Director of Partnership Activation

About The James Beard Foundation

The James Beard Foundation (JBF) is a prominent cultural organization dedicated to honoring and advancing the culinary arts industry. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, JBF's mission centers on celebrating, supporting, and uplifting the individuals behind America's food culture, advocating for excellence rooted in talent, equity, and sustainability. The Foundation accomplishes this through the annual James Beard Awards, numerous industry and community programs, advocacy efforts, partnerships, and events nationwide.

Role Overview and Responsibilities

The Director of Partnership Activation will report to the Vice President of Brand Partnerships and works in close coordination with various departments such as events, marketing, external production teams, and agency partners. The role focuses on the strategic management and growth of the sponsorship portfolio, strengthening partner relations, and expanding new partnership opportunities aligned with JBF's mission.

• Provide exceptional client service to JBF's sponsors and partners across events, programs, and initiatives, fostering long-term relationship growth in line with organizational values.
• Manage coordination, tracking, and reporting of sponsor activations and deliverables throughout events, digital campaigns, and social media to ensure contractual obligations are fulfilled.
• Develop partnership wrap-up reports demonstrating achievement of partner objectives.
• Ensure sponsors are accurately represented in all JBF materials according to contract provisions and approval timelines.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications to develop innovative digital and programmatic partnership initiatives, managing branded social media strategy and timelines for partners.
• Implement established goals and procedures of the brand partnerships team.
• Regularly update leadership with sponsor status reports and progress.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to balance internal priorities while meeting partner objectives.
• Provide guidance on renewal and expansion tactics for partner portfolios to support JBF's growth ambitions and meet partner business goals.
• Engage various JBF departments to ensure seamless communication and collaboration with partners.
• Stay informed on industry best practices and significant corporate developments relevant to partnership management.

Qualifications and Skills

• At least 8 years of experience managing corporate partnerships within agency settings, nonprofits, or large-scale events environments.
• Experience working in large events, food media, or culinary-related sectors is a distinct advantage.
• Passionate about JBF's mission with high energy and commitment.
• Strong strategic thinker and creative problem solver with excellent communication and relationship management abilities.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and results-driven with meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities efficiently and work independently in a fast-paced setting.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills paired with adaptability and flexibility.
• Proficient with MS Office (notably PowerPoint), CRM systems (ideally Salesforce), Adobe Acrobat Pro, Monday.com, and Pageproof.
• Capable of effectively engaging diverse individuals at all organizational levels and demonstrated project planning aptitude.
• Demonstrated enthusiasm and willingness to handle shifting priorities dynamically.

Benefits and Work Environment

JBF provides a vibrant work atmosphere with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents; life insurance; flexible spending accounts; commuter benefits; retirement savings plans; employee assistance programs; tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities; and generous paid time off. Additional support includes fertility planning and up to 18 weeks of paid parental leave. Employees enjoy staff events, access to industry events at Platform by JBF (Pier 57), among other perks.

The Foundation operates a hybrid work schedule requiring presence in the New York City office two days per week. This role is onsite and relocation assistance is not provided.