Business Development Lead

Business Development Lead (Partnerships & Sponsorships)

Organization: Milky Way Tech Hub

Location: Milwaukee, WI (Hybrid / Flexible)

Type: Fractional / Contract

Hours: ~8–10 hours per week

About Milky Way Tech Hub

Milky Way Tech Hub is a social impact organization focused on creating equitable opportunities in the tech ecosystem. Through initiatives centered on Smart Cities, STEAM education, entrepreneurship, and community engagement, the organization works to build a more inclusive technology landscape in Milwaukee and beyond.

Milky Way Tech Hub leads several initiatives including community programming, corporate partnerships, and Wisconsin Tech Month—an annual statewide celebration of technology and innovation.

Role Overview

Milky Way Tech Hub is seeking a Business Development Lead to support the growth of corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and revenue-generating opportunities.

This role is responsible for identifying prospective partners, cultivating relationships, and helping convert those opportunities into sponsorships, memberships, and strategic partnerships that support the organization’s mission.

The position is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, developing partnership opportunities, and contributing to the growth of a mission-driven organization.

Key ResponsibilitiesPartnership Development

• Identify and research prospective corporate partners and sponsors
• Build and maintain a partnership pipeline
• Conduct outreach to potential sponsors, partners, and collaborators
• Cultivate relationships with corporate and ecosystem stakeholders

Revenue Generation

• Secure corporate sponsorships for Milky Way Tech Hub initiatives
• Support development of corporate membership opportunities
• Assist in identifying partnership opportunities tied to events and programming
• Help convert partnership discussions into signed agreements and sponsorship commitments

Pipeline & Relationship Management

• Track outreach activity and partnership conversations
• Maintain visibility into partnership pipeline and deal progress
• Coordinate with leadership on partnership strategy and priorities

Strategic Support

• Provide insights on partnership opportunities and market trends
• Support development of sponsorship packages and partnership offerings
• Help identify organizations aligned with Milky Way Tech Hub’s mission and initiatives

Qualifications

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience in business development, partnerships, sponsorships, or sales
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Experience working with corporate partners, nonprofits, or ecosystem organizations
• Ability to manage outreach and partnership pipelines
• Self-starter comfortable working in a flexible, entrepreneurial environment

Experience in technology, innovation ecosystems, or nonprofit partnerships is a plus.

Compensation

This is a fractional role with performance-based incentives.

Compensation structure:

• Monthly retainer: $500–$800
• Commission: 10% on partnerships, sponsorships, or memberships secured

Commission is paid on revenue received from partnerships generated through the role.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role includes:

• Building a strong partnership pipeline
• Securing sponsorship commitments
• Expanding the organization’s corporate network
• Contributing to sustainable revenue growth

Why Join

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Help grow a mission-driven technology ecosystem organization
• Build meaningful partnerships across the tech and business community
• Contribute to initiatives that expand opportunity in the tech sector
• Work directly with leadership on strategic initiatives