Director of Corporate Relations and Events

Director Of Corporate Relations And Events

The Director of Corporate Relations and Events is a key member of the Advancement team and reports to the Director of Development. This position leads the organization's corporate philanthropy strategy, signature fundraising events, and community engagement initiatives while cultivating meaningful partnerships that advance D.A. Blodgett–St. John's mission.

The Director is responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding corporate partners and sponsors; overseeing all fundraising and donor engagement events; andstrengthening relationships with community organizations, volunteer groups, and business leaders. This position works collaboratively across the agency to create meaningful engagement opportunities that inspire philanthropy, increase community awareness, and generate sustainable revenue.

In addition, the Director provides leadership and supervision to the Development Associate, ensuring excellence in event administration, donor stewardship, CRM processes, and departmental operations.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Build, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of corporate donors and sponsors.
• Identify new corporate partnership opportunities aligned with organizational priorities.
• Develop annual corporate sponsorship packages and customized partnership opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Director of Development on integrated fundraising strategies.
• Conduct regular meetings with corporate prospects and partners.
• Prepare sponsorship proposals, presentations, and impact reports.
• Ensure timely stewardship, recognition, and fulfillment of sponsorship benefits.
• Expand employee engagement opportunities including volunteerism, workplace giving, and matching gift programs.
• Maintain accurate corporate records and activity within the CRM.

Event Strategy and Management

• Develop annual event strategy and revenue goals.
• Plan, coordinate, and execute all fundraising events.
• Oversee event budgets and financial performance.
• Develop event timelines, project plans, and production schedules.
• Manage venues, vendors, caterers, entertainment, audiovisual needs, décor, logistics, and contracts.
• Coordinate registration systems, seating, signage, and guest experience.
• Ensure events reflect DABSJ's mission, brand, and values.
• Evaluate event outcomes using established performance metrics and ROI analysis.
• Recommend improvements and new event concepts based on data and community trends.

Community Engagement

• Represent DABSJ at community meetings and networking events.
• Build relationships with chambers of commerce, civic organizations, professional associations, and community partners.
• Identify opportunities for mission awareness and community involvement.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications vendors to maximize event promotion and community storytelling.
• Coordinate volunteer engagement opportunities related to corporate partners and events.
• Develop strategies that introduce new audiences to the organization's mission.

Volunteer and Guild Relations

• Manage relationships with the DABSJ Guild.
• Support volunteer leadership development.
• Coordinate meetings, communications, and recognition activities.
• Identify opportunities to deepen volunteer engagement and philanthropy.
• Partner with agency leadership to connect volunteers with meaningful mission experiences.

Supervision

• Assign and prioritize departmental workflow.
• Ensure timely gift processing and acknowledgment.
• Oversee event administration and logistics.
• Monitor CRM data integrity and reporting.
• Support professional development and performance management.
• Ensure efficient administrative support for the Advancement department.
• Oversight of front desk staff and light front-desk coverage, when needed.

Department Operations

• Collaborate on annual fundraising planning and budgeting.
• Track corporate revenue, sponsorships, and event performance.
• Produce reports and dashboards measuring fundraising outcomes.
• Maintain policies, procedures, and operational documentation.
• Ensure compliance with organizational financial procedures.
• Participate in Advancement Committee and Board meetings as assigned.
• Support agency fundraising campaigns and special initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Development.

Supervision Received: General Direction- Plans and arranges own work. Uses a wide range of procedures to accomplish assigned objectives.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Basic supervision- Determines work assignments, priorities, and procedures for team members; ensuring the quality and quantity of work. Provides recommendations and feedback on employee life-cycle activities including hiring, training, promotions, and performance.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, marketing, public relations, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in corporate fundraising, business development, nonprofit development, or event management.
• Demonstrated success securing corporate sponsorships and partnerships.
• Experience planning and managing fundraising events.
• Experience supervising staff preferred.
• Experience with donor databases (Raiser's Edge NXT preferred).
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office and event management platforms.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Core Competencies:

• Leadership: Ability to motivate and guide others by setting clear, collaboratively developed expectations and goals; providing timely, respectful, culturally responsive, and bi-culturally aware guidance and feedback that supports psychological safety across diverse identities.
• Team work: Ability to interact effectively with others by sharing and receiving information respectfully, valuing diverse communication styles, and contributing to a psychologically safe environment that supports team goals.
• Motivation: Ability to inspire and encourage others by recognizing individual strengths, cultural differences, and personal needs; fostering a supportive environment that promotes productivity, self‑direction, and well‑being.
• Planning and Organizing: Ability to set priorities and allocate resources equitably, using inclusive planning methods to effectively achieve responsibilities and objectives while accommodating diverse work styles and needs.
• Detail Orientation: Ability to pay attention to detail, accuracy, and completeness by using inclusive, accessible processes that support focus and reduce cognitive overload.
• Customer Service: Ability to serve others by listening actively and empathetically, responding effectively to diverse needs, and ensuring services are accessible, culturally responsive, and trauma‑informed.
• Resource management: Ability to use organizational resources responsibly and equitably by considering costs, benefits, and impacts on diverse groups, and selecting the most inclusive and sustainable options.
• Communication: Ability to express and receive ideas clearly and respectfully using inclusive, accessible, and culturally aware communication methods; demonstrating active listening and adapting communication for diverse audiences and group sizes.
• Cultural Responsiveness: Ability to recognize, respect, and adapt to cultural differences, promote equity and inclusion in all aspects of care.

Physical/Environmental Requirements:

• Mobility and Movement: Frequent ability to work in a variety of settings, including office environments, meeting spaces, community locations, and virtual platforms.
• Lifting & Physical Handling: Occasional lifting or carrying of items such as general office supplies (typically 10–25 lbs), and occasional supplies for advancement events.
• Technology & Documentation: Ability to frequently use computers, phones, and other standard office technology for extended periods to review data, prepare reports, participate in virtual meetings, and complete administrative tasks. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret program data, financial information, regulatory standards, and written reports in both digital and printed formats.
• Communication: Ability to engage in clear, respectful communication in diverse environments, including in-person meetings, virtual settings, and community discussions.
• Emotional and Psychological Resilience: Occasional exposure to sensitive, traumatic, or emotionally charged situations involving children and families; ability to maintain professionalism and emotional regulation.
• Environmental Conditions: Ability to work in environments with varying levels of noise, activity, or interruptions, and to adapt to changing priorities or urgent situations.
• Work Hours & Scheduling Flexibility: Occasional ability to have flexible scheduling required to meet department needs, which may include early mornings, evenings, or occasional weekends.
• Confidentiality & Professional Boundaries: Consistent adherence to confidentiality laws, ethical standards, and professional boundaries while working in homes, community settings, and agency offices.
• Reasonable Accommodations: All physical and environmental requirements