Summary
Description
Position Overview:
The Music Hall, a vibrant performing arts venue located in Portsmouth, NH is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Development Officer, Corporate Sponsorship to join the Development team. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Development, this role is responsible for securing and managing corporate sponsorships with a goal of building long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships. The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and relationship-building skills, a sales-focused approach, a passion for the arts, and experience in corporate fundraising.
Key Responsibilities:
Corporate Sponsorship Strategy:
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Assist in developing and executing a corporate sponsorship program for The Music Hall to meet or exceed annual fundraising goals.
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Collaborate with senior leadership to create strategic sponsorship opportunities.
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Research, identify, solicit, and secure new corporate sponsors, with a focus on businesses that align with the mission.
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Support contract employee in the development of the Season Playbill and Holiday Playbill, facilitating sponsor participation and stewarding Playbill and Program participants.
Relationship Management:
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Cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with existing and potential sponsors, ensuring a high level of partner engagement and satisfaction, through regular communication including phone calls, emails, newsletters, and in-person meetings.
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Serve as the primary liaison for corporate sponsors, ensuring fulfillment of all benefits, including branding, event tickets, on-site visibility, and digital promotions.
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Build and maintain strong working relationships to ensure renewal and long-term partnerships.
Proposal Development & Benefit Fulfillment:
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Create compelling sponsorship proposals and customized packages that appeal to the unique goals of corporate partners, including written proposals to corporate foundations.
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Coordinate with marketing, events, and programming teams to ensure accurate and timely delivery of sponsor benefits, including logo/text recognition, promotional materials, and public acknowledgments.
Communication:
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Manage monthly sponsor newsletter in addition to personalized communications.
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Assist in developing creative content for sponsor communications, including newsletters, website updates, and social media posts.
Event Coordination & Participation:
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Work closely with event staff to ensure sponsor integration into The Music Hall’s events, including sponsor signage, VIP lounges, and activation opportunities.
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Oversee sponsor receptions, networking events, and special gatherings throughout the year, ensuring a high-quality experience for sponsors.
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Regularly attend Music Hall events to cultivate new donors and maintain relationships with current supporters.
Reporting & Analytics:
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Track and manage sponsorship data, including commitments, payments, benefits fulfillment, and renewal schedules, using donor database systems.
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Prepare regular reports on sponsorship performance for both organizations, including metrics on sponsor visibility, engagement, and ROI, identifying trends and opportunities for improvement.
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Monitor progress toward revenue goals and assist in preparing regular updates for the Deputy Director of Development, Director of Institutional Giving, and leadership team.
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Present at Board Development Committee meetings three times per year.
Qualifications:
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Bachelor’s degree in business, marketing, arts management, or a related field.
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2+ years of experience in corporate sponsorship, fundraising, or sales, preferably in a non-profit or arts environment.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to build and maintain relationships with corporate partners.
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Excellent project management skills, with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and deadlines across two organizations.
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Proficiency in CRM software (e.g., Tessitura, Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce) is a plus.
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A passion for the arts and commitment to the mission of The Music Hall.
Preferred Qualifications:
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Experience working with high-level corporate donors or sponsors.
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Familiarity with the Portsmouth business community and broader New Hampshire region.
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Experience working in event coordination or planning for large-scale events.
Work Environment:
Primarily Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm, in-person (with remote opportunities) in downtown Portsmouth, NH office with flexibility to work certain nights, weekends, and holidays based on the event schedule.
Compensation & Benefits:
The Music Hall offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, and professional development opportunities. The salary range for this position is $46,000-$54,000.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three references to Ilysse Sirmaian at isirmaian@themusichall.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
ABOUT THE MUSIC HALL
In 1878, The Music Hall opened its doors as a Vaudeville theater, bringing a fresh cultural vibrancy to the city of Portsmouth. Fast forward 145 years, and The Music Hall – with a second theater, The Lounge —has been pivotal in a revitalization of downtown into one of the most robust arts destinations in New England. We are a vibrant cultural and community hub, hosting over 100,000 patrons annually.
Our Vision
To enrich, entertain, and inspire all through world-renowned and community-based programming in our beloved gathering spaces.
Our Mission
The Music Hall invigorates audiences, nurtures healthy communities, and drives economic vitality in the region, stewarding our Historic Theater and delivering high-quality entertainment, lifelong learning, and shared experiences in our venues.
