Director of Partnerships & Development

About Lakeside Aquatic Club

Lakeside Aquatic Club (LAC) is a nationally competitive, coach-directed, and board-supported swim team with a prestigious Gold Medal Club designation. With four major locations and over 1,300 swimmers across competitive and lesson programs, LAC has built a 40-year tradition of excellence in USA Swimming.

We are committed to fostering an excellence-driven environment, helping athletes grow from novice swimmers to Olympic-level competitors. Our goal is to be a top 20 nationally recognized USA Swimming program, developing elite senior swimmers through a strong age-group foundation focused on technique and aerobic growth.

Program Highlights

• Multi-year Gold Medal Team and consistent Top 10 Virtual Club Championship finishes

• Back-to-back Winter Junior Nationals champions

• Regular placements on the USA Swimming National and National Junior Teams

• Top 5 finishes at Short Course and Long Course Texas Age Group Championships (TAGS) over the last decade, including several 1st place victories

The Opportunity

Lakeside Aquatic Club is seeking a strategic and energetic Director of Partnerships and Development to lead our revenue generation and community engagement efforts. This is a crucial role where you will build and nurture the financial partnerships that fuel our mission and empower the next generation of elite swimmers.

You will play a central role in building the financial foundation that supports our athletes, blending strategic sales, fundraising, and relationship management to make a tangible impact on our athletes and community.

Key Responsibilities

Sponsorship & Corporate Partnerships

• Develop and execute a comprehensive sponsorship strategy to secure corporate partners at the local, regional, and national level.
• Identify, prospect, and cultivate relationships with businesses, brands, and organizations aligned with LAC’s mission and values.
• Create compelling sponsorship packages and proposals that deliver measurable value to partners while supporting LAC’s financial goals.
• Manage the full sponsorship lifecycle: prospecting, pitching, negotiating, contracting, activating, and renewing partnerships.
• Ensure sponsors receive exceptional service and fulfillment of all agreed-upon benefits, including signage, event presence, digital exposure, and athlete access.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective partners, tracking outreach and conversion in a CRM or equivalent system.

Fundraising & Donations

• Design and lead LAC’s annual fundraising strategy, including individual giving campaigns, major gifts, annual fund drives, and special events.
• Cultivate relationships with current and prospective donors, including LAC families, alumni, and community supporters.
• Plan and execute fundraising events such as galas, swim-a-thons, and donor appreciation gatherings.
• Develop and manage a donor recognition program that acknowledges contributions at every level.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities from foundations, government entities, and sports-related organizations.
• Maintain accurate donor records, track giving history, and produce regular reports on fundraising performance for the Board of Directors.

Revenue Strategy & Reporting

• Develop annual revenue targets in collaboration with the Board of Directors and track progress against goals.
• Provide monthly and quarterly reports on sponsorship revenue, fundraising totals, partner pipeline, and donor engagement metrics.
• Collaborate with coaching staff and team administration to align partnership and fundraising efforts with program needs (equipment, travel, facility improvements, scholarships).
• Stay current on trends in nonprofit fundraising, sports sponsorship, and community engagement to bring fresh ideas and best practices to LAC.

Qualifications Required

• 3–5 years of experience in sales, business development, sponsorship, fundraising, or nonprofit development.
• Proven track record of securing corporate partnerships or closing significant revenue- generating deals.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels, from local business owners to C-suite executives.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with CRM tools, donor management platforms, and standard business software (Google Workspace, Microsoft Office).
• Comfort with public speaking, presentations, and representing LAC at community and corporate events.

Preferred

• Experience in sports, athletics, or youth development organizations.
• Familiarity with the competitive swimming community, USA Swimming, or similar sports governing bodies.
• Experience with grant writing and foundation relations.
• Background in marketing, brand management, or event planning is a plus.
• Connection to or familiarity with the DFW business and philanthropic community.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary of $55,000–$85,000 commensurate with experience, plus performance-based incentives tied to sponsorship and fundraising goals.
• Full benefit package including medical, dental, and vision plans. 401(K) participation, including a company match.
• The opportunity to make a direct, visible impact on a nationally recognized swim program and the athletes it serves.
• A collaborative, mission-driven team environment with passionate coaches, dedicated families, and supportive board leadership.
• Flexibility in work schedule with a mix of office, remote, and on-site event work.
• Complimentary swim lesson and competitive team membership benefits for your family.

Finalists may be asked to provide a brief description of a successful sponsorship or fundraising initiative they have led.

Position is open until filled.