Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Manager
Job Title: Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Manager
Overview: Full Time
Office: Remote
Level: Mid-Level
Create & Cultivate is the leading events and media company for ambitious women in business, with a network of over one million women and the world's largest festival for women in business. We are seeking a Business Development & Strategic Partnerships Manager to join our dynamic team. This role is ideal for a highly motivated business developer who can bring established relationships and rapidly grow our sponsorship sales revenue, secure long-term partnerships, and drive key digital initiatives. You will play a critical role in helping Create & Cultivate continue to empower and inspire women across industries.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
Business Development & Sales:
Set and exceed annual and quarterly revenue targets, focusing on digital and in-person event sponsorships.
Generate new business revenue by self-sourcing leads and responding promptly to inbound leads.
Put together a pipeline of new business opportunities and proactively reach out to potential clients.
Increase revenue from existing customers through strategic upselling and cross-selling of digital and in-person sponsorship offerings.
Close and manage a $4M book of business, focusing on sponsorships, long-term partnerships, and in-kind opportunities.
Aggressively follow up on hot leads and manage event spreadsheets to track progress.
Manage inbound sales emails, organizing them by category and ensuring timely follow-up.
Develop creative, solutions-oriented proposals that meet client objectives and result in successful partnerships.
Draft and manage client contracts, ensuring all deliverables are met and buttoned up on time.
Support on reporting metrics and data to encourage clients to onboard with Create & Cultivate.
Consistently achieve and exceed sales targets and performance objectives while maintaining a customer-centric approach to ensure an outstanding customer experience.
Client Management & CRM:
Manage a CRM platform daily, updating and segmenting the database as needed to ensure efficiency.
Take thorough notes on all client calls and manage client relationships, keeping records up-to-date.
Manage quarterly sales emails to the prospective client database, ensuring consistent outreach and engagement.
Maintain a strong sales pipeline through effective relationship building, call management, and lead generation.
Facilitate post-sale client onboarding, maintaining ongoing communication to ensure client satisfaction and identifying opportunities for renewals and upsells.
Work hand-in-hand with the accounts and client success teams to ensure clients are happy and aligned with our offerings.
Understand client business objectives and challenges, identifying ways to provide unique value through partnerships with Create & Cultivate.
Implement feedback mechanisms from clients and partners to continuously improve the sales process and product offerings.
Event + Digitaal Sponsorship & Strategy:
Develop and pitch creative sponsorship opportunities for Create & Cultivate’s products both digital and IRL (Summits, Festivals, Retreats, Masterminds, newsletters, podcast, and more).
Collaborate with internal teams to create compelling sponsorship packages and activations that meet client needs.
Lead in developing best-in-class presentation and pitch materials for sales meetings and proposals.
Update and refresh sales decks regularly to reflect the latest opportunities and events.
Conduct regular competitive analysis to understand market dynamics and position our offerings effectively.
Develop and execute targeted sales strategies for specific industry segments to tailor our approach and increase market penetration.
Regularly attend industry events, conferences, and networking events to build relationships and stay abreast of market trends.
Collaboration & Leadership:
Work closely with the CEO to develop and refine the sales and community development strategy, setting clear and ambitious sales targets.
Collaborate with internal teams (marketing, content, operations) to ensure a unified sales approach that aligns with customer needs and fosters strong relationships.
Work with the marketing team to create sales collateral and presentations that effectively communicate the value proposition of our sponsorships and events.
Work with the accounts team to identify and pursue in-kind sponsorship opportunities and strategic partnerships.
Relentlessly seek opportunities to create value for clients, the business, and the greater Create & Cultivate community.
Reporting & Analysis:
Track and analyze partnership performance, adjusting strategies to maximize success and renewals.
Support on metrics reporting, providing data-driven insights to optimize client relationships and outcomes.
Utilize CRM tools to track sales activities, manage customer relationships, and report on sales progress to the CEO and relevant teams.
Qualifications:
Must have a strong background in events and/or agency advertising
5+ years of experience in sales with a proven record of exceeding revenue goals, particularly in digital and in-person event sponsorships.
Proven ability to pitch, negotiate, and execute $3MM+ high-value deals and effectively supper the scale of a sales team.
Highly motivated, proactive self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to win.
Outstanding professional record of achievement, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced and scrappy environment.
Excellent and persuasive communication skills, with the ability to create and deliver convincing arguments both verbally and in writing.
High emotional intelligence, adept at navigating complex sales situations and negotiating with C-level executives.
Strong interpersonal skills and a talent for building lasting relationships internally and externally.
Must possess strong organizational, email management, and analytical skills, with proficiency in CRM and sales management software.
Experience in business development and agency-client relationships is a bonus.
Ability to develop and deliver creative, on-budget proposals that result in successful partnerships.
Experience partnering with internal teams to brainstorm solutions that achieve client goals and meet future needs.
Dynamic communication skills with the ability to think strategically and remain composed in high-pressure situations.
Ability to travel as needed for select events and team-building activities.
WHY JOIN US:
At Create & Cultivate, you’ll join a fast-paced, startup-like culture where innovation and collaboration drive our success. As part of our team, you’ll have the opportunity to shape and drive key initiatives, make a direct impact, and grow alongside us.
Dynamic Environment: Work in an innovative and creative space where your ideas matter.
Career Growth: As we expand, you’ll have opportunities to grow within the company and develop your career.
Mission-Driven: Be part of a company dedicated to empowering women and making a real difference in their lives.
Startup Culture: Join a collaborative and agile team that values flexibility and quick thinking.
Account Manager
Overview: Full Time
Office: Remote
Level: Junior/ Mid
We are seeking an Account Manager to support our dynamic sales team. The ideal candidate will be a proactive, detail-oriented professional with a passion for events and client management. This role requires excellent communication skills, strong organizational abilities, and a proven track record in account management. As an Account Manager, you will be responsible for nurturing client relationships, managing sponsorship execution for both digital campaigns and in-person events, and ensuring client satisfaction.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:
Key Responsibilities:
Client Relationship Management:
Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, acting as the primary point of contact for assigned accounts.
Lead and/or support client communication, ensuring deadlines are met and expectations exceeded.
Conduct regular check-ins and status meetings with clients to ensure their needs are being met and expectations exceeded.
Address and resolve any client issues or concerns promptly and professionally.
Ability to manage clients from kick-off to reporting, ensuring clearly aligned goals and communication throughout.
Sponsorship Execution:
Collaborate with the sales team to understand client objectives and requirements for sponsorships.
Coordinate with internal teams to develop and deliver customized sponsorship packages that align with client goals.
Oversee the execution of sponsorship agreements, ensuring all deliverables are met for both digital campaigns and in-person events.
Manage timelines and ensure all sponsorship elements are delivered on schedule.
Ownership of recap reports and case studies, providing insights and analysis.
Digital Campaign Management:
Work with marketing and content teams to create and execute digital campaigns that meet client specifications.
Monitor campaign performance and provide regular updates and reports to clients.
Optimize campaigns based on performance data and client feedback to ensure maximum impact.
Understanding of social media platforms, metrics, and programs, and the ability to speak about campaigns and programs in the digital and IRL space.
Event Coordination:
Collaborate with the events team to ensure successful execution of sponsored elements at in-person events.
Manage onsite sponsorship activations, including setup, execution, and teardown.
Ensure sponsors receive maximum visibility and engagement during events.
Project Management:
Project management and oversight of campaigns and partnerships.
Highly proficient in using Monday.com; creating projects and assigning tasks across multiple departments (marketing, design, production, talent, editorial), as well as overall management.
Create work back schedules and agendas for client projects and calls.
Excellent cross-team communication skills, ensuring the team is performing and on task to ensure the completion and delivery of perfect campaigns.
Ability to multi-task across multiple projects at any given time.
Administrative Tasks:
Assist in the preparation of sponsorship presentations, creative decks, and supporting sales teams in delivering branded deliverables.
Manage the sales pipeline, tracking all interactions and follow-ups in the CRM system.
Maintain accurate records of client communications and project progress.
Strong copywriting skills across site, social, and newsletter with the ability to grasp and maintain the tone of C&C’s brand voice and mission.
Qualifications:
3+ years of experience in account management, sponsorship execution, or a similar role within the events or media industry.
Proven ability to manage multiple accounts and projects simultaneously.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
Excellent organizational and time management abilities.
Proficiency in CRM software and Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
A proactive and problem-solving mindset with a focus on delivering exceptional client service.
Passion for events and a deep understanding of the events industry is a plus.
Highly motivated, proactive self-starter with an entrepreneurial spirit and desire to win.
Ability to take ownership and work independently to meet aggressive performance goals.
Outstanding professional record of achievement.
Excellent and persuasive communication skills, including an ability to create and deliver convincing arguments verbally and in writing.
Strong interpersonal skills and strength in building lasting relationships internally and externally.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, and scrappy environment.
Must possess strong organizational, email, and analytical skills.
Director of Sales
Overview: Full Time
Office: Remote
Level: Senior
Create & Cultivate is on the lookout for a Director of Sales, a position designed for a visionary leader with an exceptional track record in the digital and events space. This role is tailored for someone who can not only lead our sales efforts to unprecedented levels but also drive significant revenue growth through innovative strategies. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in high-value negotiations, sales team leadership, and an adept understanding of the evolving market dynamics.
What You Will Do:
Spearhead the development and execution of strategic sales plans that significantly expand the company’s customer base and market presence.
Lead and expand the sales team to consistently meet or surpass revenue targets through effective mentoring, motivation, and performance management.
Establish pricing strategies by analyzing market trends, costs, competition, and supply and demand dynamics.
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key customers, understanding their needs and ensuring their satisfaction with our offerings.
Provide detailed sales forecasts and reports, offering insights and strategies to the management team for informed decision-making.
Proactively identify new market opportunities and shifts, including emerging markets and potential threats, to maintain a competitive edge.
Set performance objectives and key results for the sales team, encouraging a culture of accountability and excellence.
Secure and manage high-value client accounts and partnerships, negotiating terms that align with the company's strategic goals.
Collaborate with the Marketing department to leverage market research for new business opportunities and enhanced sales strategies.
Drive brand visibility and market penetration through cutting-edge sales methodologies and best practices.
Promote a culture of continuous improvement and professional development within the sales team, encouraging innovation and excellence in all sales activities.
Skills Needed:
Exceptional sales expertise, with a proven history of building and maintaining a strong sales pipeline, closing deals, and surpassing sales targets in a competitive landscape.
Demonstrated ability to identify, negotiate, and secure strategic partnerships that significantly contribute to revenue growth and brand enhancement.
Comprehensive market analysis skills, capable of identifying trends and leveraging data to inform strategic sales decisions.
Mastery in communication, capable of clearly and persuasively articulating complex ideas to a diverse range of stakeholders.
Proven leadership qualities, with experience in mentoring sales teams towards achieving excellence and high performance.
Strategic planning and execution skills, with a track record of developing and implementing effective sales strategies that align with corporate objectives.
Strong understanding of financial principles related to sales, including budget management, sales forecasting, and the financial implications of deals.
Innovative problem-solving abilities, with a creative approach to overcoming sales challenges and closing deals.
Qualifications:
Over 10+ years of successful experience in sales leadership, particularly in the digital and event sponsorship sectors, consistently meeting or exceeding targets.
Demonstrated expertise in strategic partnership building, market analysis, and the execution of complex sales strategies.
A solid foundation in leadership, team development, strategic planning, financial principles, creative problem-solving, and client relationship management.
Proficiency in using sales and CRM software, data analysis tools, and staying updated with technological advancements in the sales domain.
A strong commitment to ethical practices, professionalism, continuous learning, collaboration, innovative revenue generation, and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Sales, or related field; MBA preferred.
Willingness to travel for client meetings, presentations, and team-building activities.
Business Development + Agency experience is a bonus!
Experiential Event Producer
Overview: Full Time
Office: Remote
Level: Mid/Junior
Create & Cultivate is seeking a Producer to join its growing, fast-paced team. The ideal candidate has the ability to manage and coordinate all aspects of IRL large-scale events from ideation through execution. The ideal candidate is an analytical and creative thinker with a keen eye for detail; an organized and meticulous multi-tasker that has strong communication skills and leadership qualities, and the ability to collaborate with a multitude of departments and team members to successfully execute events.
What You’ll Do:
Lead and support production on C&C proprietary and Bespoke events
Build, manage, and execute project budgets up to $2MM+, maintaining profit margins.
Develop production schedules, ROS, and staffing documents.
Procure and supervise vendors through pre-production, production, and post-production.
Research and obtain any necessary permits, stay up-to-date on safety protocols, and ensure their implementation.
Source and negotiate venue and vendor contracts.
Work closely with the creative team to ensure all event creative is within budget, and find creative solutions when negotiating with and/or selecting vendors.
Actively contribute to the development of detailed workback schedules for all projects, collaborating with senior team members in each respective department involved.
Direct day-to-day management of in-house and freelance producers.
Work collaboratively to establish and streamline processes internally between departments to enhance workflow efficiency.
Participate in internal and external project calls, ensuring production updates are within agendas.
Effectively analyze situations and implement real-time solutions, troubleshooting conflicts, and providing expeditious solutions as they arise.
Foster an environment of mutual respect and partnership, strategic thinking, appropriate risk-taking, open lines of communication, ongoing performance feedback, professional development, and adherence to agency policy.
Establish effective relationships across agency multi-disciplinary teams in and outside of the agency.
Understand agency capabilities, vision, and mission, and utilize agency resources/tools appropriately and efficiently.
Respect and abide by organizational rules and processes.
Manage, mentor, and develop direct reports.
Participate in continuing education/training.
Oversee and manage all sponsor production-related events and activations ranging from small-scale influencer dinners to our large-scale conferences.
Manage event insurance needs ranging from COIs from partners and vendors to our own needs.
Familiarity with permitting.
Ability to design and create renderings is a plus.
Knowledge of SketchUp is a plus.
Source vendors (AV, floral, catering, staffing), obtain quotes, and vet them.
Manage and oversee budgets from start to finish, ensuring budget goals are met, working closely with the accounting team.
Develop ROS, handle floorplans, and manage on-site coordination, including set-up and strike.
Leverage in-kind sponsors, oversee fabrication sourcing, and contribute to creative ideation.
Ensure compliance with safety protocols.
Handle talent relationships, including contracting, research, and on-site liaison.
Qualifications:
Budget Experience: Proven experience managing large budgets and multiple event budgets simultaneously. Demonstrated ability to track changes and handle requests from different departments for additional funds.
Portfolio: Must submit a portfolio or list of past events to showcase your creativity and ensure alignment with Create & Cultivate’s vision.
Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple events at the same time and anticipate needs months in advance.
Resourcefulness: Demonstrated resourcefulness in problem-solving and logistics management.
Team Compatibility: Ability to work well with the team. We value team synergy and it's crucial that the candidate can vibe with the team.
Negotiation Skills: Strong negotiation skills, ensuring the best possible outcomes and deals with vendors and suppliers.
5+ years of experience in event production, with a strong portfolio showcasing diverse, high-quality events.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and work effectively with a variety of stakeholders.
Proficiency in event management software and tools.
Willingness to travel for events as needed.
Strong copywriting skills across site, social, and newsletter with the ability to grasp and maintain the tone of C&C’s brand voice and mission.
Excellent communication skills and email acumen.
Proficiency with Google Docs, Dropbox, and Keynote is a plus.
Experience in handling floorplans, CAD drawings, and specs.
Knowledge of producing events cross-country and from small scale to large scale.
Experience in registration, managing sponsor relationships, and coordinating in-kind sponsors for events and gift bags.