Position Summary:
WCS seeks a Director of Corporate Engagement to lead an ambitious, institution-wide strategy for growing WCS's corporate fundraising. This position will be directly accountable for growing corporate philanthropy, sponsorship, and membership with an aspirational goal to double annual revenue to more than $15M. Corporate fundraising is a critical priority for WCS's fundraising efforts and contributes to an overall department goal of raising $200M+ annually in private philanthropy. This position will also help strategically align corporate earned-revenue efforts led by other departments.
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team of four to ambitiously grow corporate support at WCS. Reporting to the VP for Institutional Advancement, this leadership position is based at the Bronx Zoo headquarters in New York City and works in tandem with the foundation relations team on the strategy, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of institutional funders.
We are looking for creative, entrepreneurial, well-organized candidates with demonstrated leadership in corporate philanthropy and/or sponsorship; a track record of soliciting and closing seven-figure commitments; and exceptional written and oral communication skills. If you thrive on meeting with donors, mentoring staff, and generating revenue for mission-based initiatives, we'd love to meet you. Your fundraising work will help WCS save more than 40% of the world's biodiversity, advance nature-based solutions to climate change, and inspire the next generation of conservationists through world-class zoos and aquarium programs.
Principal Responsibilities: Reporting to the Vice President for Institutional Advancement, this role will:
- Own and execute an ambitious corporate revenue growth strategy with clear annual and multi-year targets for new business, renewals, upgrades, and multi-year partnerships.
- Lead development of corporate engagement strategies aligned with organizational priorities and generate new revenue for key initiatives, including new exhibits and experiences at the Bronx Zoo and global conservation programs.
- Lead and mentor a talented and growing team of corporate engagement professionals with a track record of surpassing revenue targets.
- Strategically develop and manage a portfolio of corporate relationships with high-capacity and high-potential supporters.
- Personally cultivate, solicit, and close significant corporate partnerships, prioritizing seven-figure-plus commitments.
- Establish annual work plans, revenue targets, and key performance indicators in collaboration with Development senior leadership.
- Partner with Development senior leadership to unify corporate engagement efforts and coordinate outreach and relationship management.
- Co-convene prospect review sessions to share information and identify opportunities.
- Prioritize engagement actions for trustees, the President & CEO, Chief Development Officer, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and other senior staff.
- Serve as the institutional strategy lead for corporate engagement, partnering with internal teams including Business Services, Conservation Markets, Public Affairs, and others.
- Build collaborative relationships across the organization and serve as a primary point of contact for Finance, Legal, the Executive Office, and Operations teams regarding corporate partnerships.
- Ensure revenue and expenditures remain aligned with budget goals and that processes and database management protocols are followed.
- Drive prospect identification and pipeline development efforts to expand the base of corporate partners in the United States and internationally.
Internal Qualification RequirementsMinimum 5 years in a leadership role within the nonprofit or corporate sector, with demonstrated success managing corporate partnerships and generating revenue through corporate engagement.
Demonstrated experience building and scaling a revenue-generating program, managing a significant portfolio, and personally closing complex partnerships.
Ability to navigate complex organizations and develop partnerships that combine philanthropy, sponsorship, marketing, employee engagement, and other corporate interests.
Strong leadership, business, and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff, donors, and partners.
Demonstrated experience leading complex or multiple time-sensitive projects while meeting financial goals and deadlines.
Strong comfort representing WCS externally, with excellent interpersonal skills, judgment, and collaborative abilities.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Willingness and ability to travel and to work evenings and weekends when needed.
Demonstrated interest in WCS's mission and the ability to translate complex priorities into compelling partnership opportunities.
Experience working with wildlife and/or conservation-focused nonprofits is a plus.
Bachelor's degree required.
Physical Requirements:
This role is office-based and involves regular computer and telephone use, with frequent sitting and standing throughout the day. Occasional walking, stair climbing, driving, and light lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required. Periodic travel is also expected.
Workplace Conditions:
This is a hybrid, New York City-based position that requires regular collaboration with colleagues, donors, and partners. The role includes occasional evening and weekend attendance at events, along with periodic travel to support corporate engagement activities. Most work is performed indoors in a professional office environment.
Equal Employment Opportunity Disclaimer:
WCS is an equal opportunity employer, and the organization complies with all employment and labor laws and regulations that prohibit discrimination in hiring and ensures that candidates from all backgrounds are fairly and consistently considered during the recruitment process. We are dedicated to hiring and engaging in a diverse workforce. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive work environment and looking for future team members who share that same value. The organization provides equal employment opportunities for all qualified candidates. The organization does not discriminate for employment based on gender, race/ethnicity, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship status, caste, genetic information or any other covered status or characteristic protected by laws and regulations/and similar categories.
It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that we do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based upon a person’s membership in one of these protected categories in areas such as recruitment, selection, job assignment, supervision, training, promotions, promotions, job grading, transfers, termination, compensation, benefits, educational opportunities, WCS sponsored recreational activities and facilities. The organization complies with the spirit and intent of relevant local laws and WCS’s employment policies.
Note that the salary offer will reflect the selected candidate’s individual experiences, skills and qualifications, internal equity, work location and country of work.
