Partnership Development Manager

Position Summary

The Development and Partnership Manager is a full-time, on-site position based in Des Moines that plays a key role in driving ABI’s revenue growth through membership engagement and sponsorship and grant support for its education and leadership programs. The position develops and executes short- and long-term strategies to strengthen ABI’s member and investor base, increase financial support, and reinforce ABI’s position as Iowa’s leading business resource.

This role leads ABI’s development efforts with a focus on investor cultivation, sponsorship sales, and fundraising strategy. The Manager actively builds and expands relationships with members, investors, sponsors, donors, and partners, identifying new revenue opportunities while ensuring return on investment and long-term value.

Working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders, the Development and Partnership Manager secures financial support for programs, events, and initiatives; oversees donor and investor stewardship; develops proposals and sponsorships; tracks and reports fundraising activity; and maintains accurate records. This role is essential to sustaining ABI’s growth, enhancing member value, and advancing the organization’s leadership and workforce mission.

Organization Overview

The Iowa Association of Business and Industry (ABI) has been the Voice of Iowa Business since 1903. As the largest business network in the state, ABI is dedicated to advocating for a competitive business environment while fostering a thriving economic and social climate in Iowa. ABI provides business leaders with opportunities to shape public policy, connect with fellow leaders, and tackle the challenges faced by Iowa businesses. The organization is committed to enhancing the state's business landscape, aiming to improve the quality of life for all of Iowa's citizens.

The ABI Foundation, the 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, is dedicated to improving the lives of Iowans through high‑impact leadership and education programs. Through initiatives such as Business Horizons, Leadership Iowa, Leadership Iowa University, and Elevate Advanced Manufacturing, the Foundation serves high school and college students, professionals, and community leaders statewide. These programs expand knowledge, build personal responsibility, strengthen Iowa’s talent pipeline, and foster active leadership at the local and statewide levels.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and execute ABI’s comprehensive annual fundraising and revenue strategy; including membership investments, sponsorships, grants, and planned giving while driving growth in investor contributions, advancing key programs, cultivating and stewarding stakeholders and partners.
• Manage revenue performance, budgets, and progress toward revenue and membership goals.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with corporations, foundations, educational institutions, and partner organizations to position ABI as a trusted resource and strategic partner for Iowa’s business and workforce initiatives.
• Manage and support the Advisory Council related to ABI’s leadership and education programs by coordinating meetings, guiding engagement strategies, supporting recruitment, and leveraging council members as ambassadors, investors, and champions for ABI.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure fundraising, sponsorships, and membership investments align with program needs, event execution, and member value delivery.
• Represent the Association to external audiences, partners, and stakeholders as needed to advance ABI’s mission and revenue goals.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Proven ability to cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with members, investors, sponsors, donors, and community partners, building trust and long-term engagement.
• Ability to communicate value, align interests, and deliver clear return on investment.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, with the ability to engage executives, volunteers, and diverse stakeholder groups.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and manage multiple projects and revenue initiatives simultaneously while meeting deadlines and organizational goals.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail, particularly in donor records, membership data, proposals, and financial tracking.
• Ability to work comfortably and effectively with diverse audiences including: boards, advisory councils, committees, volunteers, and cross-functional internal teams, providing leadership and staff support.
• Self-motivated with solid business acumen and professional presence.
• Problem-solving, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills, with the ability to identify opportunities for growth and improvement.
• Proficiency in CRM systems (HubSpot or similar) for tracking memberships, fundraising activity, and stakeholder engagement.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook; ability to prepare reports, and presentations.
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly, adapt to changing priorities, and take initiative in a fast-paced, relationship-driven environment.

Education and Previous Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, communications, public relations, nonprofit management, or a related field preferred; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, membership/business development, including campaign planning, major gift or investor solicitation, sponsorship sales, and special event fundraising.
• Experience with annual giving, scholarships, alumni engagement, and/or endowment and planned giving initiatives is desirable.
• Background working with or managing associations, foundations, nonprofits, or mission‑driven organizations is strongly preferred, particularly those in a membership or investor‑based environment.

Work Schedule

Regular work hours (during non-event weeks): Mon-Fri, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Extra hours may be required at times to complete projects or in preparation of larger events/programs. Overnight travel periodically in-state is required, approximately one to two times per month. 

Salary and Benefits

ABI offers a comprehensive benefits package for all full-time employees that includes health, dental, vision, disability, 401k and FSA. Salary is commensurate with experience.