Corporate Relations Manager

To be considered for the position, please include a cover letter and resume.  
Visit the VFW career site 
www.vfw.org/careers

NATURE OF WORK:

The Corporate Relations Manager is responsible for seeking opportunities to generate new partnerships with the industry, stewarding ongoing relationships, and maintaining clear and consistent communications with the corporate sector. The incumbent will work as part of the VFW Foundation team and with other VFW departments to sustain and expand strategic corporate partnerships in support of the VFW’s long-term goals and objectives. Develop budgets related to corporate support, including revenue and expense projections.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Corporate Partnership Development:
  • Identify, cultivate, and secure new corporate partnerships to support the Foundation's programs and initiatives.
  • Develop tailored sponsorship proposals and presentations that align with corporate social responsibility (CSR) goals of potential partners.
  • Conduct prospect research related to corporate relations goals and objectives; arrange and participate in cultivation visits and strategic conversations with current and prospective corporate partners.
• Relationship Management:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for existing corporate partners, ensuring satisfaction and fulfillment of partnership agreements.
  • Build and maintain long-term relationships through regular communication, updates, and engagement activities.
  • Steward donors and fulfill benefit requirements and requests, ensuring excellence in customer service.
• Strategic Planning:
  • Develop and implement a comprehensive corporate relations strategy to meet annual fundraising goals.
  • Research industry trends and identify innovative opportunities for corporate engagement.

• Event Sponsorship and Collaboration:
  • Collaborate with internal teams to secure corporate sponsorships for VFW Foundation events and campaigns.
  • Oversee the recognition and acknowledgment of corporate sponsors at VFW events including VFW National Convention, VFW regional meetings, etc. and in promotional materials.
  • Manage E-show Event Management internally and externally in alignment with VFW Events/Meetings staff.

• Reporting and Analytics:
  • Track corporate relationships, including donations and sponsorships, and ensure these transactions are appropriately acknowledged.
  • Analyze and evaluate corporate relations activities to ensure impact and growth, recommending changes as necessary.
  • Provide regular updates to leadership on progress toward fundraising goals.

• Additional Opportunities:
  • Develop opportunities for other types of corporate partnerships, including cause-marketing and customer point-of-sale donations.
  • Leverage corporate relationships to provide value-added services, such as increased media exposure or product donations that support VFW programs.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Bachelor’s degree required, preferably in a business-related field such as marketing, communications, or management. In lieu of a bachelor’s degree, 5 or more years military or civilian experience in a similar position will be considered.
• Minimum of five years related experience with demonstrated success in generating revenue, preferably through corporate relationships.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to network, build external relationships, and cultivate corporate partnerships.
• Proficiency in Customer Relations Management (CRM) software and fundraising database applications (e.g., Salesforce, Boomerang) desirable as well as competence in Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint).
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively convey the mission and goals of the Foundation.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to research and analyze corporations for propensity to collaborate with VFW.
• Knowledge of and experience with VFW or VFW Auxiliary membership preferred but not required.

• Reports to VFW Foundation Director, Corporate & Foundation Relations.
• No supervisory responsibilities.
• Regular interaction with internal constituents (e.g., VFW Foundation, VFW Programs, Membership, Development and Event staff) as well as external constituents (e.g., current, and prospective corporate sponsors/donors) to facilitate collaboration and generate revenue to support VFW programs and services.
• Active involvement in short-term, mid-term, and long-term planning processes related to VFW Foundation goals and objectives.
• The position is Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) exempt.

            WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Performance-based, team-oriented office environment.
• Daily research, analysis, and communications via computer, internet, and telephone.
• Limited out-of-office travel required to facilitate corporate visits, events, and presentations. Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license.

• Share responsibility with Foundation staff to develop revenue goals and objectives in support of VFW Programs, VFW National Convention, etc.
• Responsible for servicing corporate partners to ensure relationships are sustained and expanded.
• Maintains detailed, accurate, and up-to-date records of corporate contacts and relationships.
• Ensures that activities are integrated with overall objectives of the VFW so as avoid conflict of goals and objectives.
• Ensures that relationships with the public, VFW membership, regulatory and charity watchdog agencies, corporations, and other external entities reflect positively on the VFW.

• The above duties are general in nature and are not intended to reflect all of the duties which may be required of the incumbent.

  If not already listed as a requirement for the position, all employees (if eligible) are encouraged to become members of the VFW.  If ineligible for VFW membership, employees (if eligible) are encouraged to join the VFW Auxiliary. Additionally, all employees are encouraged to actively promote the benefits of membership into the VFW and VFW Auxiliary to others that qualify. 

  The VFW Foundation offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.

  Some relocation allowance may be available.