Director of Partnerships

Department: Commercial and Advancement

Section: Operations

Unit: Partnerships

Reporting to: Sr. Director of Commercial and Advancement

Job Purpose

The Director of Partnerships is responsible for developing and managing strategic collaborations that extend the organization’s reach, relevance, and resources. This executive role identifies and nurtures alliances with a wide range of partners – across tourism, hospitality, media, technology, fashion, sustainability, and more – to support the organization’s mission and unlock new opportunities for innovation and engagement. The role requires business acumen, cultural insight, and stakeholder diplomacy to build mutually beneficial relationships that generate value for both the organization and its partners. This includes co-branded initiatives, co-produced programs, and cross-sector activations that expand the organization’s presence in public life. The role also ensures that partnership activity is goal-driven, measurable, and aligned with the institution’s long-term vision for impact and relevance.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and implement a comprehensive partnership strategy that aligns with the organization's mission, vision, and strategic goals.

Budget Management

• Develop, manage, and monitor the Partnership section’s budget in collaboration with the Finance Department.

Policies, Processes, and Procedures

• Establish metrics and benchmarks for evaluating the success of partnerships, leveraging insights for ongoing improvement and strategic decision-making.

Functional Accountabilities

• Identify potential partnership opportunities by researching and analyzing market trends, audience insights, and organizational fit within the cultural landscape.
• Oversee the negotiation and execution of partnership agreements, ensuring terms are beneficial and mutually aligned with organizational objectives.
• Represent the organization at industry conferences, community events, and networking opportunities to raise awareness and support for partnership initiatives and the organization's mission.
• Act as a spokesperson for the organization in relationship-building activities, articulating the organization’s goals, values, and partnership opportunities to diverse audiences.
• Drive innovative programming and initiatives that emerge from partnerships, ensuring that they contribute to the organization's overall engagement and revenue strategies.

Stakeholder Management

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including corporate sponsors, government agencies, and community organizations, to enhance partnership sustainability.
• Collaborate with Departments across the organization to identify potential partnerships.
• Collaborate with internal departments, including marketing, finance, and programming, to ensure seamless integration of partnerships into museum operations and visitor experiences.

People Management

• Live by the organization values, ethical standards, and governance.
• Manage and support team members in performing their tasks in line with established policies and procedures.
• Guide, mentor, and develop the Partnership team to ensure continuous growth and achievement of functional objectives.
• Set clear performance goals, provide regular feedback, and support professional development through coaching and formal evaluations.
• Delegate authority appropriately to empower team members and encourage accountability.
• Contribute to workforce planning, recruitment, and performance management while promoting employee engagement and motivation.
• Foster a high-performance, inclusive, and collaborative work culture aligned with the organization’s values.
• Promote innovation and contribute to a positive, inspiring, and diverse workplace.
• Maintain high personal standards and ensure excellence across the section.

Job Qualifications and Requirements

Knowledge and Experience

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in partnership development, relationship management, or business development within the cultural, nonprofit, or museum sectors.
• Proven track record of successfully cultivating and managing high- value partnerships that drive organizational growth and public engagement.
• Exceptional strategic planning and organizational skills, with demonstrated ability to develop long-term strategies and translate them into actionable plans.
• Deep knowledge of current trends in the museum and cultural sectors, including funding models, audience development, and partnership dynamics.
• Experience leading and managing cross-functional teams, fostering a collaborative environment that promotes creativity and innovation.
• Strong negotiation skills with a history of securing funding and sponsorship commitments from corporations and foundations.
• Demonstrated ability to represent the organization in high-stakes discussions and public settings, elevating the organization's profile and strategic interests.

Education and Certifications

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, Communications or related field is required. A master’s degree in any of these fields is strongly preferred.
• Relevant certifications are desirable

Personal capabilities and qualifications

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with an aptitude for building meaningful relationships across diverse groups.
• Strong competency in stakeholder engagement, showcasing the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including board members, community leaders, and potential partners.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, capable of interpreting data and utilizing insights to drive partnership strategies.
• Analytical skills to assess the effectiveness of partnerships through data-driven metrics, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with strategic objectives.
• Expertise in project management, demonstrating the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously while meeting deadlines and objectives.
• Proficient negotiation and persuasion skills, skilled at developing compelling proposals and securing commitments from partners.
• Leadership skills that inspire and build high-performing teams, nurturing talent and fostering a collaborative culture.
• Comprehensive understanding of fundraising and development practices within the nonprofit and cultural sectors.
• Innovative mindset with a passion for exploring new ideas and approaches to partnership development in a rapidly changing sector.
• Resilient and adaptable, able to navigate challenges and respond proactively to changing circumstances in the partnership landscape.
• Cultural competency and sensitivity to the values and perspectives of diverse communities, promoting inclusivity in partnership efforts.
• Commitment to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion, and access through partnerships that enhance the organization's outreach efforts.
• Proficient in using technology and digital platforms for partnership management and communication strategies, ensuring engagement across various channels.

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