Sponsorships and Events Manager

Job Title: Sponsorships and Events Manager

Location: Milwaukee

Reports to: Executive Director

Dotted-line to: Chief Revenue Officer

About Us:

We are a 25-year-old nonprofit workforce development organization dedicated to preparing individuals from underserved communities for rewarding careers in technology. With a passionate team of 35+ professionals, we’re committed to bridging the gap between diverse talent and the tech industry. We find talent, train talent and place talent in rewarding careers that end cycles of generational poverty and yield long-term success. At our core, we believe that innovation thrives when people are empowered, supported, and allowed to grow.

If you’re someone who is energized by people-first leadership and is passionate about making a lasting impact, we want you to be a part of our journey as we continue to shape the future of tech professionals.

Position Summary:

i.c.stars is hiring a Sponsorships and Events Manager to join our organization at an exciting time of organizational growth. Reporting to the city Executive Director, the Sponsorships and Events Manager role is core to the planning, delivery, and success of our signature technology industry convenings each year. Additionally, this role leads corporate sponsorship efforts that sustain our Workforce Development Training Program—rooted in business, leadership, and technology.

Beyond events management, the Sponsorships and Events Manager is responsible for assisting with all components of an integrated sales cycle with a focus on sponsorship retention and growth, social impact, and external communications that drive revenue. This role requires regular analytical and metrics-based reporting to staff, advisory board members, and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Grow and retain corporate sponsorship revenue through prospecting, cultivation, outbound sales, and relationship management.
• Own end-to-end event planning and logistics, including theme development, venue, catering, A/V, vendors, registration, volunteer management, and on-site execution.
• Utilize Salesforce CRM to manage sponsorship pipeline, track revenue, and provide reports to staff and board committees as needed
• Maintain accurate sponsorship pipeline forecasts and revenue projections for executive and board reporting.
• Manage and ensure delivery of sponsor entitlements, including activities such as program competitions, job shadow days, mock interview nights, press releases, and participation in local networking events.
• Ensure sponsor satisfaction and ROI through regular communication, check-ins, and fulfillment of entitlements.
• Leverage knowledge of technology, workforce development, and CSR trends to shape sponsorship opportunities and keep events relevant to industry needs.
• Support marketing-led communications and collateral (e.g., newsletters, pitch decks, brochures) to enhance sponsor and event visibility.
• Support board committees and volunteers in sponsorship and event initiatives.
• Evaluate event outcomes and sponsorship ROI, providing post-event reports and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Manage event budgets, tracking expenses and revenue to ensure cost effectiveness and accurate financial reporting.
• Collaborate with colleagues across cities to share best practices and align sponsorship and event strategies.
• Support execution of sponsorship agreements and ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
• Perform other duties as required in support of i.c. stars mission.

What You Bring:

• At least three years of experience managing events from concept to execution, combined with fundraising, outbound sales and/or sponsorship experience focused on corporate partnerships and client retention.
• Experience with Salesforce or a similar CRM.
• Understanding of what motivates corporate partners to invest in sponsorships, including ROI, visibility, and social impact.
• Experience leveraging digital marketing and social media to support sponsor engagement and event promotion.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, along with strong interpersonal and listening abilities.
• Resourceful and adaptable, with a strong work ethic and collaborative mindset.
• Ability to manage event budgets and track expenses against revenue goals.
• Confidence working with senior executives, board members, and community stakeholders.
• Familiarity with event management platforms and digital communication tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a mission-driven environment.
• Availability for occasional evening or weekend events.

Why Join Us?

Make an Impact: Help us shape the team that develops and prepares individuals for careers in tech. Be a part of an organization that’s making a meaningful difference in the lives of our participants, and the communities and businesses we serve.

Collaborative Environment: We pride ourselves on being a supportive, team-oriented organization where everyone’s voice is heard.

Work-Life Balance: We value our people’s well-being, offering flexible work arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package.

A Culture of Learning: As a team, we believe in continual growth—personally and professionally. There’s always room to learn, share ideas, and try something new.

Compensation & Benefits:

• i.c.stars is committed to delivering an equitable compensation and benefits package to support the financial, mental, and physical wellness of our staff. Benefits include:
• Health Insurance (i.c.stars covers 95% of individual medical plan premiums)
• 401(k) plan with employer match
• Dental & Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life Insurance & Disability Coverage
• Generous Paid Time Off & Company Holidays
• Professional Development Opportunities

If you meet the qualifications described above and are excited about creating a people-centric culture and driving the development of our talented team, we welcome your application.

i.c.stars is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, or current employment status.