If you are interested in joining a dynamic and growing non-profit organization, Retail Council of Canada (RCC) is for you. We are an energetic and progressive trade association thats moving fast and looking forward. Our commitment to our members and high-quality customer service are our top priorities. For more than 50 years, RCC has been the Voice of Retail, marked by leadership in exceptional member benefit programs, government lobbying, public affairs, education and training, and thought leadership.

RCC is looking for a Director, Sponsorship based in Toronto (GTA) reporting to the Vice President, Partnerships and Education.

POSITION SUMMARY

The positions primary responsibility is to lead and direct RCCs partnership efforts, including sponsorship and advertising, through strategic leadership to maintain and increase revenue generation and to grow and retain non-retail members. Ensuring effective departmental business plans are developed and executed, and that respective teams are supported to provide valuable products and services to RCC members while supporting RCCs overall strategic plan.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute yearly sales cycle and strategies to meet and exceed annual revenue targets for sponsorship and advertising.
• Identify and capitalize on new sponsorship opportunities, building a robust pipeline to sustain revenue growth.
• Drive negotiations, close sponsorship deals, and ensure timely contract renewals to maintain consistent revenue streams.
• Actively cultivate cross-selling and upselling opportunities with existing sponsors to enhance partnership value and expand revenue.
• Proactively source, engage, and onboard new sponsors to expand RCCs partner network.
• Oversee contract fulfillment, ensuring all sponsor commitments are met.
• Engage prospective sponsors in membership activities, send membership renewal reminders, and process membership for supplier community.
• Collaborate with Finance on invoicing, payment processing, and accurate financial reporting.
• Conduct performance reviews, manage development plans, and provide coaching for one direct report.

REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Bachelors degree in Sales, Business/Commerce, Marketing, or equivalent.

Experience

• 7-10 years of experience in sales, sponsorship, or business development, ideally within an association or similar industry.
• Proven track record in revenue generation, negotiation, strategic sales planning, and relationship management.
• Experience in developing and executing multi-year partnership agreements with demonstrated ability to manage the end-to-end sales process, from prospecting to renewal.
• Familiarity with sales pipeline management, budgeting, and forecasting.
  

Knowledge & Skills

• Sales & Negotiation: Exceptional sales and negotiation skills with the ability to craft compelling proposals and secure strategic sponsorship commitments.
• Strategic Planning: Strong aptitude for aligning sponsorship strategies with organizational goals, identifying market trends, and adapting offerings to enhance sponsor appeal.
• Relationship Building: Expertise in building and maintaining long-term sponsor relationships, with a proactive approach to fostering trust and delivering value.
• Project Management: Highly organized, with experience in managing multiple sponsorship accounts and timelines, ensuring prompt fulfillment and sponsor satisfaction.
• Financial Acumen: Proficient in budgeting, revenue forecasting, and financial reporting, with the ability to work closely with Finance to ensure revenue goals are tracked and achieved.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze sponsorship performance metrics, assess ROI, and identify opportunities to enhance future sales and partnership offerings.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills, adept at creating presentations and reports that effectively communicate value to both internal and external stakeholders.
• Technological Proficiency: Skilled in CRM tools for tracking sales pipelines and managing client relationships, as well as advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Assets

• Familiarity with associations and industry-related sponsorship dynamics.
• Graphic design knowledge and experience with various image formats (e.g., .jpg, .eps, .ai) to support sponsorship material creation.
• Bilingualism (English/French), with the ability to effectively engage a broader range of partners and sponsors.

What we offer

• Flexible work environment with a hybrid work culture.
• Ongoing learning and career growth.
• Tuition reimbursement.
  
• Competitive compensation & benefits package.
• Additional time off during holidays and summertime.
  
• Dress for your day.

DEADLINE: Friday, January 31, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. EST

For information about RCC, visit our website atwww.retailcouncil.org

Retail Council of Canada is an equal opportunity employer. It is the companys policy to recruit and select applicants for employment solely on the basis of their qualifications, with emphasis on selecting the best-qualified person for the job. Retail Council of Canada does not discriminate against applicants based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, or disability, or any other status or condition protected by applicable federal, provincial or municipal law. Retail Council of Canada is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment practices. If you require an accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know in advance and we will work with you to meet your needs.