Careers at CIC

Director of Sponsorships

The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) seeks a full-time Director of Sponsorships. Reporting to the Vice President for Conferences, this position is responsible for the cultivation, recruitment, and management of sponsorship relationships with companies providing services to independent colleges and universities and supporting CIC activities. CIC has a mature sponsorship program, many loyal and emerging sponsoring relationships, and a track record of raising over $1.25 million in sponsorships annually. Responsibilities also include payment collection, event logistics management, conference planning, and on-site event support. These responsibilities require a refined customer service orientation, highly effective written and oral communications skills, attention to detail and precision, confidentiality, strong interpersonal skills, good judgment, and database management abilities to track all aspects of CIC’s relations with sponsoring organizations.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit and cultivate relationships with corporate sponsors for CIC’s four major annual conferences: the Presidents Institute (the largest annual gathering of college and university presidents), the Institute for Chief Academic Officers, the State Councils Annual Conference, and the Workshops for Department and Division Chair.
• Develop and implement annual recruitment and marketing strategy to maximize revenue within limits and guidelines appropriate to CIC’s mission and culture.
• Serve as primary contact and on-site manager for all sponsor organization representatives at annual events.
• Collaborate with staff to include sponsors on the conference programs when appropriate.
• Meet budgeted sponsorship goals.
• Manage existing, and secure additional, multi-year agreements with high-level sponsors.
• Establish annual sponsorship fundraising plan, including creating communication strategies and conducting market research.
• Use CRM Database management software to track sponsor engagement: pledges; registrations; pledge payments and collections.
• Collaborate with IT and Communications teams to integrate sponsor information into website and conference app, and develop digital and print marketing.
• Collaborate with the VP for Networks and Strategic Partnerships to support and enhance CIC’s new Corporate Affiliate Program.
• Collaborate with the VP for Conferences on on-site logistical management of sponsors.

Required Experience and Skills

• A bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of work experience (in business development preferably at a higher education association, college or university, or corporate sponsor partner) are required
• Positive attitude with great communication skills and attention to detail
• Proactive personality with the ability to resolve issues under pressure while maintaining a high degree of professionalism
• Ability to work independently as well as in a fast-paced, highly collaborative and collegial environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft CRM; experience with Protech Dynamics 365 and Association Analytics/Acumen ideal
• Ability to travel on occasion is required, including pre-planning site visits and attendance at CIC’s annual conferences
• This position requires the ability to see, hear, and speak; work in a normal seated position for extended periods of time; use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and be able to lift and/or move up to 20 pounds; manually operate standard office equipment such as keyboards and printers; and move throughout an office or conference space.

About CIC

The Council of Independent Colleges (CIC), located in Washington, DC, is the major national membership organization for small and mid-sized independent colleges and universities in the United States. Membership includes more than 650 colleges, universities, and higher education organizations. CIC pursues a threefold mission: supporting and developing campus leaders, advancing the excellence of member institutions, and enhancing public understanding of the contributions independent higher education makes to society. A diverse 30-person staff, headquartered at Dupont Circle in Washington, DC, develops and manages a dynamic set of conferences, networks, projects, and programs; member services, research, and public information initiatives; and a range of other activities to advance all three mission areas. CIC’s full-time staff is augmented with senior advisors and higher education experts who contribute to specific projects and programs.

Working at CIC

CIC is an equal opportunity employer and offers competitive compensation and benefits. Full-time CIC staff are based in the DC office, with the option to work remotely on two designated days (currently Thursday and Friday) per week. Work hours are flexible around designated “core hours” (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).

CIC offers a generous benefits package that includes majority of family premium coverage of health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement plan employer contribution match; a flexible spending account; short- and long-term disability insurance; and life insurance. Employees and their dependents may be eligible to participate in CIC’s Tuition Exchange Program. CIC recognizes 10 paid holidays per year and provides 20 days of annual leave.

Salary range for this position: $90,000-$120, 000 per year depending on experience.

Application Procedures

The position is available immediately and will remain open until the successful candidate is appointed. To apply, submit a resume and a cover letter to CICJobs@cic.edu with the subject line “Director of Sponsorships.” For priority consideration, apply by Tuesday, November 14, 2023. CIC is an equal opportunity employer and seeks a broad and diverse pool of applicants.