What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Partnerships Manager position at The Kennebunkport Brief?
Community Partnerships Manager
The Kennebunkport Brief | York County, Maine | Flexible, Commission-Based
ABOUT THE KENNEBUNKPORT BRIEF
The Kennebunkport Brief is a free local newsletter reaching more than 12,000 readers across York County, Maine. Delivered every Monday and Friday, we cover the best local events, live music, community stories, and deals worth knowing about.
Our readers are locals who actually show up to events, support small businesses, and care about what's happening in their communities. We're supported by local sponsors who want to reach that audience in a meaningful way.
We're growing, and we're looking for someone to help us build the next chapter.
THE ROLE
We're looking for a Community Partnerships Manager who knows (or wants to know) everyone in town.
You'll build relationships with local businesses, nonprofits, and event organizers, introduce them to advertising and sponsorship opportunities, and help our existing partners get the most out of working with us.
This is a flexible, primarily remote opportunity for someone who enjoys meeting people, supporting local businesses, and being involved in the York County community.
You'll work directly with the founder and have real ownership over how the Brief grows.
WHAT YOU'LL DO
Sponsorships & Partnerships
- Identify and connect with local businesses, nonprofits, and event organizers who would benefit from reaching our audience.
- Lead sponsorship conversations from initial outreach through signed agreements.
- Introduce partners to newsletter advertising, sponsored community stories, social media promotions, and special editions.
- Maintain a simple pipeline of prospective sponsors, conversations, and follow-ups.
- Help identify new partnership opportunities as the newsletter grows.
Sponsor Relationships
- Build and maintain strong relationships with the sponsors you bring in.
- Onboard new sponsors and coordinate advertising materials, including copy, images, logos, and links.
- Help ensure sponsored placements run smoothly and on schedule.
- Share campaign results and updates with sponsors.
- Lead renewal conversations and identify opportunities to expand existing partnerships.
Community Connections
- Build relationships with local business owners, venues, nonprofits, schools, and event organizers.
- Share interesting community stories, upcoming events, and local happenings with the founder.
- Occasionally attend local events, markets, and community gatherings as a representative of the Brief.
- Help grow awareness of the newsletter through personal connections and word of mouth.
WHO WE'RE LOOKING FOR
We're less concerned with your résumé and more interested in your ability to build relationships, follow through, and connect with people.
The ideal person:
- Lives in or has strong connections to York County, Maine.
- Enjoys meeting new people and building relationships with local business owners.
- Is comfortable reaching out by phone, email, and in person.
- Is organized, dependable, and comfortable managing multiple conversations.
- Communicates clearly and professionally.
- Is self-motivated and comfortable working independently.
- Has a genuine interest in supporting local businesses and the community.
- Can occasionally attend in-person meetings and events around York County.
Nice to Have
- Existing relationships with businesses in Kennebunkport, Kennebunk, Arundel, Wells, or greater York County.
- Experience in sales, advertising, partnerships, account management, or community relations.
- Experience with local media, newsletters, radio, or event sponsorships.
- Familiarity with Instagram, Facebook, or newsletter platforms like beehiiv.
- Experience working with nonprofits, arts organizations, or local events.
Formal sales experience is helpful, but not required. Strong local connections, initiative, and a willingness to learn matter more.
WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE IN 6 MONTHS
- You've developed a steady pipeline of local businesses and organizations interested in partnering with the Brief.
- You've signed new sponsors and helped grow recurring advertising revenue.
- Your sponsors feel supported, understand the value of their partnerships, and want to renew.
- You've become a familiar, trusted contact among local business owners and community organizations.
- You're regularly bringing new partnership ideas, community stories, and opportunities to the table.
COMPENSATION & DETAILS
- Commission: 25% on new sponsorship contracts and 10% on renewals of sponsors you brought in and continue to manage. Commissions are paid as sponsor payments are collected, whether upfront or in installments, for as long as you remain active in the role.
- Base pay: None. This is commission-only, so your earnings grow with your sponsor portfolio.
- Schedule: Flexible, primarily remote.
- Location: York County, Maine preferred.
- In-Person: Occasional local meetings and community events.
- Opportunity: Work directly with the founder of a growing local publication and play a meaningful role in its expansion.
HOW TO APPLY
We'd love to hear a little about you, your connection to York County, and why this opportunity interests you.
When reaching out, tell us: If you could introduce the Kennebunkport Brief to one local business or organization tomorrow, who would it be and why?
Send a brief introduction and any relevant experience to lucasburke20@gmail.com.
No formal cover letter required. We're more interested in getting to know you.
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kennebunkport, ME 04046