• Job Description

  Req#: 561863

  Who We Are:

  Philadelphia Zoo works to fulfill our mission as an animal care organization, as a resource to schools and families, and as an ark and advocate for endangered animals around the world.

  What makes the Zoo a unique place to work? Whether you are involved with caring for animals, educating our visitors or working in a behind-the-scenes position in administration, maintenance or garden services, all of our positions share our institutional mission, purpose, and core values.

  Who We Are Looking For:

  Classification: FULL TIME

  The Corporate Development Manager is responsible for generating revenue through the development, sales, and management of sponsorship and partnership programs. This position will focus on identifying and securing sponsorships across various channels to drive growth, enhance brand visibility, and create meaningful partnerships. The ideal candidate is a proactive and results-oriented professional with a strong background in sales, negotiation, and relationship building.

  What You Will Do:

  • Sales and Revenue Generation:
    1. Develop and execute strategic sales plans to achieve sponsorship revenue goals.
    2. Identify, target, and approach potential sponsors to establish new partnerships.
    3. Conduct in-depth research to understand potential sponsor needs, preferences, and industry trends.
    4. Create compelling sponsorship packages that align with partner goals and drive mutual value.
    5. Negotiate contracts and manage sponsorship agreements from inception through completion.
  • Corporate Partners Program:
    1. Redevelop the “Corporate Partners” – i.e. corporate membership – program through an engagement plan that accounts for partner goals around volunteering, employee benefits and recognition.
    2. Expand program through proactive outreach to the corporate community via networking strategies involving the Zoo’s existing partners and stakeholders.
  • Relationship Management:
    1. Build and maintain strong relationships with existing sponsors to maximize renewal and upsell opportunities.
    2. Serve as the primary point of contact for sponsors, providing exceptional service to enhance client satisfaction and retention.
    3. Conduct regular meetings and presentations to update sponsors on program developments, audience engagement, and ROI.
  • Collaboration and Strategy:
    1. Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., marketing, events, PR) to develop integrated sponsorship programs that align with organizational objectives.
    2. Work closely with the marketing team to ensure brand alignment in all sponsor-related communications.
    3. Provide strategic insights and recommendations to enhance sponsorship value propositions and identify new revenue opportunities.
    4. Build corporate volunteer capacity in collaboration with Zoo staff
  • Reporting and Analysis:
    1. Track and report sponsorship sales activities, progress toward goals, and market trends.
    2. Develop and present regular reports on sponsorship ROI, engagement metrics, and performance to leadership.
    3. Monitor industry trends and competitor activities to stay ahead in the sponsorship space and adapt strategies as needed.

  What This Role Requires:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience in sponsorship sales, business development, or related roles.
  • Proven track record of meeting or exceeding revenue goals in a sales or sponsorship-focused role.
  • Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to build and maintain relationships with clients and partners.
  • Self-motivated, proactive, and results-oriented, with a focus on delivering high-quality work.
  • Familiarity with CRM software and sales tracking tools.

  Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in the [Industry/Field, e.g., Sports, Entertainment, Nonprofit, Cultural] is highly desirable.
  • Experience with corporate volunteer engagement a plus
  • Knowledge of digital marketing and social media strategies to support sponsorship programs.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and adapt to changing priorities.

  Physical and Medical Requirements:

  • Successful completion of a post-offer criminal background check prior to start working including, but not limited to FBI fingerprinting and Child Abuse History Clearance.
  • Must successfully complete drug test and tuberculosis test prior to assuming position; ability to life 15lbs, may require combination of sitting, standing, walking throughout the Zoo.

  Traits We Are Looking For:

  • High EQ
  • Effective listener
  • Respectful, fair and tactful
  • Curious and continuous learned
  • Collective under pressure

  What We Can Offer You:

  • Competitive Pay – We recognize talent and we pay to keep it
  • Medical, Dental, Vision –While you have our back on the grounds, we cover yours’ with health insurance
  • Annual Leave – We all need a break from time to time
  • 401K – There will come a time, when you are ready to retire
  • Family membership pass with complimentary tickets – (Warning: You will become a celebrity amongst your friends once they hear you work for America’s 1st Zoo)

• About the company

  The Philadelphia Zoo, located in the Centennial District of Philadelphia, on the west bank of the Schuylkill River, was the first true zoo in the United States.

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