Corporate Relations Manager

Job Description

Job Description

JOB TITLE: Corporate Relations Manager

STATUS: Full Time, Exempt      

SUPERVISOR: Associate Director of Events and Strategic Partnerships

DEPARTMENT: Development

BENEFITS:  

• Health, dental, vision and more, with an employer contribution 

• 3 weeks paid time off + 10 paid holidays
• Annual pet care allowance

• 403(b) with employer match
• Cuddly coworkers
• 30-day paid sabbatical after 4 years
• Check out our full list of benefits and perks  HERE  

Position Summary:

The Corporate Relations Manager is a seasoned relationship-builder with a demonstrated track record of securing and growing strategic corporate partnerships. They bring a strong understanding of corporate giving, a creative mindset, and exceptional written and verbal communication skills. As the primary liaison for corporate partners, this individual will develop and execute strategies to identify, engage, secure, and steward corporate support while expanding the organization's portfolio of corporate supporters. The ideal candidate has significant experience in partnership development, excels at managing complex stakeholder relationships, and demonstrates exceptional public speaking, project management, and customer service skills. A collaborative, team-oriented approach is essential to success.

KEY OR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Lead the organization’s corporate giving strategy, including corporate sponsorships, workplace giving, cause marketing, and in-kind relationships.
• Manage and expand a portfolio of corporate partners and high-potential prospects, building meaningful relationships that drive long-term engagement, increased investment, and sustainable revenue growth.
• Develop and expand a comprehensive corporate partnership program by creating customized engagement and investment opportunities that align organizational priorities with partner objectives, with a focus on securing and renewing annual and multi-year commitments.
• Cultivate trusted, long-term relationships with corporate partners through exceptional stewardship, strategic communication, and meaningful recognition, ensuring every partnership advances the mission while delivering value to stakeholders.
• Lead the negotiation and planning of corporate activations, sponsorship benefits, events, and promotional campaigns, balancing partner goals with organizational priorities to create mutually beneficial and impactful collaborations.
• Support fundraising, community engagement, and signature events by cultivating corporate partner participation, enhancing sponsor experiences, and identifying opportunities to deepen engagement and investment.
• Coordinate and lead customized campus tours and engagement opportunities for corporate partners and prospective supporters creating meaningful connections to the organization's mission and impact.
• Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships and collaborate with operations, development, marketing, and executive leadership to identify partnership opportunities that align business interests with community impact.
• Represent Seattle Humane with professionalism and credibility in meetings, presentations, events, and other public forums, serving as a trusted ambassador for the mission and corporate partnership program.
• Develop compelling and tailored communications, including partnership proposals, sponsorship agreements, presentations, impact reports, and stewardship materials that effectively engage and retain corporate partners.
• Leverage data and reporting tools, including Raiser's Edge and Luminate, to track partnership activity, measure progress toward revenue and engagement goals, identify trends, and inform strategic decision-making.
• Effectively manage multiple partnership initiatives, deadlines, and stakeholder relationships simultaneously while maintaining a high level of accuracy, responsiveness, and attention to detail.
• Provide project management support for corporate partnership initiatives, special projects, and strategic priorities as assigned by the Associate Director of Events & Strategic Partnerships.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: 

None

COMPLEXITY:

Use independent judgment in decision making and must work well both independently and as part of a team. Need to handle details of sensitive and highly confidential nature in a professional manner.  Diverse duties weekly, as routine and projects can vary daily. Exceptionally demonstrated attention to detail and experience in responding to unexpected situations or requests from partners, donors or staff.  Flexibility to adapt to differing support needs, working styles, and demands.

COMMUNICATION/INTERPERSONAL CONTACT:

• Communicate clearly and professionally with staff through in-person interactions, meetings, phone calls, and email.
• Engages in regular written and verbal communication with volunteers, donors, corporate and community partners, vendors, and board members.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by fostering a respectful, inclusive work environment that values diverse perspectives, cultures, and viewpoints.

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION OR TRAINING

Required:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Requires 6+ years' experience with corporate giving and partnerships.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in corporate relations, fundraising, business development, strategic partnerships, account management, or related external relationship-building roles.
• Strong relationship building, negotiation, presentation, and customer service skills.
• Experience in planning and making public presentations to professional groups, both virtually and in-person.
• Exceptional discretion, independent judgment, and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, anticipate needs, and respond effectively to time-sensitive requests.
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Builds strong and trusting relationships with peers, leadership, volunteers, and external partners.
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, with a strong ability to prioritize, manage deadlines, and follow through with accuracy and consistency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and experience with project management tools.
• Demonstrated attention to detail and completing tasks on deadline.
• Proven experience maintaining highly accurate records and processes, with the ability to perform precise and reliable data analysis.
• Deals with diverse styles and personalities and builds strong and trusting relationships with peers, managers, volunteers, and internal and external partners.
• Demonstrated interest in, and passion for nonprofit work and animal welfare highly desired.

Licenses/Certifications Required

Valid Washington State driver's license and reliable personal transportation required.

Physical/Mental Requirements

This job involves significant time sitting (or standing) at a desk and using a computer. Must be able to analyze problems and determine the best solutions and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing. Must possess good attention to detail, be able to concentrate and produce accurate work despite frequent interruptions. Needs to be sensitive to other opinions, perspectives, or cultures. Position facilitates collaboration among varied groups and audiences, both in person, over the phone, and in writing. Flexibility to adapt to differing support needs, working styles, and demands. Must be able to lift boxes weighing up to 50 pounds, with or without assistance.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

General Office Environment: General office and animal shelter environment.  Limited animal handling may occur, with potential exposure to animal bites, exposure to zoonotic diseases, animal dander and noise. 

Equipment Use: Continuous use of computer, printer, copy machine, and multi-line telephone.

Work Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week. Hybrid work structure with required in-office presence 2–3 days per week, or as determined by organizational and event needs. Occasional evening and weekend hours required for special events and as requested by the Associate Director, Events and Strategic Partnerships.

Must be available to travel locally and complete time-sensitive, work-related errands, deliveries, purchases, and logistical assignments, including on short notice as business needs arise.

Location

This position will work onsite at our Bellevue, WA campus. Relocation reimbursement is not available.

Candidates should be committed to Seattle Humane's Core Values:

• Collaboration
• Compassion
• Accessibility
• Respect
• Adaptability

Who We Are

Seattle Humane is more than a shelter; we're a community resource center. We're meeting the increasing need for pet owner support services so that families don't have to choose between an overdue bill and a beloved family member. We're training the next generation of veterinarians in our state-of-the-art medical center. We're building a community of animal advocates through our volunteer and youth education programs.

The impact of Seattle Humane is life-changing, for the animals in our care and the people who love them. Our top priority is to connect animals in need of rescue with the people who will love them. Through our outreach, advocacy and services, we strive to ensure that animal companionship is accessible to all.