Manager of Corporate Relations

The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is the premier nonprofit association serving the volunteer fire, emergency, and rescue services for nearly 50 years. Today, the NVFC serves as the voice of over one million volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel in Congress and the Executive Branch, including the White House, and provides valuable training, programs, and other resources.  

The NVFC seeks a highly motivated, part-time Manager of Corporate Relations. This position is an integral part of the team and is responsible for implementing the organization's strategies to secure enhanced and sustained funding for programs, projects, and operations through corporate sponsorships, memberships, and partnerships. There is potential for this to grow to a full-time position. 

The ideal candidate will possess a degree in business, marketing, or a related field. Candidate must have excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal skills with an ability to work well in a small staff, team-oriented environment. The candidate must be able thrive in a remote working environment and have the ability to travel overnight to conferences or tradeshows throughout the year to meet and interact with corporate partners and market NVFC resources. The ideal candidate will demonstrate initiative, creativity, a desire to grow and learn, possess great organizational skills, and take ownership over their work. Salary is commensurate with experience.  

The NVFC provides competitive pay, an excellent benefits package, a great work atmosphere, work/life balance, and room for personal growth and learning. Send cover letter and resume to:  Lorraine Higgins at Lorraine@nvfc.org. No calls please.  

Responsibilities:

• Cultivate and foster mutually-beneficial relationships with existing and potential sponsors, partners, and exhibitors with a goal of maximizing retention, satisfaction, and continued engagement.
• Work closely with the CEO to develop persuasive proposals and presentations to secure sponsorships for NVFC’s board meetings, Training Summit, special events, and special programs.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams, including communications, program leads, and management, to ensure seamless execution of sponsor and partner agreements.
• Develop, explain, and showcase various sponsorship levels and benefits for each. 
• Provide regular reports and performance analysis to the management team, highlighting achievements, challenges, and actionable insights.
• Attend industry events, conferences, and trade shows to expand the association's network and showcase its value proposition.
• Establish a professional relationship that ensures immediate response to sponsors and partners. 
• Prepare and oversee the execution of customized partner agreements that may include membership, details of sponsorship, and marketing activities. 
• Work with membership and finance teams to invoice sponsors and corporate members (new and renewing) and follow-up as needed to meet payment deadlines.
• Develop innovative ways to expand sponsorships and our marketplace. 
• Provide excellent customer service to sponsors and members in arranging for delivery of benefits and other requested assistance. 
• Develop annual and multi-year strategy and goals for corporate relations in close coordination with management.
• Assist with other projects and activities as necessary.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Skills/Competencies Required:

• Ability to work as part of a team and to work independently, a self-initiator, versatile, creative, and motivated
• Demonstrated success identifying and cultivating new prospects, writing proposals, converting prospects to sponsors or partners, and maintaining multiple sponsor/partner relationships
• Interpersonal skills, professionalism, and demeanor to foster trust, confidence, and relationships with potential sponsors and partners, association membership, leadership, staff, the public, and related professionals
• Demonstrated ability to understand and respond to the needs of target audiences and member segments
• Superior oral and verbal communication skills and ability to present information accurately, persuasively, and concisely to different audiences
• Highly organized with the ability to learn quickly, prioritize, and manage multiple projects with high attention to detail
• Ability to work well under pressure, determine priorities, and produce results
• Knowledge of marketing strategies and ability to think strategically
• Excellent customer service-ethic and responsiveness
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and other productivity tools
• Demonstrated willingness to embrace change and adapt strategies as needed
• Strong desire to continue to learn and develop new and exciting content, benefits, and opportunities for sponsors and partners
• Strong understanding of the fire and emergency service sector, including knowledge of industry players, products, and services
• Energetic, forward-thinking, and creative individual with high ethical standards and professional image
• Ability to understand importance of the position for the success of the NVFC
• Ability to operate and manage successfully in a virtual office environment
• Ability to travel and estimated 3-6 times/year

Education/Experience:

Master’s degree preferred; bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field from accredited four-year college or university; five to seven years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience. Previous experience with association membership, nonprofit organizations, and NGOs. Volunteer fire service experience or knowledge of the volunteer fire service is preferred.