Partnership Lead

ABOUT US

Wags & Walks is a 501c3 nonprofit dog rescue in Los Angeles, Nashville and New York that’s rescued over 13,000 dogs since 2011. We are a community of dog lovers working to promote shelter dogs as the best dogs in the world through advocacy of our unique family-friendly foster and adoption programs.

SUMMARY

The Partnerships Lead is responsible for maintaining and growing a portfolio of new and existing corporate and foundation sponsors and individual donors to support the organization’s continued growth in Los Angeles & New York while effortlessly collaborating with the Nashville team. This team member will be the primary point of contact for several existing corporate sponsor relationships that have been instrumental in building two fantastic adoption centers and hosting a successful annual Gala. Success in this role is contingent upon one’s ability to connect with stakeholders at all levels while always thinking about creative ways to build a long term partnership. The ideal candidate is passionate about dogs and can find joy in the direct impact that their fundraising efforts have on the organization’s impact.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Seamlessly picks up existing partner relationships with timely, thoughtful, and strategic responses.
• Joins the team prepared to hit the ground running to form new corporate sponsors and foundation partnerships. Understands that while the organization has built an amazing base, there’s no playbook and it’s on this individual to constantly be taking initiative.
• Reports to the VP of Strategic Development and ensures outreach efforts line up with the organization’s roadmap.
• Collaborates closely with the Nashville team to maximize the strength of partnerships and ensure there’s no conflict of interest. There’s so much to be gained from the extra impact happening in other cities as it is one large organization.
• Hits quarterly revenue goals for year long partnerships.
• Uses a combination of existing relationships and cold outreach to lead all procurement efforts around the massive auction for the annual Gala.
• Handles the pickup and on-site logistics related to Gala items including at the Gala.
• Assists with the management of volunteers + other supporting team members on the Gala auction efforts.
• Balances the deliverables for Gala and other campaigns when structuring pitches.
• Collaborates closely with the social teams to identify brands and partners to reach out to while also ensuring proper execution takes place.
• Works with the adoptions team to identify and connect with potential applicants / alumni that could support in forming any revenue generating partnership.
• Attends relevant on / off site events to support the development team and build relationships. Ensuring that deliverables are meeting partner expectations is crucial.
• Manages the flow of Peer to Peer Fundraising and Pup Club Membership.
• Helps lead the Jr Board (Young Professionals) and the Development Committee to motivate the Wags & Walks network to maximize their efforts.
• Build relationships with foundations as the role aims to line up warm leads for the grants team.
• Explores grant submissions based on the role’s capacity and/or works with grant team members to build relationships and bridge gaps where needed.
• Quickly builds infrastructure that allows for the role to manage interns and volunteers on an ongoing basis.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a college degree, Masters preferred.
• Must have a proven track record of building relationships that lead directly to sales / donations.
• Must have experience in a fast paced environment.
• 5+ years of fundraising / sales / partnership experience
• Experience planning and working partners into a large scale event is preferred
• Non-profit experience is preferred but not required.
• Comfortable with a consistent commute to West LA 4 days a week (1 remote day available after training period)
• Flexible schedule that allows for support as needed (while also finding time to disconnect and enjoy time with your pup!)

QUALITIES

• Must be a dog lover!
• Comfortable talking to anyone in an appropriate and goal oriented manner
• A knack for reading the room
• Not afraid of the ask
• Comfortable building the tools that can help execute the game plan while also executing the game plan
• Problem solver and quick thinker
• Excellent communication skills
• Analytical and results driven
• A team player who works well with others
• Friendly demeanor and positive attitude
• Enjoys working in a fast paced and dynamic environment
• Exceptional customer service skills
• Is very detail oriented
• Is very proactive and a self-starter

BENEFITS

• Join a passionate team in a rewarding field
• Plenty of quality time with amazing rescue dogs
• Strong health, dental, and vision benefits
• PTO that increases every year
• Snacks, drinks, and monthly team lunches