DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

GBH is a vibrant public media powerhouse that enriches people’s lives through programs and services that educate, inspire, and entertain – fostering citizenship and culture, the joy of learning, and the power of diverse perspectives.

GBH is more than a station or a channel — it is a leader in independent public media, telling the stories that matter to our audiences and producing programs that can change the world.

For the past 75 years we have grown to become the largest producer of content for PBS, making award winning series such as FRONTLINE, NOVA, MASTERPIECE, American Experience, and ANTIQUES ROADSHOW. PBS is the most trusted source of media in the United States carrying the local, national and international news that audiences rely on. 

The Development Division is responsible for raising funds from individuals and institutions. It plays a vital role in helping to finance broadcast, video, digital, and audio programs, including celebrated dramas, investigative journalism, documentaries, children’s media, podcasts, and other local and national programming in the public media system.

JOB OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer, the Director, Corporate Partnerships will lead the strategic design, launch, and growth of GBH’s corporate philanthropy and partnership program.

This is a newly elevated leadership role created to expand and diversify GBH’s revenue streams in response to evolving media economics, including the decline of traditional funding sources and increased competition for philanthropic support.

The Director will build and manage a comprehensive corporate partnerships program that complements existing corporate underwriting, with a focus on securing philanthropic support from corporate social responsibility (CSR), ESG, and foundation budgets.

This leader will position GBH as a strategic impact partner — moving beyond transactional sponsorships to long-term, mission-aligned, multi-dimensional relationships that deliver both social impact and business value to corporate partners.

The role will oversee a portfolio of high-potential corporate partners locally and nationally and will be responsible for cultivating executive-level relationships, designing innovative partnership models, and achieving ambitious revenue growth targets.

RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Design and implement a comprehensive corporate philanthropy and partnerships strategy aligned with GBH’s institutional priorities and revenue goals.
• Build a new corporate partnerships function, including infrastructure, processes, and cross-functional alignment with Development, Sponsorship/Enterprise, Marketing, and Content teams.
• Establish GBH’s value proposition as a strategic impact partner, integrating philanthropy, content, community engagement, and brand alignment.
• Identify and develop scalable partnership models (e.g., Corporate Impact Funds, employee engagement programs, executive forums, product collaborations).

• Develop and manage a portfolio of 50–75 high-value corporate prospects and partners capable of six- and seven-figure annual and multi-year commitments.
• Establish and meet aggressive annual revenue and activity goals for corporate philanthropy and partnerships.
• Secure funding across multiple channels, including:
  • Corporate foundation grants
  • Direct corporate donations
  • Employee matching and workplace giving programs
  • In-kind contributions
  • Multi-year strategic partnerships and initiatives

• Cultivate and steward C-suite and senior executive relationships across key sectors (e.g., healthcare, financial services, technology, retail, and media).
• Leverage GBH leadership, board members, and volunteer networks to expand corporate engagement pipelines.
• Serve as a senior ambassador for GBH, articulating its mission, impact, and partnership opportunities to external audiences.

• Develop customized proposals and partnership agreements that align corporate business objectives with GBH’s mission and programs.
• Ensure delivery of high-quality stewardship, including impact reporting, brand alignment, and executive engagement opportunities.
• Balance corporate expectations (e.g., visibility, engagement, and measurable impact) with GBH’s editorial integrity and public media standards.

• Partner with content leaders, executive producers, and program teams to align corporate support with priority initiatives (e.g., education, science, arts, journalism).
• Work closely with sponsorship/enterprise teams to ensure clear differentiation and coordination between philanthropic and commercial revenue streams.
• Collaborate with Events, Marketing, and Communications teams to design engagement opportunities, convenings, and recognition strategies.

• Build and manage a small, high-performing corporate partnerships team as the program grows.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and entrepreneurial culture within the Development Division.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to junior staff and cross-functional partners.

SKILL SET

• Exceptional relationship-building and influencing skills, particularly with senior corporate leaders and executives.
• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen, with the ability to develop compelling value propositions that resonate with corporate partners.
• Expertise in corporate philanthropy, CSR/ESG trends, and nonprofit revenue diversification strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including proposal development, executive briefings, and presentations.
• Ability to navigate complex, matrixed organizations and balance multiple stakeholder interests.
• High degree of emotional intelligence, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong initiative, creativity, and resilience.
• Deep commitment to GBH’s mission and the role of public media in society.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10–15 years of relevant experience in corporate partnerships, corporate philanthropy, business development, or nonprofit fundraising, with progressively senior leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated success in securing and managing six- and seven-figure corporate partnerships or philanthropic gifts.
• Strong network of corporate contacts, ideally within Boston/New England and across key national industries.
• Proven ability to design and launch new initiatives or programs within a complex organization.

JOB SPECIFICS

Staff position

Hybrid position

LOCATION

One Guest Street, Brighton, MA 02135