Partnership Specialist

Experience Columbus; North Carolina; Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Experience Columbus is seeking a Partnership Specialist to support the partnership team in generating private and public revenue and relationships with external partners. You will work with internal teams to plan and execute partner events and fulfill partner benefits.

This role requires 3–5+ years in partnerships or related fields, CRM experience, and a track record of meeting financial targets. The position is hybrid, based in Columbus, OH, with local travel to event sites.

Qualifications

• Experience building and managing partnerships with corporate and community partners.
• Proven ability to manage CRM data and analyze partner metrics.
• Strong communication skills and ability to present to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute yearly partnership events with internal teams.
• Foster partner relationships and ensure fulfillment of partner benefits.
• Manage partner inquiries and oversee CRM lifecycle and reporting.

Skills

Relationship building

CRM data management

Strategic thinking

Communication

Budget targets

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Outlook

PowerPoint

Word

Job description

Reports to: Sr Partnership Manager

Status: Full Time (40+ hours)

FSLA: Exempt

Location: Columbus (hybrid work from home and Short North Office)

Travel: Local event sites and venues within a 30 miles radius

Experience Columbus Overview

Experience Columbus is the destination marketing organization for the city of Columbus, which is the 15th largest city in the United States and one of the fastest growing cities in the Midwest. Our team is comprised of passionate, smart staff members who are proud to amplify the Columbus community and the amazing people, developments and businesses in our city. Just like the community we serve, Experience Columbus team members are open-minded, hard-working, and welcoming. Beyond our forward-thinking professional development and flexible policies, we’re proud to be a progressive, vibrant, and uplifting workplace.

Every day, the team strives to live out each of the organization’s core values: Value the Voices, Take It On, Live Your Passion, Create Moments, and Think Forward. We incorporate these into daily responsibilities and meetings, and they’re crucial to our organization’s interactions with partners and community members — we honor our past and are always looking to the future.

Job Overview

The Partnership Specialist will support the partnership team in our efforts to generate private and public revenue and relationships for Experience Columbus. You will work with external partners as well as work closely with internal teams to plan and execute partner events and fulfill partner benefits.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Program Management

• Optimize our Small Business Program by developing strategies to grow the program and onboard new partners.
• Serve as the main point of contact for partnership inquiries related to their core benefits. This includes ensuring partners are aware and utilizing all partner benefits, troubleshooting system access, registering them for events, and creating presentations for monthly partner meetings.
• Develop and implement innovative engagement strategies that strengthen partner relationships and encourage long-term participation in the program.
• Fulfill community partner benefits by ensuring brand alignment and accuracy on our website and in the Experience Columbus Visitor Guide.
• Consult cross-departmentally to ensure partners are included in special projects and programming like our holiday gift guide, seasonal marketing campaigns, the marketing Co‑Op program, and internal events.

Data & Operations

• Own the day-to-day management and integrity of our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system by tracking partner lifecycles, keeping account details current, and implementing engagement metrics to help shape our retention strategies.
• Analyze and share straightforward reports related to team revenue, progress, and overall company reporting.
• Assist with invoicing, specifically for the Small Business Program by working closely with the accounts receivable team to ensure alignment with our annual revenue goals.
• Review, edit, and approve all partner listings for our digital platforms and flagship print publications, like the Visitor Guide and Tour Planner Guide.

Event Execution & Partner Engagement

• Plan and execute yearly partnership events by working with our internal events team and the Sr. Partnership Manager to ensure every event is successful and matches our team and program goals.
• Analyze data and implement strategies to increase partner attendance, engagement, and connection at events.

Job Specific Competencies

Experienced in the following areas below (either through education, work experience or a combination of both) typically 3-5 or more years.

• Connecting people and building relationships with corporate and community partners
• Working in a CRM system for data management
• Using strategy and creative thinking
• Managing a book of business or having experience working with a membership base
• Experience meeting financial targets
• The ability to communicate complex ideas while making and maintaining meaningful connections
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail when completing administrative, operational, and repetitive tasks

Experience Columbus Competencies

• Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrates flexibility and openness to new ideas, and different perspectives.
• Demonstrates the ability to work independently but also can be a collaborative team member.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility.
• Proficient in Microsoft Suite 365, Outlook, PowerPoint and Word, and related software.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Familiar with and advocate for the Columbus region.
• Demonstrates a commitment to our company values: Value the Voices, Think Forward, Take it On, Create Moments and Live your Passion.
• The organization requires all employees to obtain and maintain the Experience Columbus Insider (ECI) accreditation.

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Viewing computer monitors
• Frequent talking and/or listening
• Regular Sitting
• General “office load,” i.e. laptop

The duties of this position may change from time to time. Experience Columbus reserves the right to add or delete duties and responsibilities at the discretion of Experience Columbus or its managers. This job description is intended to describe the general level of work being performed. It is not intended to be all-inclusive.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Experience Columbus is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you are a qualified individual with a disability, or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the Experience Columbus Careers website because of your disability. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodations on a case‑by‑case basis. If you need accommodation or assistance in using the Experience Columbus Careers website, please call 614‑221‑6623.