Strategic Partnerships + Sponsorship Manager

MoPOP

Full-time

On-site

Seattle, Washington, United States

🌐 Digital Marketing

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Strategic Partnerships + Sponsorship Manager

🔹 Company: Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP)

🔹 Location: Seattle, WA

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid (3 office days per week)

🔹 Category: Nonprofit, Museum

🔹 Date Posted: July 2, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site with remote flexibility

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

Securing multi-year corporate sponsorships and memberships to drive revenue growth.
Developing and executing strategies to maximize revenue from corporate partnerships.
Expanding partnerships beyond traditional sponsorships, including marketing campaigns and membership growth initiatives.
Managing cross-sectoral relationships to ensure corporate support aligns with MoPOP’s community-centric fundraising and DEIA initiatives.
Overseeing event logistics and hospitality for corporate partners and VIPs.
Collaborating cross-functionally with MoPOP’s leadership team to align sponsorship and fundraising strategies.
Contributing to MoPOP’s organizational culture and DEIA efforts.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong relationship-building skills, and the ability to balance multiple priorities.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Identify, develop, and maintain corporate relationships that align with MoPOP’s mission and priorities.

✅ Grow and steward a diverse portfolio of corporate donors, securing multi-year sponsorships.

✅ Develop and execute strategies to maximize revenue from corporate partnerships.

✅ Collaborate with Sales + Marketing to create sponsorship proposals and fulfill benefits for corporate sponsors and donors.

✅ Expand MoPOP’s partnerships beyond traditional sponsorships, including collaborations with corporations on marketing campaigns and membership growth campaigns.

✅ Manage cross-sectoral relationships, ensuring that corporate support aligns with MoPOP’s community-centric fundraising and DEIA initiatives.

✅ Serve as a liaison between corporate donors and MoPOP leadership to enhance institutional engagement.

✅ Oversee sponsorship contract compliance, ensuring all deliverables are met and reporting obligations are fulfilled.

✅ Manage and negotiate partner agreements, vendor contracts, and internal accountability timelines.

✅ Maintain precise sponsorship data tracking, institutional giving dashboards, and reporting processes.

✅ Oversee corporate engagement at MoPOP events, coordinating sponsor activations and event logistics.

✅ Manage hospitality, hotel accommodations, and travel logistics for VIPs, corporate partners, and media guests.

✅ Work cross-functionally with MoPOP’s leadership team to align sponsorship and fundraising strategies.

✅ Lead internal strategic initiatives, including the review of fundraising portfolios, budgeting, and program categorization.

✅ Contribute to MoPOP’s organizational culture and DEIA efforts.

✅ Support MoPOP’s internal culture, ensuring consistent customer service standards across all departments.

✅ Work to ensure customer service is ingrained at the core of the team and reflected outward to guests and other staff.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in corporate sponsorship, fundraising, or strategic partnerships, with a proven track record of securing multi-year sponsorships and funding opportunities.

Required Skills:

Proven experience in corporate sponsorship, fundraising, or strategic partnerships.
Strong relationship-building skills with corporate donors, key internal stakeholders, and cross-functional teams.
Experience managing sponsorship contracts, including deliverables, compliance, and reporting.
Ability to develop and execute fundraising strategies, leveraging digital platforms, social media, and peer-to-peer fundraising.
Knowledge of sponsorship funding research tools, budgeting, and fiscal management principles.
Project management experience, including handling vendor agreements, partner contracts, and stakeholder coordination.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling sponsorship proposals and donor communications.
Experience with donor data tracking and CRM systems, with proficiency in reporting and dashboard management.
Commitment to DEIA strategies within fundraising, partnerships, and organizational initiatives.

Preferred Skills:

Experience with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
Familiarity with fundraising software, such as Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, or Salesforce.
Knowledge of the Seattle nonprofit landscape and local corporate community.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant experience in the nonprofit sector or museum industry may be given preference.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $75,000 - $90,000 per year

Benefits:

Medical/Vision insurance
Dental insurance
Life/AD&D/LTD insurance
3.08 hours of accrued Vacation per bi-weekly pay period
Seattle Sick/Safe leave
7 Floating Holidays (prorated first year dependent on hire date)
8 Company Holidays paid throughout the year
EAP
401k plan with vested match schedule once eligible
Subsidized transportation benefits for Orca Pass or parking

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. Occasional night and weekend hours may be required to support events, philanthropy, and representing MoPOP; some travel may be required.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on industry standards for similar roles in the nonprofit sector and is subject to change based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos

Company Size: 51-200 employees

Founded: 2000

Company Description:

MoPOP activates the world-shaping power of pop culture through participative experiences, discovery, and play.
It features music, sci-fi, fantasy, horror, gaming, fashion, art, and more!
MoPOP is open 10am-5pm, Thursday-Tuesday (closed Wednesdays).

Company Specialties:

Pop culture exhibitions
Educational programs
Community events
Collection preservation

Company Website: https://www.mopop.org/

ASSUMPTION: MoPOP's focus on pop culture allows it to connect with a wide range of visitors and create unique, engaging experiences.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Vice President, Marketing Strategy + Sponsorship and works closely with the Executive Leadership Team and Senior Leadership Team.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3 office days per week)

Growth Opportunities:

Potential to take on additional responsibilities as the role evolves and the organization grows.
Opportunities to collaborate with various departments and contribute to MoPOP's overall success.
Potential to develop skills in event planning, project management, and strategic partnerships.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (3 office days per week)

Office Location(s): 325 5th Avenue N, Seattle, WA 98109, US

Geographic Context:

Seattle is a vibrant, multicultural city with a thriving arts and culture scene.
The Museum of Pop Culture is located in the heart of Seattle's downtown area.
The city offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its unique character and amenities.

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday. Occasional night and weekend hours may be required to support events, philanthropy, and representing MoPOP; some travel may be required.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility while maintaining a strong connection to the organization's on-site culture.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

Online application review
Phone or video screening
In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager
Final interview with the Executive Director
Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

Problem-solving skills
Strategic thinking
Relationship-building skills
Communication skills
Attention to detail

Application Tips:

Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
Demonstrate your understanding of MoPOP's mission and values in your application materials.
Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and relationship-building abilities.
Research MoPOP's recent partnerships and initiatives to show your enthusiasm for the role and organization.

ATS Keywords: Corporate sponsorship, fundraising, strategic partnerships, relationship-building, contract management, project management, communication skills, data tracking, digital platforms, budgeting, DEIA commitment, event management, proposal development, stakeholder coordination, community engagement, customer service

ASSUMPTION: MoPOP's hiring process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit for the organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office Suite
Google Workspace
Bloomerang, DonorPerfect, or Salesforce (fundraising software)
CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Bloomerang)
Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is preferred but not required; training will be provided as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

Inspire creativity and innovation
Foster a sense of belonging
Embrace diversity and inclusion
Collaborate and learn together
Act with integrity and respect

Work Style:

Collaborative and team-oriented
Adaptable and flexible
Results-driven and proactive
Creative and innovative
Committed to MoPOP's mission and values

Self-Assessment Questions:

How do you align with MoPOP's value of inspiring creativity and innovation in your work?
Describe a time when you fostered a sense of belonging in a team or community setting.
How have you embraced diversity and inclusion in your previous roles, and how would you apply these principles at MoPOP?
Provide an example of a time when you acted with integrity and respect, even in challenging situations.
How do you approach collaboration and learning with your colleagues and team members?

ASSUMPTION: MoPOP values candidates who demonstrate a strong cultural fit and a commitment to its mission and values.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

Managing multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
Balancing remote work and on-site collaboration
Occasional night and weekend hours to support events and philanthropy
Navigating the unique dynamics of the nonprofit sector and museum industry

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a commitment to MoPOP's mission and values.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

This role differs from related positions in its focus on strategic partnerships and sponsorship management within the museum industry.
It requires a unique blend of fundraising, relationship-building, and project management skills.
Career paths may include transitioning to senior leadership roles within the organization or moving into related roles in other museums or nonprofits.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience in strategic partnerships and sponsorship management within the museum industry.

📝 Sample Projects

Developing a comprehensive sponsorship proposal for a major corporation, including custom asset creation and revenue projections.
Managing a high-profile event, including vendor coordination, hospitality, and VIP logistics.
Implementing a new CRM system to track sponsorship data and improve reporting processes.

ASSUMPTION: These projects demonstrate the strategic, collaborative, and project management aspects of the role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

How does this role contribute to MoPOP's overall mission and strategic goals?
What are the biggest challenges facing the sponsorship and fundraising team currently, and how can this role help address them?
How does MoPOP support the professional growth and development of its employees?
What are the most rewarding aspects of working in this role, according to current team members?
How does MoPOP measure the success of its sponsorship and fundraising initiatives, and how can this role help improve those metrics?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and organization.

📝 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

Submit your application through the MoPOP Careers page.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and relationship-building abilities.
Research MoPOP's recent partnerships and initiatives to show your enthusiasm for the role and organization.
Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.

Apply now

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