Sales & Sponsorship Lead, ESG & Human Rights

SALES & SPONSORSHIP LEAD, ESG & Human Rights

Department: Development

Reporting to: Director of Conferencing

Part-Time; Non-Exempt

Location: Hybrid, New York City

Commission Eligible Position (based on annual target sales goal)

Salary Range: $55-$65/hourly rate

Robert F. Kennedy Human rights is seeking a purpose-driven Sales & Sponsorship Lead to join our dynamic Development team. This role is ideal for a people-person with a background in ESG, DEI, and sustainability - particularly within the investor or corporate responsibility landscape - who is looking to pivot into the human rights space and grow professionally in a mission-driven environment.

The Sales & Sponsorship Lead will drive revenue by cultivating new and renewed sponsorships for RFK Human Rights’ programs and events. This position balances results-driven sales with meaningful relationship-building among our values-aligned network of business leaders, impact investors, and changemakers.

Job Responsibilities:

Sales & Revenue Development (80%)

• Support the generation of $3.25m in annual topline revenue through flagship annual conference sponsorship, private donations and other sources.
• Identify, build, maintain relationships with RFKHR Compass Sponsors (predominantly General Partners who invest funds on behalf of Public Pensions and other institutional investors).
• Drive new sponsorship acquisition and renewal opportunities across RFK Human Rights’ initiatives, events, and programs.
• Lead compelling sponsor pitch processes, including presentations, proposals, and follow-ups.
• Develop tailored sponsorship benefit packages based on organizational tiers and partner objectives (includes finalization of the annual Sponsor Benefit Grid).
• Imagine and pitch ways to monetize related spaces (Corporate Engagement, Other Asset Classes, Innovative Partnerships, etc) against existing capacity and fixed assets.
• Collaborate with Dev. Team members to maintain and update CRM (e.g., Salesforce) with accurate sales data and activity tracking.
• Identify strategic sponsorship opportunities aligned with ESG, DEI, and sustainability priorities.

Network Engagement & Strategic Relationship-Building (20%)

• Cultivate and engage RFKHR’s partner community with a focus on shared values and long-term collaboration.
• Collaborate with the Director of Conferencing and Chief Governance Officer to attend mission-aligned industry events and forums to represent RFK Human Rights and expand our sponsorship network.
• Support Director of Conferencing and Chief Governance Officer with the regular interaction of Board Members, GT Partner with numerous Sponsor Clients, and PGIM DEI Investments Exec and former Compass Lead.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams (e.g., Programs, Communications) to ensure sponsor experiences are mission-centric and high impact.
• Work with the Development team to identify a donor pipeline relevant for other RFKHR fundraising needs (Ripple of Hope Honorees, Prospective Board Membership, General Donations, Other Event Sponsorship, Endowment Giving, Bequests, etc).

Qualifications:

• A mission-aligned professional with 2 to 5 years of experience in sponsorship sales, partnerships, or business development - experience in ESG, DEI, or sustainability sectors a strong plus.
• A strong communicator and storyteller with the ability to translate complex impact work into compelling value propositions.
• Self-driven, organized, and detail-oriented, with a comfort navigating both structured pipelines and evolving opportunities.
• Familiar with CRM tools (preferably Salesforce) and sales reporting.
• Eager to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to a human rights-centered organization.
• Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and cross-team coordination.
• Tech-savvy and comfortable with virtual/hybrid event tools (i.e. Cvent, Zoom, Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, etc.).
• Comfortable working with executive key stakeholders, high-net-worth individuals, and partners.
• Awareness and passion for the non-profit space, current events, and issues relating to human rights around the world;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated research skills suitable for varied audiences;
• Time management, you have the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at once;
• Flexible, patient, and ability to stay gracious under pressure;
• High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information;
• Innovative thinking, a willingness to voice opinions, and a strong work ethic are essential;
• Teamwork, you are able to build positive relationships with your colleagues and are willing to help others;
• Inclusive, you’re excited to work with colleagues with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives from your own.

Availability and Compensation:

• The initial period of work will be seven (7) months beginning Fall 2025 and ending Summer 2026; Option to extend dependent on deliverables;
• Available 15-25 hours per week;
• Part-time, hourly rate range of $55-$65/hour;
• Commission Eligible Position (based on annual target sales goal)
• This position is eligible for overtime pay.

Benefits and other Perks:

• Flexibility and independence to help manage your work and home life: Staff have the ability to work from home and work out of offices as needed;
• We love to celebrate human rights advocates and our hard work! We do so by hosting award ceremonies, galas, summer outings, holiday parties, potlucks, domestic and international staff retreats, and spur-of-the-moment social outings.