Director of Corporate Engagement

About the role

WCS seeks a Director of Corporate Engagement to lead an ambitious, institution-wide strategy for growing WCS's corporate fundraising. This position will be directly accountable for growing corporate philanthropy, sponsorship, and membership with an aspirational goal to double annual revenue to more than $15M. Corporate fundraising is a critical priority for WCS's fundraising efforts and contributes to an overall department goal of raising $200M+ annually in private philanthropy. This position will also help strategically align corporate earned-revenue efforts led by other departments. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a team of four to ambitiously grow corporate support at WCS.

Reports to

Vice President, Institutional Advancement

Position managed

• Associate Director, Development Officer
• Corporate and Foundation Engagement Manager

Department

Development

Location

Bronx Zoo/Hybrid

Scope

Multi-site

Principal Responsibilities

• Own and execute an ambitious corporate revenue growth strategy with clear annual and multi-year targets for new business, renewals, upgrades, and multi-year partnerships.
• Lead development of corporate engagement strategies aligned with organizational priorities and generate new revenue for key initiatives, including new exhibits and experiences at the Bronx Zoo and global conservation programs.
• Lead and mentor a talented and growing team of corporate engagement professionals with a track record of surpassing revenue targets.
• Strategically develop and manage a portfolio of corporate relationships with high-capacity and high-potential supporters.
• Personally cultivate, solicit, and close significant corporate partnerships, prioritizing seven-figure-plus commitments.
• Establish annual work plans, revenue targets, and key performance indicators in collaboration with Development senior leadership.
• Partner with Development senior leadership to unify corporate engagement efforts and coordinate outreach and relationship management.
• Co-convene prospect review sessions to share information and identify opportunities.
• Prioritize engagement actions for trustees, the President & CEO, Chief Development Officer, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and other senior staff.
• Serve as the institutional strategy lead for corporate engagement, partnering with internal teams including Business Services, Conservation Markets, Public Affairs, and others.
• Build collaborative relationships across the organization and serve as a primary point of contact for Finance, Legal, the Executive Office, and Operations teams regarding corporate partnerships.
• Ensure revenue and expenditures remain aligned with budget goals and that processes and database management protocols are followed.
• Drive prospect identification and pipeline development efforts to expand the base of corporate partners in the United States and internationally.

Qualification Requirements

• Minimum 5 years in a leadership role within the nonprofit or corporate sector, with demonstrated success managing corporate partnerships and generating revenue through corporate engagement.
• Demonstrated experience building and scaling a revenue-generating program, managing a significant portfolio, and personally closing complex partnerships.
• Ability to navigate complex organizations and develop partnerships that combine philanthropy, sponsorship, marketing, employee engagement, and other corporate interests.
• Strong leadership, business, and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff, donors, and partners.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex or multiple time-sensitive projects while meeting financial goals and deadlines.
• Strong comfort representing WCS externally, with excellent interpersonal skills, judgment, and collaborative abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness and ability to travel and to work evenings and weekends when needed.
• Demonstrated interest in WCS's mission and the ability to translate complex priorities into compelling partnership opportunities.
• Experience working with wildlife and/or conservation-focused nonprofits is a plus.
• Bachelor's degree required.

Physical Requirements

• Regular computer and telephone use, with frequent sitting and standing throughout the day.
• Occasional walking, stair climbing, driving, and light lifting of up to 20 pounds may be required.
• Periodic travel is also expected.

Workplace Conditions

• Hybrid, New York City-based position that requires regular collaboration with colleagues, donors, and partners.
• Occasional evening and weekend attendance at events, along with periodic travel to support corporate engagement activities.
• Most work is performed indoors in a professional office environment.