Corporate Sponsorship Officer

Summit Search Group has proudly partnered with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet (RWB) on the search for a
Corporate Sponsorship Officer
. The Royal Winnipeg Ballet is Canada's oldest ballet company and one of the most respected dance institutions in North America, with an international reputation for artistic excellence and community engagement. The RWB is currently seeking a strategic, experienced, and relationship-focused professional to grow and strengthen its corporate sponsorship efforts.

This is an exciting time to join the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's Development team. As the organization enters a new era under the artistic leadership of internationally acclaimed Christopher Stowell, the RWB is embracing a period of creative growth and transformation. With a proud legacy and a passionate community of supporters, the company is focused on strengthening partnerships and building a sustainable future. The
Corporate Sponsorship Officer
will play a key role in advancing that vision by cultivating strategic corporate relationships that champion the RWB's mission, elevate its national profile, and help bring bold artistic ambitions to life.

Position:

The Corporate Sponsorship Officer leads the sponsorship and corporate partnership initiatives of the organization to enhance financial sustainability, support the mission of the RWB, and strengthen its position in the community and business sectors. This role focuses on cultivating strategic, long-term corporate relationships, developing sponsorship proposals, providing leadership in the corporate components of fundraising events (including the annual Masquerade Gala), and tracking performance outcomes.

This is an excellent opportunity for a driven and collaborative fundraising leader to join a world-renowned cultural institution, shape a dynamic development program, and contribute meaningfully to the arts in Canada.

Key Responsibilities:

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with new and existing corporate partners and sponsors.
• Identify and research potential sponsorship opportunities.
• Develop and execute multi-year strategic plans for corporate partnerships and sponsors; identify projects and programs suitable for sponsors and develop cases for support.
• Craft and present compelling sponsorship and partnership materials, highlighting mutual benefits and community impact.
• Ensure fulfillment of sponsorship benefits offered to corporate partners and sponsors, including required reporting.
• Support planning and execution of special events in Winnipeg, including the annual Masquerade Ball, corporate receptions, cultivation events, and across Canada during Company tours.
• Work with internal teams (Artistic, Marketing, Production, and School) to ensure sponsor visibility and activation.
• Align corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and special events with the artistic vision and institutional mission of the RWB.
• Monitor sponsorship agreements and ensure benefits are delivered according to contract.
• With the development team, produce an annual development plan ensuring alignment with partnership, sponsorship and event goals.
• Track, analyze, and report on partnership performance, financial outcomes, and engagement metrics.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date partnership records in Tessitura.
• Stay informed on corporate trends within the sector and evaluate how these trends affect the RWB's fundraising capabilities.
• Support the overall activities of the development department and perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Senior-level experience in fundraising, donor stewardship, or advancement, preferably in the not-for-profit or arts sector.
• Post secondary education in Business Administration, Fundraising, Event Management or related field of study; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and event management.
• Proven success in securing and managing corporate partnerships and sponsorship fulfillment.
• Experience with donor database management systems (Tessitura an asset).
• Experience in the non-profit sector an asset.
• Experience managing budgets and vendor relationships.
• Clear Child Abuse Registry Check and Criminal Background Check required.

Skills and Specifications

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong project management and organizational abilities.
• Detail-oriented with creative problem-solving skills.
• Natural aptitude for business development and outbound corporate prospecting.
• Self-motivated with a proactive and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

This is a unique opportunity to support one of Canada's most celebrated performing arts organizations. The successful candidate will help strengthen the Royal Winnipeg Ballet's corporate partnerships and play an important role in sustaining the future of dance in Canada — all within a creative, collaborative, and mission-driven environment.

For more information, or to submit your resume, please contact Gail Eckert at Summit Search Group:

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