Senior Director, Business Development

Position: Senior Director, Business Development

Department: Advancement and Innovation

Role Overview: Reporting to the Advancement & Innovation Leadership, the Senior Director of Business Development will manage a portfolio of existing sponsors and supporters of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA), as well as prospect, pitch, and secure a consistent pipeline of new partners & revenue from the Corporate Sector. The Senior Director will work internally with teammates, including the Business Development and Lincoln Center Campus Fund frontline teams, as well as close cross-functional partners, including Programming, Marketing, PR, Campus Operations, Finance and Legal to craft and execute various deals. 

This position will allow the ideal candidate to carry forward existing high-level sponsors ranging from $750,000 - $2,000,000 . The role requires strong industry networks and relationships to build upon and effectively convert a robust pipeline of new high-level partnerships to contribute to the team’s collective revenue goal. With many new and exciting moments on the horizon, including the West Initiative, the Pasculano Collaborative for Contemporary Dance and Heartbeat, our first-ever wellness summit - Lincoln Center is uniquely poised to welcome many new partners onto our iconic campus. 

What You'll Get To Do Here: 

Team Leadership

• Manage and support a seasoned frontline team consisting of Senior Managers, Associate Director and Director level talent
• Actively participate in cross departmental initiatives from creative ideation through post-sale transition to activation stages
• Support frontline colleagues with strategic pipeline building
• Develop and grow relationships with key LCPA teams to ensure that all goals are met regarding impeccable pitch delivery and key results for our sponsors (Marketing, Social Media, PR, Legal, Campus Operations, Programming, Education, etc.)
• Attend meetings with Business Development Leads in pre-sale mode, engaging with sponsors and contributing to the strengthening of these critical relationships to effectively renew and close sponsorship deals
• Be a part of a team that is collaboratively contributing to the future of Lincoln Center
• Work alongside best-in-class LCPA leadership, resident arts organizations, and talent

Manage and Grow a Portfolio of High-Profile Partnerships

• Cultivate strong corporate relationships to collaboratively build sponsorship packages that will advance Lincoln Center’s mission
• Craft sponsorship scope to address key KPIs, metrics, and data to support the program delivery and execution
• Effectively interpret our core products and programs to meet the needs of high caliber prospective sponsors, demonstrated in tight, effective pitches, bringing them to close
• Strategically manage partnership budgets with Finance and Lincoln Center leadership to determine margins, etc. as relevant to key pitches and client needs
• Navigate for-profit/private sector companies and LCPA, offering a unique opportunity for corporate leaders in CSR/ESG and civic engagement
• Actively support and nurture long-term relationships with existing and new sponsors, co-leading relationships with internal LCPA Business Development leads as well as Marketing and Campus Operations partner relationship management
• Enact effective approach to client/sponsor relationship management and building
• Work closely and consistently with internal team and program leads to consistently garner updates on core programming, artists, program cycle, and more – leveraging key information to close sponsorship deals

You'll Be A Fit If You Bring:

• At least 12 years of progressive, front-line experience in business development, corporate partnerships, or sponsorship sales (including 6 years of Management or Leadership experience) with a strong portfolio of senior industry contacts and a working knowledge of marketing and sponsorship nuances to craft and close large deals
• Demonstrated track record leading both internal and external client relationships throughout various stages of partnership sales funnels, including key sponsor meetings throughout the year such as mid-partnership reviews, end of year recap calls, renewal pitches, etc.
• Ability to collaborate with A&I Leads to efficiently manage multiple proposals (external) and team (internal) needs simultaneously
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate organizational goals into compelling partnership opportunities.
• Proven track record of securing and managing high-value corporate sponsorships across a variety of sectors.
• Demonstrated success in leading and mentoring high-performing teams.
• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder management skills, with a strong network in the corporate sector.
• Strong presentation and pitch development skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences.
• Industry curiosity with a consistent pulse on the arts; sponsorship investments/integrations; tech innovation and more; bringing fresh, relevant sponsorship ideas and market trends forward 
• Excellent negotiation and deal-structuring capabilities, with a deep understanding of sponsorship metrics, KPIs, and ROI.
• Strong project management skills with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Collaborative, innovative, and entrepreneurial mindset.
• Passion for the performing arts and Lincoln Center’s mission.

What is Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts? 

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc. (LCPA) is a cultural and civic cornerstone of New York City.  We believe the arts play an important role in our lives: they nourish our hearts and minds, teach us valuable lessons and critical skills, and help us create community. We are resolved not to lose sight of what connects us, and we hope you will consider joining our talented, diverse team.   

We are:  

1. The manager of the 16-acre Lincoln Center campus 

-We are one of eleven amazing resident arts organizations   

2. A leading Arts Presenter.   

-We curate numerous programs and performances, showcasing music, dance, and more

3. An Education Hub.   

-We have reached 20 million students, educators, principals, and community members   

Who are our people?  

LCPA is a team of dreamers, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who use unique platforms in the heart of New York City and beyond to advocate for the transformative impact of artistic experiences.   

Lincoln Center People imagine and create in concert with this mission by founding President John D. Rockefeller III - "The arts are not for the privileged few, but for the many. Their place is not on the periphery of daily life, but at its center."   

We welcome applicants from all sectors who agilely solve problems, show up as they are, and can't stop innovating.  

What’s the news? 

Recent and Upcoming Programming

• Lincoln Center Reveals 25/26 Season Featuring Jeanine Tesori as Visionary Artist
• Kyle Abraham's 20 Years of Urgency at Lincoln Center Rose Theatre

Campus Happenings

• Lincoln Center Gets $50 Million Gift to Promote Contemporary Dance
• The new JFK terminal will show iconic artworks from MoMA, the Met and Lincoln Center

 Legacies of San Juan Hill

• WNYC: Lincoln Center Celebrates 'Legacies of San Juan Hill
• Lincoln Center Launches San Juan Hill Project Digital Hub To Remember the Lost Urban Neighborhood

Who is our President and CEO?  

Dr. Mariko Silver

Join us! 

It is the policy of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Inc., to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, marital or civil partnership/union status, familial or caregiver status, alienage or citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, military or veteran status, genetic information, predisposition, or carrier status, unemployment status, domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. LCPA is committed to creating a dynamic work environment that values diversity and inclusion, respect and integrity, customer focus, and innovation.

If you require reasonable accommodation in locating open positions, completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Abigail Worsnip at (212) 875–5324.