Job Opportunities

Development & Partnership Manager

The Woodlands Arts Council

Reports To: Executive Director & CEO | Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Who We Are

For more than 21 years, The Woodlands Arts Council has enriched the community through nationally recognized arts festivals, educational programming, scholarships and microgrants, and cultural experiences that connect people through the arts. We are a collaborative, mission-driven organization that believes strong partnerships build stronger communities.

About The Role

We are seeking a relationship-focused Development & Partnerships Manager to grow and diversify contributed revenue through corporate sponsorships, grants, individual giving, and strategic partnerships. Working closely with the Executive Director, you will cultivate and steward relationships with businesses, donors, foundations, and civic leaders that support our mission, programs, public art initiatives, and signature events.

This is a fundraising and stewardship role, not an event production role. Arts Council staff support event planning, sponsor activations, recognition, and benefit fulfillment.

What You Will Do

Sponsorships & Partnerships

• Develop and execute strategies to grow corporate sponsorship revenue and expand strategic partnerships.
• Identify, cultivate, secure, and steward sponsors — serving as their primary relationship manager from first conversation through post-event stewardship.
• Create customized proposals that align partner goals with organizational priorities and deliver meaningful value.
• Manage renewals and build year-round engagement to strengthen retention.
• Ensure sponsor commitments and benefits are clearly communicated internally and fully delivered.

Grants & Institutional Funding

• Research and pursue foundation, corporate, and government grant opportunities aligned with our mission and strategic priorities.
• Manage the grant calendar and coordinate timely submission of applications and required reports.
• Partner with the Executive Director and program staff to develop compelling proposals, narratives, and budgets.
• Build and maintain relationships with current and prospective funders.

Individual Giving & Donor Stewardship

• Cultivate, steward, and help secure individual donors and major gift prospects.
• Develop donor recognition and stewardship initiatives that deepen long-term engagement.
• Support annual fundraising campaigns and donor communications.

Community, Board & Development Operations

• Serve as an ambassador for the Arts Council with chambers of commerce, business associations, civic organizations, and community leaders.
• Support the Board of Directors and Development Committee with prospect information, materials, and outreach resources.
• Prepare development reports, revenue forecasts, and presentations for leadership and the Board.
• Maintain accurate records, agreements, forecasts, and pipeline activity across all revenue streams in the organization's CRM.

What You Will Bring

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent practical experience.
• 3–5 years in nonprofit development, corporate partnerships, sponsorship sales, grant development, business development, account management, or relationship management.
• A track record of building lasting professional relationships and generating contributed revenue.
• Strong writing, presentation, and project management skills — able to translate mission and impact into compelling funding requests.
• Comfort initiating conversations and confidently asking for sponsorship, grant, or philanthropic support.
• Proficiency with CRM platforms and building presentations in Canva.

Bonus Points

Experience securing corporate sponsorships or grant funding, donor cultivation and stewardship experience, or knowledge of The Woodlands and Greater Houston business and philanthropic community.

Success In Year One

• Meet or exceed annual contributed revenue goals across sponsorships, grants, and individual giving.
• Sustain a strong renewal rate among corporate sponsors and institutional funders.
• Expand and actively manage the pipeline of prospective sponsors, funders, donors, and partners.
• Secure new grant funding with timely, accurate submissions and reporting.
• Build meaningful connections with key civic, business, and philanthropic leaders.
• Deliver regular pipeline and revenue updates to executive leadership.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary based on experience, plus an annual performance-based bonus tied to organizational fundraising goals.
• Health benefits and a 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Paid vacation and holidays.
• Flexible scheduling when appropriate.
• Professional development and networking opportunities.
• A path to senior development leadership as our development program grows.
• The chance to work alongside passionate community leaders, artists, volunteers, and supporters.

How To Apply

Submit your cover letter and resume via email (Subject: Development) to jenny@TheWoodlandsArtsCouncil.org

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

This position operates primarily in an office setting and requires the ability to sit or stand at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods. The role also includes regular off-site meetings and attendance at Arts Council events, which may require:

• Standing and walking for extended periods, including outdoors in variable weather during festivals and outdoor programming.
• Occasionally lifting and carrying materials, event supplies, or promotional items weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Local travel throughout The Woodlands and Greater Houston; reliable transportation is required.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend hours during events and community functions.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Woodlands Arts Council is an equal opportunity employer. We believe the arts are for everyone, and we are committed to building a team that reflects the community we serve. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and organizational need.