Sponsorship & Major Gifts Intern – Bilingual

Shall See Theater; New York (NY); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A prominent theater organization in New York seeks a proactive Major Gifts Officer for an unpaid internship to enhance financial support through corporate sponsorships and individual donor cultivation. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent communication skills in both Mandarin and English, with strong research abilities and a passion for the performing arts. Responsibilities include developing sponsorship proposals, managing relationships with sponsors, and representing the theater at external events, contributing to its mission and programs.

Qualifications

• Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and English.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify potential corporate sponsors.
• Build and maintain a database of prospective sponsors.
• Manage and nurture ongoing relationships with sponsors.

Skills

Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and English

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Strong negotiation and persuasion skills

Strong independent research skills

Highly self-motivated and proactive

Job description

POSITION TITLE: Major Gifts Officer [DEV200]

REPORTS TO: Director of Finance

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Internship

COMPENSATION: Unpaid

START DATE: Immediately upon hire

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer will play a critical role in expanding the theatre’s external partnerships and securing major financial support. In the short term, the officer will focus on identifying, researching, and approaching companies that are potential sponsors for the theatre’s productions and events. This role requires strong independent research skills, proactive outreach, and the ability to develop and present customized sponsorship proposals. Over time, the officer will also help cultivate and secure individual donors to further strengthen the theatre’s funding base.

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Sponsorship Development

Proactively research and identify potential corporate sponsors that align with the theatre’s mission and programming

Build and maintain a comprehensive database of prospective sponsors, regularly updating contact lists and outreach records

Independently contact and engage companies, arrange meetings, and present sponsorship opportunities tailored to their interests

Develop customized sponsorship proposals and partnership materials to meet the needs of different sponsors and close partnership agreements

Manage and nurture ongoing relationships with sponsors to ensure long-term collaboration

Individual Major Donor Cultivation

Assist in identifying and reaching out to potential high-net-worth individual donors

Collaborate with the team to design engagement and stewardship strategies for individual donors

Participate in fundraising and stewardship events to enhance donor involvement and sense of community

Brand & External Relations

Represent the theatre at external events, industry meetings, and partnership activities to increase visibility and build relationships

Maintain accurate records and files related to all sponsorship and donor partnerships

Qualifications

Fluent in Mandarin Chinese and English.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and maintain professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders

Strong negotiation and persuasion skills, with experience or confidence in closing partnership or sponsorship deals

Proven ability to collaborate effectively within a team and across departments

Strong independent research skills, with the initiative to identify and pursue new sponsorship or donor opportunities

Highly self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, able to manage multiple relationships and tasks simultaneously

Passion for the performing arts or interest in nonprofit/social impact work is a plus

Previous experience in fundraising, sponsorship, business development, or sales is preferred

Please submit your resume using the application form linked below. Click the “Apply Now” button to begin. You are also welcome to include any additional materials that you feel help us better understand your skills, background, or passion—even if they are not specifically requested.

If you have any questions, please email us. NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE.