Director of Partnership Activation

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 Partnership Activation will report to the Vice President of Brand Partnerships and will work closely with the events department, marketing and communications department, external production teams, and agency partners to support the strategic management of the sponsorship portfolio and key partner relationships, as well as the expansion of new partner opportunities for the Foundation.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver top-notch client services for the Foundation’s portfolio of sponsors and partners across JBF events, programs, and initiatives, to nurture growth over time in alignment with JBF’s mission and values
• Oversee coordination, tracking, and reporting on sponsor activations and deliverables across events, digital, and social platforms to ensure all deliverables are completed within contract term
• Create partnership wrap reports to demonstrate that partners are achieving their objectives
• Ensure sponsors are represented correctly in JBF materials and in accordance with the provisions laid out in the contract, including review/approval timelines
• Coordinate with marketing and communications team to concept effective digital and programmatic partnership extensions, overseeing branded social strategy and calendar timelines for partners 
• Ensure implementation of agreed upon brand partnerships team goals and procedures
• Provide ongoing sponsor status reports and updates to leadership
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage internal priorities while working toward partner goals

• Advise on renewal and expansion strategies for portfolio of partners to meet JBF’s growth goals and deliver on the partner’s brand and business objectives 

• Engage other JBF departments with partners as required to ensure excellent partner-facing communications 
• Keep abreast of best practices in the field and key corporate moves and changes.

Responsibilities:

• Deliver top-notch client services for the Foundation’s portfolio of sponsors and partners across JBF events, programs, and initiatives, to nurture growth over time in alignment with JBF’s mission and values
• Oversee coordination, tracking, and reporting on sponsor activations and deliverables across events, digital, and social platforms to ensure all deliverables are completed within contract term
• Create partnership wrap reports to demonstrate that partners are achieving their objectives
• Ensure sponsors are represented correctly in JBF materials and in accordance with the provisions laid out in the contract, including review/approval timelines
• Coordinate with marketing and communications team to concept effective digital and programmatic partnership extensions, overseeing branded social strategy and calendar timelines for partners 
• Ensure implementation of agreed upon brand partnerships team goals and procedures
• Provide ongoing sponsor status reports and updates to leadership
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage internal priorities while working toward partner goals

• Advise on renewal and expansion strategies for portfolio of partners to meet JBF’s growth goals and deliver on the partner’s brand and business objectives 

• Engage other JBF departments with partners as required to ensure excellent partner-facing communications 
• Keep abreast of best practices in the field and 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 large-scale events, food media and/or culinary a plus

• 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 self-starter with a drive to success
• Excellent attention to detail, conscientious work ethic
• Excellent ability to multi-task, 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), Adobe Acrobat Pro, Monday.com, Pageproof
• 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