Partnership Manager (Corporate Sponsorship)

At the Accelerator Centre, we believe great companies can change communities, industries, and lives. Our purpose is to help founders unlock their potential by connecting them with the mentorship, networks, and support they need to grow. As part of Waterloo Region’s globally recognized innovation ecosystem, the AC is building the conditions for ambitious entrepreneurs to create companies that compete on the world stage and generate lasting impact.

Our Partnerships Manager is responsible for driving sponsorship revenue growth through the acquisition, management, and renewal of corporate sponsorships, strategic partnerships, and revenue-generating collaborations. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this role leads the full sponsorship sales cycle from prospecting and outreach through negotiation, contract execution, activation, renewal, and account growth.

The Partnerships Manager will develop and manage a strong pipeline of corporate sponsors and community partners aligned with the Accelerator Centre’s mission and strategic priorities. This role is highly relationship and sales focused, with accountability for achieving sponsorship revenue targets, delivering partner value, and identifying opportunities to expand organizational impact through partnerships, programming, and the Tactical Marketplace initiative.

The role also supports the growth and engagement of the Tactical Marketplace by identifying strategic partners, sponsors, and vendors that enhance the value of the platform for founders and ecosystem stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own and achieve annual sponsorship and marketplace revenue targets through new business development, renewals, and account growth.
• Drive the full partnership cycle (from lead generation to closure) of inbound and outbound sponsorships, strategic partnerships, and joint programming opportunities. 
• Identify, qualify, and pursue new partnership opportunities aligned with organizational goals. 
• Personally manage and nurture a portfolio of long-term partners, ensuring their engagement and satisfaction. 
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing and Programs teams to develop and close new opportunities. 
• Develop sponsorship packages, valuation models, and customized partnership opportunities aligned with organizational programming and strategic priorities.
• Develop and deliver compelling proposals, presentations, and pitches to prospective partners. 
• Leverage HubSpot to design and maintain up-to-date records and manage deal pipelines to ensure optimize relationship management and deal closure
• Ensure sponsorship deliverables are executed successfully and partners receive measurable value and visibility from their investment.
• Lead the onboarding and relationship management of new partners, vendors, and service providers within the Accelerator Centre’s Service Provider Network and Tactical Marketplace platform, ensuring alignment with founder needs and organizational priorities.
• Track performance metrics and provide regular reporting on progress toward revenue and partnership goals
• Attend industry and community events to build relationships, generate partnership leads, and increase sponsorship opportunities for the Accelerator Centre.
• Communicate regularly with AC staff and mentors regarding new partnerships and facilitate connections between partners, staff, mentors and AC clients. 
• Act as the primary contact and relationship manager for corporate sponsors and community partners across the organization, ensuring partners are engaged in the AC community and getting value out of their partnership with the AC 

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Required:

• 5+ years of experience in business development, partnerships, or sponsorship, ideally in a not-for-profit fundraising environment   
• Proven track record of achieving and exceeding sponsorship or business development revenue targets, including securing and managing five- and six-figure sponsorship agreements.
• Strong understanding of the full development cycle, from lead generation to closing and account management. 
• Experience using CRM tools for sales tracking, pipeline management, and relationship optimization. 
• Demonstrated ability to craft concept notes, proposal, and other materials that support deal closure 
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills. 
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment. 
• Strong problem-solving skills and a strategic mindset. 

Preferred:

• Have or are working towards a CFRE or other formal non-profit fundraising or sponsorship sales education 
• Have established private sector contacts and experience in building results-driven technology and financial sector partnerships/sponsorships 
• Experience with grant writing or other government relations functions