Details
Posted: 18-Apr-22
Location: Washington, DC
Type: Full Time
Preferred Education: 4 Year Degree
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Categories:
Hospitality, Travel, Tourism
Salary Details:
Flexible work environment, excellent benefits.
Additional Information:
Telecommuting is allowed.
DESTINATION DC, A GREAT PLACE TO WORK
Join the team of outstanding professionals at Destination DC (DDC). We offer excellent benefits, a collaborative workplace culture and have fun promoting the city we love. DDC offers 10%
401 (k) employer match, generous personal time off, top quality medical plans, commuter benefits and more.
Employees shape our workplace values through participation in committees including DEI, Accessibility, Sustainability and Employee Action-which makes recommendations related to workplace amenities, culture and recognition.
The team is currently working a hybrid-schedule, 2 to 3 days a week from home.
DEPARTMENT SUMMARY
Partnerships and Alliances (P&A) is an exciting and entrepreneurial revenue-generating department within DDC. P&A generates approximately 12% of DDC overall revenue through membership dues, sponsorship and special events. Engagement and retention of the nearly 1,000 business members and acquisition of new members is key to DDC's success. Sponsorships contribute to the organization's operational budget and strategic partnerships help promote and leverage key events and assets within our city. Collectively, DDC members, sponsors and partners contribute to our city's vibrant economy and the positive image and identity of Washington, DC as a world-class destination for locals, visitors and convention attendees to enjoy.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Partnerships Manager is responsible for securing cash sponsors, negotiating partnership barter and trade agreements and managing accounts to ensure benefits are fulfilled. The Partnerships Manager is the primary contact with all partners and sponsors. The Partnerships Manager will be the key contact for many strategic relationships both at operational and executive levels.
A successful Partnerships Manager offers a combination of:
- Sales savvy to attract sponsors and negotiate partnerships.
- Collaborative spirit, attention to detail and diplomatic finesse to work effectively across DDC to ensure benefits are delivered to sponsors and partners.
- Creative ideas for engaging partners and generating sponsor packages.
- Genuine interest in and knowledge about DDC and partners/sponsor events and businesses.
REPORTING STRUCTURE
The Partnerships Manager reports to and works very closely with the Vice President of Partnerships & Alliances.
The Partnerships Manager has one direct-report, a Partnerships Coordinator.
The Coordinator, Manager and VP all have dual responsibilities to both Destination DC and its affiliated 501(c)(3) charity, the American Experience Foundation.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
- Steward existing partnership relationships (about 20). These include strategic, seasonal, and revenue-share partners. Partnerships include both cash and in-kind contracts. The partnership manager is the primary contact and liaison for these accounts.
- Recruit new partners and sponsors by researching prospects, cold calls, and networking at appropriate business-to-business and community functions.
- Partnerships (in-kind): Create promotional, package and event-based opportunities to generate awareness, traffic and exposure for DDC.
- Sponsorships (cash): Build benefits packages to offer sponsors value and return on investment from DDC-offered assets.
- Enlist DDC teams including Marketing & Communications, Tourism Sports & Visitor Services and Convention Sales and Services to identify benefits attractive to sponsors. Write and negotiate contracts. (All contracts are executed by VP or CEO.)
- Work with Partnerships Coordinator to
- track payment schedules, project plans, implementation plans, and project/program delivery across sales and marketing programs;
- utilize Workfront (an internal project management system) to schedule and specify benefits to be fulfilled and assets to be collected.
- In particular, work with the VP, P&A to enlist partners/sponsors for three high-profile Destination DC events, attend these events and fulfill the benefits and create recap reports:
- July 4 VIP Celebration to benefit the American Experience Foundation
- Student & Youth Travel Association annual conference hosted by Destination DC August 26-30, 2022
- Destination DC's Annual Marketing Outlook Meeting, August 31, 2022
10. Prepare presentations, sales materials, and reports, utilizing clear and concise charts, graphics and tables. Knowledge of Microsoft Office tools including mail merge functionality, PowerPoint, and Excel required.
11. Meet goals, both cash and in-kind, and performance plan as established by the VP, PA.
12. Review sponsorship and partnership trends, provide analysis and recommendations for growth.
13. Actively participate as a member of the P&A Team
- Data: Update partner records and track communications in the database (Simpleview)
- Collaborate to support membership goals and offer ways members may meaningfully engage through partnerships and sponsorship.
- Aid in planning, implementing and attend all Membership events and activities created to engage and add value for members.
- Attend weekly company-wide and departmental meetings. Manage specific cross-departmental meetings.
- General department duties as needed.
EXPERIENCE, COMPETENCIES & EDUCATION
- Results oriented, focus on execution and ability to advocate for and deliver benefits for both partners and DDC.
- Ability to prioritize, determine best impact and rigorous follow up to ensure best results for DDC, a high-profile organization.
- Eagerness to contribute to and learn from a team of dynamic, engaged professionals.
- Demonstrated interest in the travel and tourism economy and enthusiasm for Washington, DC.
- Great sense of humor, positive attitude.
- Exceptional customer service and business etiquette
- Consistent, positive follow-up
- Superior organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends
- Technical proficiency with Microsoft Office and customer relationship management (CRM) systems required. DDC uses the Simpleview and Neon databases.
- Interest in relevant business and trade publications to stay abreast of issues and source new prospects.
- Minimum five to seven (5-7) years progressive sponsorship and/or business development/account management experience preferably within the travel and tourism or hospitality industry.
- Bachelor's Degree (B.S./B.A.) from four-year college or university.
- The position requires interaction with partners, members and clients, the candidate must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19.
To Apply: Submit a cover letter with salary requirements as one file to https://www.washington.org/careers.
DESTINATION DC IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
