Managing Director of Corporate Relations

Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters - Memphis, TN

Ducks Unlimited, Inc., the continent's leader in waterfowl and wetlands conservation, seeks a Managing Director of Corporate Relations to lead national corporate engagement strategy and strengthen DU's brand through organization-wide partnerships. Working with internal teams, volunteers, corporate partners, retailers, licensees, sponsors, and other stakeholders, this role will coordinate corporate partnerships, sponsorships, licensing, affinity marketing, national promotions, retail relations, cause-related marketing, and partner stewardship. The Managing Director will leverage DU's trusted brand to expand visibility, revenue, influence, and conservation impact while helping shape strategic direction as opportunities evolve.

This position reports to the National Director of Corporate and Foundation Partnerships and is expected to reside in Memphis, TN, the site of Ducks Unlimited National Headquarters.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, communications, nonprofit management, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in corporate relations, business development, brand partnerships, sponsorship sales, or similar revenue development role.
• Proven success in identifying, cultivating, soliciting, securing, and stewarding complex corporate partnerships, sponsorships, or contracts.
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, relationship-building, and travel flexibility, including overnight travel and non-traditional hours as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in business, marketing, communications, nonprofit management, or related field.
• Experience in conservation, outdoor recreation, nonprofit fundraising, or a mission-driven organization.
• Familiarity with brand management, product development/distribution, trademark licensing, retail relations, sponsorship sales, and corporate culture.
• Experience leading teams, coordinating cross-functional initiatives, managing budgets, and using Microsoft Office, Power BI, and CRM systems; Blackbaud CRM preferred.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive national corporate relations strategy that aligns with DU's national objectives, advances an aggressive and relevant conservation mission, and leverages coordinated internal and external partnerships to expand reach, revenue, influence, and conservation impact.
• Grow and coordinate DU's brand awareness and partnership opportunities through sponsorships, licensing, promotions, retail relations, cause-related marketing, and related corporate programs, ensuring every extension of the brand is consistent, unified, and mission-aligned.
• Cultivate, structure, and steward substantial, multi-layered relationships with corporate partners, community organizations, industry leaders, volunteers, and internal stakeholders that strengthen DU's brand presence, expand public engagement, and help shape strategic direction as opportunities evolve.
• Lead, mentor, and coordinate professional staff and cross-functional teams to ensure corporate engagement, licensing, sponsorship, retail, promotional, and partner stewardship initiatives operate as integrated extensions of DU's brand and deliver measurable mission value.
• Partner closely with the Sr. Advisory Vice President of Corporate Relations and provide strategic guidance to the volunteer Corporate Relations Committee, ensuring volunteer leadership, corporate engagement priorities, and national relationship strategies are aligned with DU's broader mission and revenue objectives.

Skills:

• Relationship-building, communication, writing, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strategic thinking and analytical ability to assess market trends, partner objectives, stakeholder feedback, and revenue opportunities.
• Leadership, collaboration, sound judgment, attention to detail, deadline management, and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge of conservation values, outdoor traditions, corporate partnerships, sponsorship sales, product development, CRM systems, and corporate culture.

Benefits/Salary: Salary will be based on experience. DU offers an exceptional benefit package, including comprehensive group medical, prescription, dental and vision insurance, including spouse and dependent coverage; three weeks paid vacation, paid sick leave, and ten paid holidays; 401(k) plan (including partial employer match); and tuition reimbursement.

Application Instructions: To complete your application, please submit a cover letter outlining your interest in the position and a resume highlighting relevant qualifications. Applications will be reviewed as received, and the position will remain open until filled.