POSITION SUMMARYThe Event & Corporate Partnership Manager leads the strategy, planning, and execution of Akin's signature events and corporate partnerships. This role serves as the primary project manager for all events while also building and securing corporate partnerships that drive revenue, expand visibility, and that inspire and depend connection to Akin's work. This position plays a key role in advancing Akin's fundraising strategy by integrating events, corporate philanthropy, and relationship-building into a cohesive ecosystem of support.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Event Strategy & Execution- Lead the planning and execution of all Akin events including a signature annual event in Seattle and regional donor and community events across the state
- Conceptualize and execute both large-scale fundraising events and smaller engagement Manage all aspects of event logistics including timelines, vendors, budgets, and on-site execution
- Lead sponsorship integration within events, ensuring strong visibility and partner satisfaction
- Evaluate event performance and implement improvements for future growth
- Oversee logistics including venue, vendors, catering, production, and on-site execution
- Negotiate and manage contracts and vendor relationships
- Serve as internal expert on event planning best practices
Corporate Partnership Development- Develop and execute a corporate partnership strategy aligned with Akin's philanthropic goals
- Develop and manage a portfolio of corporate partners and sponsors
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate donors to meet revenue goals
- Create customized sponsorship opportunities aligned with Akin's mission and partner interests
- Strengthen long-term partnerships through engagement, recognition, and impact reporting
- Collaborate with leadership and board members to leverage networks and expand corporate support
- Collaborate across teams to align partnership strategy
- Serve as primary relationship manager for corporate partners
- Collaborate with the Volunteer and Community Engagement Manager to support employee giving and corporate volunteer giving days
Budget & Operations- Develop and manage events and corporate giving budgets and revenue projections
- Track sponsorship, event revenue, and expenses using Akin's CRM and systems
- Oversee vendor relationships, contracts, and procurement processes
Revenue Generation & Stewardship- Drive revenue through sponsorships and event fundraising
- Track performance including revenue and ROI
- Ensure recognition, reporting, and stewardship of partners
- Partner with internal teams on messaging and impact reporting
Collaboration & Leadership- Collaborate with communications/marketing to develop compelling event messaging and materials
- Partner with program staff to incorporate mission moments, storytelling, and impact into events
- Work closely with the broader development team to align corporate and event strategies with fundraising goals
- Support donor engagement strategy with Director of Development and the Major Gifts team
- Serve as ambassador to corporate and community partners
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:- Knowledge of nonprofit fundraising, event management, corporate sponsorships, and donor stewardship
- Ability to develop, cultivate, solicit, and steward corporate partnerships and sponsorships
- Skill in planning, coordinating, and executing fundraising and community engagement events
- Ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, budgets, and deadlines simultaneously
- Skill in building relationships with donors, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, and community partners
- Ability to negotiate contracts and manage vendor relationships
- Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills
- Skill in using CRM databases, tracking revenue, and analyzing fundraising performance
- Ability to collaborate effectively across departments and with leadership, board members, and external stakeholders
- Ability to represent the organization professionally and advance its mission through strategic partnerships and community engagement
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and fundraising/event management software
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and adapt to changing priorities and schedules, including occasional evenings and weekends for events.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:This job is performed in a professional office environment. Some travel is required throughout Washington State with monthly required in-person meetings in Seattle.
HYBRID WORK ARRANGEMENTS:Hybrid work is a benefit of Akin's flexible workplace but cannot be offered for all positions. Some positions require daily presence in the office. Hybrid work arrangements may be adjusted or rescinded based upon business needs.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:- While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard; occasionally to reach, stoop and kneel
- Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work
- Regular, predictable attendance is required
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:- 5+ years of experience in events, partnerships, or fundraising
- Proven success in securing corporate sponsorships
- Strong project management and organizational skills
- Excellent communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills
- Experience managing budgets and multiple priorities
SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS:We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position.
The target starting pay for this position is $86,382 - $103,646, typically within the first half of these ranges. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant's pay history into account.
The range above allows our employees room for growth during their tenure in the position.
