Director of Brand Partnerships (Sales)

About The James Beard Foundation

The James Beard Foundation(“JBF”) is a vital cultural institution with deep roots honoring and advancing the culinary arts industry. JBF’s mission is to celebrate, support, and elevate the people behind America’s food culture and champion a standard of good food anchored in talent, equity, and sustainability. As a 501(c) (3) national non-profit organization, JBF brings its mission to life through the annual James Beard Awards, industry and community-focused initiatives and programs, advocacy, partnerships, and events across the country. 

The Brand Partnerships department is responsible for the continuity and expansion of the partnership portfolio for the Foundation. JBF’s strategic brand partners support the Foundation’s mission with financial support that drives growth of our programming and impact, as well as awareness of the JBF brand to drive audience growth. 

The Director of Brand Partnerships will report to the Vice President of Brand Partnerships and will be primarily focused on prospecting and business development, and efforts to achieve the Foundation’s strategic priority of growing enterprise-wide partnerships. The Director of Brand Partnerships will work closely with the Impact and Events departments, Marketing, external agency partners, and external production teams to support the growth of the sponsorship portfolio.

• Strategically cultivate targets, prospects, and proposals in line with JBF's voice, mission, and values
• Manage sponsor outreach pipeline with event production partners, external agencies, and consultants for a coordinated voice in the marketplace
• Oversee the development of sponsor sales materials and tracking documents
• Develop best-in-class, customized sponsorship proposals and reports in coordination with various departments to meet a corporate sponsorship goal of $12MM+ annually
• Lead the valuation of current JBF program and event assets to ensure sponsor packages are delivering commensurate value year over year
• Guide the development of sponsor benefit packages for emerging and evolving JBF programs (e.g., JBF Institute)
• Partner with the JBF Marketing & Communications team and external agencies to concept effective digital and programmatic extensions 
• Draft sponsor contracts and route for review and execution
• Maintain the current sponsor tracking document of pitched and confirmed partners against the revenue budget
• Drive bi-weekly sales meetings with all stakeholders who participate in the sales and activation process 
• Ensure sponsor payments are received and acknowledged accordingly
• Prospect research
• Keep abreast of key corporate moves and changes

Requirements:

• Minimum of 8 years of experience working with corporate partners in an agency, non-profit, or events setting
• Experience working in special events, background in food media, and/or culinary a plus
• Proven track record for corporate sales with successful delivery of 6- and 7-figure contracts
• High energy and passion for the James Beard Foundation’s mission 
• Strategic thinker, creative problem solver, and excellent communicator with strong relationship management skills
• Strong sense of initiative and a self-starter with a drive for success
• Excellent attention to detail, conscientious work ethic
• Excellent ability to multitask, prioritize projects, and work efficiently and independently in a fast-paced environment
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Flexible and adaptable style 
• Tech savvy, proficient in MS Office, including PowerPoint, CRM systems (preferably Salesforce), AdobeAcrobatPro, Monday.com
• Ability to deal effectively with the diversity of individuals at all organizational levels
• Demonstrated ability to plan and organize projects
• Versatility, flexibility, and a willingness to work within constantly changing priorities with enthusiasm 

JBF offers its employees a dynamic work environment with benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their dependents; life insurance; flexible spending account; commuter benefits; retirement savings; employee assistance program; tuition reimbursement/ professional development; and generous paid time off. We also offer fertility planning support and up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave. Additional perks include staff events, tickets to events at Platform by JBF (Pier 57), and much more.   

The Foundation currently works a hybrid schedule that requires employees to be in our NYC office 2 days per week. This position is not eligible for relocation.  

Salary: $95,000 - $115,000