Business Partnerships Specialist

Location: 620 Cherry Street, Des Moines, IA, 50309, United States. Employee Type: Admin FT - Exempt. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) is the largest public transit agency in Iowa. DART provides transportation anyone can access through services that include 11 Bus Routes (starting June 14), Paratransit, and On Demand. Resources support those who vanpool, walk or bike to move through the region in an efficient and affordable way. Services connect thousands of people every day to jobs, school, medical appointments, entertainment and more. Position Summary The Business Partnerships Specialist builds and manages relationships and programs that generate revenue and strengthen support for public transit across Greater Des Moines. The role focuses on growing partnerships with businesses, community organizations and regional leaders to expand transit access while increasing and diversifying revenue for DART. As part of the External Affairs team, this role works closely with Marketing, Communications, and Community Engagement to ensure a coordinated approach to external engagement. The position has been refined to provide dedicated focus on revenue‑generating partnerships, bringing greater clarity, ownership and alignment to this work across the organization. The role operates in a collaborative, fast‑paced environment and requires initiative, strong relationship management skills, and the ability to communicate effectively with many diverse stakeholders. Salary Range $70,000–$85,000 Position Responsibilities Manages DART’s Unlimited Access program, building new and supporting existing relationships that increase access to transit and generate revenue for DART. Guides the organization in evaluating new partnership opportunities and develops strategies that support revenue growth and diversification and transit access. Works with leadership to establish an effective framework and policies for creating and maintaining business relationships, including pricing, structures, policies and procedures. Builds and strengthens relationships with community and business stakeholders to foster engagement with DART and support for public transit. Develops and delivers presentations on DART and the value of public transit to various groups. Represents DART in the community and works closely with the External Affairs Team to increase transit access, promote services, and raise community awareness of DART and the value of public transit. Oversees DART’s bus advertising programs and relationships with contractors. Identifies new grant revenue opportunities and works with staff to vet, write applications and manage grants. Manages DART’s membership in Chambers of Commerce, building relationships, identifying sponsorship opportunities and ensuring staff presence at events. Works with leadership and across internal departments to identify opportunities to reduce barriers to DART services in the community and improve the overall DART experience for external stakeholders. Supports business development of the Caravan Rideshare program. Ensures proper records and procedures are maintained to comply with government regulations. Participates in cross‑functional teams on various community and/or DART projects as needed. Analyzes data and statistical reports and presents recommendations to DART Leadership and/or the DART Commission. Qualifications Education / Experience Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent education and/or experience) from an accredited college or university with major coursework in business, marketing, development or a related field. Minimum of three years’ experience in development or sales. Two years of related experience building and maintaining relationships and reputation within the Greater Des Moines business and/or grant‑making community preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of: Sales, marketing and/or development principles and management. The Des Moines area business and/or non‑profit community, as well as business locations, landmarks and towns in DART’s service area. Consumer behavior and motivation and how to translate that into communications and sales pitches. Principles and practices of providing excellent customer service in a tactful and effective manner. Personal computers and current office software programs for word processing, presentations, email, spreadsheets and databases at an advanced proficiency level, as well as working knowledge of email and social media applications. Skills and Abilities: Demonstrate self‑direction, high motivation and results‑driven performance. Respond quickly and proactively to guide an idea or request through execution. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with the ability to convey ideas, strategies, programmatic concepts and policies to a wide variety of audiences. Write in a clear, persuasive manner, translating agency impact into winning proposals. Produce presentations that are visually appealing and deliver a compelling message. Talk with and present to employers, interested customers and large groups of individuals regarding program benefits and policies. Evaluate return on investment and make recommendations to leadership and staff. Develop and maintain effective working relationships with agency staff, the business community, and the public. Demonstrate a courteous, patient, helpful and positive attitude when working with customers. Operate a personal or company vehicle and maintain insurability. Most of the work is performed in an open office environment, with some ability to flex hours and work remotely. Work environment includes both indoor and outdoor conditions. This position will have to travel to conduct business and community partnership activities. During this travel, the worker may be exposed to adverse outdoor conditions, including heat, cold and precipitation. Occasional “on‑call” and night and weekend hours are required. Equal Opportunity Employer Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART) is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with federal and state equal employment opportunity laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, veteran status, non‑job‑related disability, or any other protected group status. #J-18808-Ljbffr Kids for the Future