Development Manager (Corporate Sponsorships)

Position: Full-Time, In-Office Downtown Fargo

Compensation: $55,000–$65,000 (plus health insurance, flexible PTO, Downtown Parking Pass)

Start Date: Late February 2025

Experience Required: 3–5 years

To Apply:

Send a resume and cover letter to Simone@folkways.org.

Folkways Overview:

The Development Manager role at Folkways plays a critical role in connecting business to the mission which drives Folkways. This individual will need to deeply understand the programs of folkways and be able to convene with passion the impact it is having on the community at large. Understanding the impact of Folkways and the value it creates for business partners is at the heart of successful business fundraising with Folkways. 

Folkways mission is to create experiences where you belong. Folkways envisions our community with the highest level of community participation and the lowest rates of suicide, loneliness, and isolation in the nation. Our programs include Red River Market, Night Bazaar, Christkindlmarkt, Sunset on the Riverfront, CampusFM, and public art projects. These programs nest initiatives that play a key role in reducing isolation and loneliness in the community. Our key impact areas are Combatting Isolation and Loneliness, Intergenerational Experiences, Workforce Retention and Recruitment, Access to Arts, Small Business, and Food Access

Core Values

• Community Ownership: We believe in the power of collective stewardship, where everyone plays a role in creating the community where they want to live.
• Creative Activation: We spark imaginations and ignite passions, transforming dreams into vivid realities.
• Radical Inclusivity: We go beyond accepting differences and work together to create a society where everyone can contribute.
• Whimsical Intentionality: We blend play with purpose, crafting experiences that delight and inspire people of all ages.

Position Overview:

The Development Manager (Corporate Sponsorships) is responsible for growing and stewarding Folkways’ corporate sponsorship and partnership revenue. Working closely with the Executive Director, a peer Development Manager focused on individual giving, and the marketing and operations teams, this role leads relationship-based sponsorship efforts across Folkways’ markets, events, and programs. This position works directly with a virtual administrative assistant to execute on repeatable digital tasks in order to work effectively.

This is a highly relational, externally facing position that balances revenue growth with long-term partnership stewardship. The Development Manager will manage a large portfolio of active corporate sponsors, prospect and close new partnerships, and ensure sponsor benefits are thoughtfully executed across events and marketing channels.

This role reports directly to the Executive Director.

What Success Looks Like After 12 Months

• Corporate sponsorship revenue has grown year-over-year
• Existing sponsors are retained and engaged, with clear evidence of strong relationships
• New corporate and corporate foundation partners have been added to the portfolio
• Sponsor benefits are executed consistently and professionally across events and platforms
• Sponsorship systems are accurate, up to date, and easy to use
• Internal teams experience this role as collaborative, communicative, and reliable

Key Responsibilities

Corporate Sponsorship & Partnership Management

• Manage a portfolio of 50 active corporate sponsors and partners
• Steward year-long corporate partners, event sponsors, and program sponsors
• Serve as the primary point of contact for corporate sponsorship relationships
• Maintain strong, ongoing relationships through meetings, calls, and in-person engagement
• Prospect, cultivate, and close new corporate sponsorships and partnerships
• Work with the Executive Director to align sponsorship strategy with organizational goals

Proposal Development & Revenue Growth

• Lead and collaborate on sponsorship proposals and customized partnership packages
• Contribute to sponsorship decks, pitch materials, and follow-up communications
• Track sponsorship commitments, renewals, and opportunities for growth
• Coordinate closely with the Development Manager focused on individual giving to ensure aligned messaging and strategy

Development Messaging & Partner Marketing

• Collaborate with the marketing team to develop sponsorship messaging and materials
• Contribute written content for:
• Sponsorship decks
• Donor and partner communications
• Impact reports
• Coordinate and manage partner marketing efforts, including:
• Co-branded promotions
• Sponsor recognition and shout-outs
• Deliverables outlined in sponsorship agreements
• Clearly communicate expectations to sponsors regarding benefits, timelines, and scope

Event & Sponsor Benefit Execution

• Coordinate with the operations team to plan and execute sponsor logistics at events
• Ensure sponsor benefits (signage, activations, booths, acknowledgements) are delivered as promised
• Be present onsite at select events, including some evenings and Saturdays, to support sponsor relationships and execution
• Serve as a visible representative of Folkways at events, meetings, and community functions

Donor & Sponsor Systems Management

• Maintain accurate sponsor and partner records in Airtable
• Ensure data hygiene and consistent tracking of sponsorship activity
• Build and manage Airtable views and workflows related to sponsorships
• Run reports to support revenue tracking, renewals, and planning
• Learn and manage existing Airtable systems (no system-building from scratch required)

Qualifications & Skills

• Demonstrated success in 3–5 years of relevant experience in development, sponsorships, partnerships, sales, or relationship-based revenue roles
• Strong interpersonal skills and comfort with frequent in-person meetings and phone calls
• Experience collaborating across teams, particularly marketing and operations
• Strong written communication skills and experience contributing to proposals and donor-facing materials
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable managing a large portfolio of relationships
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, event-driven environment with seasonal intensity
• Experience using Airtable or similar CRM/database tools preferred but not required

Work Environment & Expectations

• This is a public-facing role that requires regular community engagement
• Some evenings and weekends are required around major events
• Work is collaborative, relationship-driven, and rooted in Folkways’ community-centered mission