Director of Strategic Partnerships (Business Development)

Description

Cal Cities is seeking a strategic, relationship driven leader with a strong business development mindset and a passion for advancing the work of California's cities through impactful partnerships.

The Director of Strategic Partnerships is responsible for developing and sustaining revenue generating corporate, nonprofit, and public-private partnerships that advance Cal Cities' mission and priorities. This role drives non-dues revenue growth by overseeing strategic partnership programs, identifying emerging opportunities that expand Cal Cities' reach and impact across member cities. Coordinating with senior leadership, the Director manages partnership strategy and execution, sets revenue goals, oversees budgets, and leads staff to ensure partnerships are values aligned, results focused, and support high quality experiences for city leaders statewide.

Duties include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and lead revenue generating partnership strategies that advance Cal Cities' mission, priorities, and long-term organizational goals.

• Develop, manage, and grow strategic corporate and nonprofit partnerships that deliver measurable value to member cities and expand non-dues revenue.

• Direct the full lifecycle of partnership programs, from opportunity development and solicitation to implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.

• Set revenue goals and oversee budgets and performance metrics, ensuring accountability, effectiveness, and alignment with member needs.

• Manage and guide staff and cross-departmental collaboration to support partnership strategy, program delivery, and high-quality member experiences.

• Serve as a key internal and external liaison for strategic partnerships, strengthening relationships with partners, senior leadership, and governance bodies.

Cal Cities Culture and Mission

Cal Cities is dedicated to creating a collaborative and inclusive environment where passionate professionals can thrive. We're looking for candidates who are focused, driven, and above all else, seeking deeper meaning in their work. Reflecting the diversity of California, each of Cal Cities' employees is a vital partner in the organization's mission and success. If you also have a passion for public service, local government, and working with dynamic, talented teammates, this is where you belong!

Headquartered in downtown Sacramento, since 1898 the League of California Cities has been an active partner in local government, providing advocacy, educational and informational services to cities. Cal Cities' mission is to enhance the quality of life for all Californians by protecting and expanding local control for cities through education and advocacy. Cal Cities has approximately seventy-five staff supporting its operations.


Education and Member Services Department

The Education and Member Services Department plays a critical leadership role in strengthening Cal Cities' mission by expanding the knowledge, skills, and effectiveness of city officials statewide. Through the development and delivery of more than 30 single and multi-day educational convenings each year, the department delivers high quality learning and networking opportunities for audiences ranging from 100 to 2,500 attendees. In addition to program development and delivery, the department actively cultivates strategic business partnerships that enhance program offerings, expand member value, and advance Cal Cities' long term organizational goals. Individual and collective contributions by team members reflect a strong commitment to quality programs and solutions for cities, exceptional customer service, and organizational excellence.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary range $139,400 - $209,200. A qualified candidate will most likely fall in the $156,870 - $174,300 range.


Retirement: California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2% at 60 for classic CalPERS members; 2% at 62 for new CalPERS members.


Deferred Compensation: Employees may defer compensation through Cal Cities' Mission Square 457 defined contribution plan.


Health/Dental/Vision Insurance: Employees participate in an optional benefit program that includes dental insurance, vision insurance and medical coverage selected from three HMO, two PPO plans, and two HSA plans.


Life Insurance: Employer-paid life insurance coverage for employees. Supplemental employee-paid coverage is available.


Other Benefits: Under employer's optional benefit program, employees may use a portion of their salaries on a pre-tax basis to cover childcare and/or certain health care expenses.


Vacation: Two weeks annually; three weeks after five years of service.


Management Time Off: One day per quarter; four annually.

Holidays: Employees receive twelve paid holidays annually.


Sick Leave: Employees earn twelve days annually.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, economics, marketing, or a related field is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience developing, implementing, and coordinating programs that support business development or revenue generating activities, including at least two years in a supervisory capacity. Experience working with membership-based associations and familiarity with California cities, municipal organizations, or state-level public sector environments is strongly preferred.

Work Schedule and Travel

Cal Cities' normal workweek is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position requires a regular in-person presence at the Sacramento office; a hybrid schedule may be available, it is not a fully remote role. Travel required (as needed) to locations throughout California in the performance of duties.

Recruitment/Decision Schedule

Recruitment for the Director of Strategic Partnerships will be ongoing until the position is filled. The goal is to complete the recruitment process at the earliest opportunity and welcome the new team member on board as soon as possible.