Manager of Sponsorships and Partner Engagement

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Manager of Sponsorships and Partner Engagement is responsible for developing, managing, and growing The American Legion's national sponsorship program and strategic partner relationships. This position designs and markets sponsorship packages tied to national events, programs, conventions, and publications, and cultivates long-term partnerships with corporations, veteran-service organizations, and community stakeholders. The Manager works collaboratively across the Office of Fund Development and with other divisions to ensure sponsorship commitments are fulfilled and partner relationships are stewarded effectively.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Sponsorship Program Development

• Design, price, and market sponsorship packages for national events, conventions, programs, publications, and digital platforms.
• Develop a tiered sponsorship structure with differentiated benefits and recognition opportunities.
• Identify new sponsorship opportunities aligned with organizational programs and mission priorities.
• Maintain and update sponsorship prospectus materials and partner benefit inventories annually.

Partner Cultivation & Stewardship

• Build and manage a portfolio of national sponsor and partner relationships from prospecting through multi-year renewal.
• Develop customized stewardship plans for major sponsors including recognition, impact reporting, and engagement opportunities.
• Coordinate partner engagement activities at national events, conventions, and programs.
• Serve as a primary liaison between sponsors and relevant internal divisions to ensure benefit fulfillment.

Event Sponsorship Management

• Collaborate with Convention, Program Divisions, and Communications teams to develop and sell sponsorship packages for national events.
• Oversee sponsor logistics at events including booth placement, signage, recognition, and VIP access.
• Prepare event sponsorship budgets, projections, and post-event performance reports.
• Solicit and manage in-kind sponsorships and product donations for events and programs.

Federation & Community Partnership Coordination

• Develop and maintain partnerships with veteran-service organizations, community partners, and aligned nonprofits.
• Coordinate national partnership efforts to avoid conflicts with department and post-level sponsorships.
• Represent The American Legion in external partnership and coalition meetings as directed.
• Support collaborative program initiatives with American Legion Charities and affiliated organizations.

Revenue Tracking & Reporting

• Manage a sponsorship pipeline and maintain accurate records of all agreements, benefits, and payments in the CRM.
• Track sponsorship revenue against budget targets and provide regular reporting to the Director.

REPORTS to Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships

Education/Technical Knowledge:

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, business or a related field preferred.

Additional Skills Needed:

1. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple client accounts simultaneously.
2. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a client-service orientation.
3. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with CRM tools a plus.
4. Attention to detail in reviewing ad materials, insertion orders, and fulfillment documentation.
5. Ability to work across internal departments and meet tight publication and event deadlines.
6. Commitment to the values and mission of The American Legion

EXPERIENCE:

3-5 years’ experience

Supervision of Others:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Problem Solving:

Involves thinking imaginatively.

Impact of Decisions:

Decisions and policy determination would have a long-term effect on the financial condition and sound operation of the organization.

Internal and Public Contacts:

Outside organization which could affect the prestige of the organization and would influence various citizens and the community.

Physical Factors and Working Conditions:

The employee is regularly required to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus, either corrected or uncorrected. Works in a well-lighted, air-conditioned office environment. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Position requires the incumbent to travel extensively. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the physical demands of the job.