Director of Development and Partnerships

Company Description

The National Cherry Blossom Festival, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Washington, DC, produces and promotes one of the world's premier springtime celebrations and positions Washington, DC, as the springtime destination. The Festival is dedicated to promoting the beauty of nature and international friendship through year-round programs, events, educational initiatives, and cultural experiences that enhance the environment, celebrate arts and culture, and strengthen community connections.

Position Summary

The Director of Development and Partnerships is a mission-critical leader responsible for advancing the National Cherry Blossom Festival's financial sustainability, strategic growth, and long-term success. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, this position leads all sponsorship, partnership, donor, and revenue-generation efforts while managing the Development and Partnerships team.

The Director will develop and execute strategies to identify, cultivate, secure, and steward corporate, philanthropic, community, and government partners. Success in this role requires the ability to build authentic, long-term relationships and create innovative, customized partnership and sponsorship solutions that align partner objectives with the Festival's mission, audience, and community impact.

As a senior leader and ambassador for the Festival, the Director collaborates across departments to drive partnership activation, create meaningful collaborations, and enhance the experience of the Festival's 1.5 million annual attendees. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record in fundraising, sponsorship sales, partnership development, creative solution selling, and team leadership.

The successful candidate thrives in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment and demonstrates exceptional communication, negotiation, relationship-building, and project management skills.

Reports To: President and Chief Executive Officer

Direct Reports: Partnerships and Sponsorship Manager(s), Coordinator and Contractors

Collaborates Closely With: Marketing and Communications, Events and Operations, Finance, and Executive Leadership

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Development and Partnerships team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and excellence.
• Manage departmental operations, including planning, goal setting, performance management, and professional development.
• Establish and monitor fundraising, sponsorship, and partnership goals.
• Provide oversight for staff, contractors, interns, and volunteers supporting development initiatives.

Relationship Development and External Engagement

• Serve as a primary ambassador and public representative of the Festival.
• Build and maintain long-term relationships with sponsors, donors, community leaders, elected officials, and key stakeholders.
• Develop strategic alliances with business, tourism, hospitality, cultural, and community organizations.
• Represent the Festival at networking events, industry functions, and community meetings.

Partnership Strategy and Revenue Generation

• Develop and execute strategies to secure financial and in-kind support.
• Build and manage a robust pipeline of corporate, philanthropic, and community partners.
• Create compelling sponsorship proposals, presentations, and partnership agreements.
• Negotiate sponsorship agreements, renewals, and multi-year commitments.
• Design innovative and customized sponsorship and partnership programs that align partner objectives with Festival assets, audience engagement opportunities, and community impact.
• Develop creative, value-driven partnership solutions and activation concepts that address unique partner needs, deliver measurable results, and create mutual benefit for both partners and the Festival.
• Execute fundraising plans that achieve annual revenue goals and support long-term sustainability.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, Nonprofit Management, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience in fundraising, sponsorship sales, business development, partnership management, or related fields.
• Minimum of four (4) years of leadership and team management experience.
• Demonstrated success securing corporate sponsorships, philanthropic support, and strategic partnerships.
• Proven ability to grow revenues and expand a sponsorship or donor portfolio.
• Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including proposal and presentation development.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• High level of professionalism, initiative, accountability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, consultants, board members, and external stakeholders.

TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with CRM and database management systems.
• Experience with Monday.com and Slack preferred.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Leadership
• Fundraising and Revenue Generation
• Relationship Management
• Team Development and Coaching
• Strategic Partnership Design
• Innovative Sponsorship Development
• Project and Process Management
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Results Oriented
• Problem Solving and Decision Making
• Adaptability and Change Management

Work Environment

As an integral part of the NCBF team, this full-time salaried exempt position participates fully in and leads the production and execution of all Festival events. This requires flexibility to be available evenings and weekends, and to work additional hours during peak periods. Must be comfortable working onsite at outdoor events and able to move through event sites, stand for extended periods, and work in changing and challenging weather conditions.

COMPENSATION/BENEFITS

Salary range: $95,000 - $115,000/year. Benefits package includes health insurance with prescription drug, dental, and eye plans (substantially underwritten by NCBF); annual and sick leave; short-term and long-term disability; life insurance; flexible spending account; 401K plan with safe harbor contributions eligible 6 months after hire; parking/transit subsidy, office location in Downtown Washington, DC.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).