Description
Cal Cities is seeking a strategic, relationship driven leader with a strong business development mindset and a passion for advancing the work of California's cities through impactful partnerships.
The Director of Strategic Partnerships is responsible for developing and sustaining revenue generating corporate, nonprofit, and public-private partnerships that advance Cal Cities' mission and priorities. This role drives non-dues revenue growth by overseeing strategic partnership programs, identifying emerging opportunities that expand Cal Cities' reach and impact across member cities. Coordinating with senior leadership, the Director manages partnership strategy and execution, sets revenue goals, oversees budgets, and leads staff to ensure partnerships are values aligned, results focused, and support high quality experiences for city leaders statewide.
Duties include, but are not limited to:
• Develop and lead revenue generating partnership strategies that advance Cal Cities' mission, priorities, and long-term organizational goals.
• Develop, manage, and grow strategic corporate and nonprofit partnerships that deliver measurable value to member cities and expand non-dues revenue.
• Direct the full lifecycle of partnership programs, from opportunity development and solicitation to implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Set revenue goals and oversee budgets and performance metrics, ensuring accountability, effectiveness, and alignment with member needs.
• Manage and guide staff and cross-departmental collaboration to support partnership strategy, program delivery, and high-quality member experiences.
• Serve as a key internal and external liaison for strategic partnerships, strengthening relationships with partners, senior leadership, and governance bodies.
Compensation and Benefits
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Salary range $139,400 - $209,200. A qualified candidate will most likely fall in the $156,870 - $174,300 range.
Retirement: California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) 2% at 60 for classic CalPERS members; 2% at 62 for new CalPERS members.
Deferred Compensation: Employees may defer compensation through Cal Cities' Mission Square 457 defined contribution plan.
Health/Dental/Vision Insurance: Employees participate in an optional benefit program that includes dental insurance, vision insurance and medical coverage selected from three HMO, two PPO plans, and two HSA plans.
Life Insurance: Employer-paid life insurance coverage for employees. Supplemental employee-paid coverage is available.
Other Benefits: Under employer's optional benefit program, employees may use a portion of their salaries on a pre-tax basis to cover childcare and/or certain health care expenses.
Vacation: Two weeks annually; three weeks after five years of service.
Management Time Off: One day per quarter; four annually.
Holidays: Employees receive twelve paid holidays annually.
Sick Leave: Employees earn twelve days annually.
Requirements
A bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, economics, marketing, or a related field is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Seven to ten years of progressively responsible experience developing, implementing, and coordinating programs that support business development or revenue generating activities, including at least two years in a supervisory capacity. Experience working with membership-based associations and familiarity with California cities, municipal organizations, or state-level public sector environments is strongly preferred.
Work Schedule and Travel
Cal Cities' normal workweek is Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position requires a regular in-person presence at the Sacramento office; a hybrid schedule may be available, it is not a fully remote role. Travel required (as needed) to locations throughout California in the performance of duties.
Recruitment/Decision Schedule
Recruitment for the Director of Strategic Partnerships will be ongoing until the position is filled. The goal is to complete the recruitment process at the earliest opportunity and welcome the new team member on board as soon as possible.