders, and other decision-makers.
• Represent CEF at development networking opportunities throughout the region.
• Maintain accurate prospect and donor information and provide regular pipeline and revenue updates.
• Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer and CEF team on larger and more complex partnership opportunities.

Skills

Relationship building

Fundraising

Pipeline management

Networking

Proposal negotiation

Job description

Development Manager, Corporate Partnerships: Houston, Texas | Full-Time | Field-Based Remote

Salary: $65,000–$85,000, commensurate with experience.

The Opportunity

CEF is seeking a Development Manager to help grow our corporate network and revenue throughout the Greater Houston and Gulf Coast regions.

This is a revenue-generating, relationship-driven position with an individual fundraising goal and responsibility for building a strong corporate prospect pipeline. The role will focus heavily on developing new relationships across the regions’ aerospace, maritime, medical, oil & gas, technology, and related industries.

The ideal candidate is someone who enjoys opening doors, building relationships, identifying opportunities, and making the ask. You will work closely with the Chief Development Officer to develop new corporate partnerships, expand existing relationships, and help companies connect their workforce priorities with CEF's mission.

Must have a proven track record of developing a multi-million-dollar portfolio to reach this position’s annual corporate fundraising goal of $300,000 or greater, with success measured through both revenue results and development of a strong, qualified corporate pipeline.

About CEF

CEF is a nonprofit organization focused on Creating Exciting Futures in STEM.

CEF works with companies to make strategic investments in the future workforce while engaging employees, strengthening communities, and building awareness of STEM careers among the next generation.

What You’ll Do

• Build and manage a portfolio of Houston-area corporate prospects and partners.
• Identify and cultivate new corporate relationships through research, networking, referrals, industry events, and community engagement.
• Own the full fundraising cycle—from prospecting and relationship development through proposals, solicitation, negotiation, and stewardship.
• Develop customized corporate partnership opportunities aligned with business priorities such as workforce development, employee engagement, community impact, and corporate responsibility.
• Secure new corporate investments, sponsorships, renewals, upgrades, and multi-year partnerships.
• Build and maintain a qualified prospect pipeline with clear next steps, projected values, and anticipated timing.
• Develop trusted relationships with corporate executives, workforce and HR leaders, community investment professionals, and other decision-makers.
• Represent CEF at development networking opportunities throughout the region.
• Maintain accurate prospect and donor information and provide regular pipeline and revenue updates.
• Collaborate with the Chief Development Officer and CEF team on larger and more complex partnership opportunities.

What We’re Looking For

We are more interested in the right relationship-builder and revenue generator.

You should be someone who:

• Is comfortable opening doors and initiating conversations with people you don't know.
• Builds trust and long-term professional relationships.
• Can listen to a company's challenges and identify opportunities for partnership.
• Is confident making a financial ask.
• Knows how to build and manage a prospect pipeline.
• Is organized, self-directed, persistent, and accountable for results.
• Communicates exceptionally well with corporate leaders and community partners.
• Can work independently while collaborating effectively within a small team.
• Is passionate about expanding access to meaningful STEM opportunities for students.

Preferred: 2–5+ years of experience in nonprofit development, corporate partnerships, corporate citizenship, or a related field with measurable revenue goals.

What Success Looks Like

This position is not simply about managing existing relationships. You will be expected to create new revenue opportunities and build the pipeline necessary for CEF's continued growth.

Why Join CEF?

• Competitive salary of $65,000–$85,000, based on experience and qualifications, health insurance, 401(k) matching. Please note: Relocation costs are not covered for this position
• Hybrid work flexibility
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Opportunities to build relationships across Houston's business and STEM communities
• Meaningful opportunity for advancement as CEF grows
• The opportunity to help shape how companies invest in the future STEM workforce

CEF is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and talented team.