Partnership Development Senior Director

Partnership Development Senior Director

Fundraising and Engagement Department

United Way of Central Indiana works to bring the resources of philanthropy, government, corporations, the social sector, and neighborhoods together to confront generational poverty head on and ensure a better future for our neighbors in need. This is an ambitious time to join United Way as we embark on a five-year strategic plan to reduce the number of households experiencing poverty and financial instability. To make a significant impact in our region, United Way is looking for dedicated, confident, and compassionate team members who live our shared values of inclusivity, courage, accountability, respect, and excellence. 

Position Summary

United Way of Central Indiana recognizes that the key to success is a strong and cohesive team that works through shared values to achieve our mission. The Partnership Development Senior Director is responsible for identifying, cultivating and engaging corporate partners for whom United Way of Central Indiana might support attainment of their community impact goals (CSR, ESG, etc.).  Success is securing financial support that allows United Way to create impact on behalf of the organization or in partnership with the company.  Creating and cultivating trusting relationships is key and the ability to identify high potential prospects as well as closing the deal is a must. This role leads one direct report and serves on the Fundraising and Engagement Department leadership team.

 Position Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified.

• Strategy: Lead the creation, continuous review and execution of a comprehensive partnership development strategy designed to become a significant revenue line for the organization. 
• Prospecting: Cold Calls with corporations in our 7-county region with reason to believe have a CSR strategy that may align with UWCI priorities, Calls with warm leads identified and initial connection made through the Director of Partner Success, Active networking to identify leads, and other lead generation activities.
• Discovery: Lead discovery conversations with potential partners to learn about the needs and desires of the prospect.  Probe to determine if alignment between their community strategy and the work of UWCI can be identified.  Partner with Impact team colleagues as needed to determine alignment.
• Partnership Ideation: Once the prospect is qualified, build relationships, ideate on potential ways to partner, work towards a clear partnership option that will lead to a proposal.  Working closely with Impact and Finance team members will be important to ensure the United Way commitment in the partnership can be fulfilled. 
• Proposal: In partnership with the Director of Partner Success, create a written proposal for submission to the potential partner. Professionally and effectively work through objections and skillfully negotiate to arrive at an agreeable proposal.
• Closing the deal: Enthusiastically work with the prospect to obtain full agreement and approval of the partnership. Work with the Director of Partner Success to ensure all internal connections have been made and processes have been followed so the execution of the proposal will be successful.  
• Partner Success: Thoughtfully transfer the relationship with the partner to the Director of Partner Success for execution of the agreement.  Identify the level of future engagement to continue based on the relationship developed during proposal development. 
• Collaboration: Collaborate with content leads to integrate programmatic opportunities for funding. Be proactive in regular communications with team members across the organization to continually mine existing and potential fundable opportunities.  
• Leadership: The Partnership Development Senior Director will supervise one direct report, the Director of Partner Success.  This role will also be a member of the Fundraising and Engagement Leadership team. 
  • Demonstrate adaptability and flexibility in a dynamic environment, embracing additional responsibilities as needed to support team success within UWCI's evolving framework and external context. Performs special assignments and other work, on an as-needed basis.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the basic knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The individual in this role must display the highest level of integrity and confidentiality. United Way also values innovative thinking, and a successful candidate will be a self-starter who can work within the team to achieve goals and objectives. The individual should have effective communication skills, attention to detail and organization, flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to multi-task and be open-minded in a fast-paced environment.

 Education and/or Experience

•  A successful history in prospecting, connecting with potential partners, building relationships, discovering their needs, and acquiring new partnerships, along with a background in business development, is required.

•  Demonstrated history of writing successful proposals is strongly preferred.

•  Bachelor's degree required.

•  At least 4-6 years of relevant work experience required.

•  Knowledge of the central Indiana community and the human service sector is preferred.

•  Demonstrated ability to work cross-functionally in a complex organization is preferred.

•  1-2 years of supervisory experience preferred.

*Work experience may substitute for education requirements on a case-by-case basis.

Position Leader:               Chief Development Officer

Position Leads:                 Director of Partner Success

FLSA Status:                     Exempt

Salary Range:                  Mid 80's to Mid 90's

Benefits:                           Complete Benefits Package Available 

Equal Opportunity Employer

Please apply at uwci.org/careers

This position description does not constitute a contract of employment or a guarantee of any terms or conditions of employment. UWCI employees are employed on an at-will basis. In addition, nothing in this position description restricts UWCI's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this position at any time.