MDF Opens up New Role!

Job Title: Manager of Corporate Partnerships

Location: Remote

Organization: Mule Deer Foundation (MDF)

Position Type: Full-Time

About the Mule Deer Foundation:

The Mule Deer Foundation (MDF) is committed to ensuring the conservation of mule deer and black-tailed deer populations, along with their habitats, across North America. Our mission is to protect and enhance wildlife habitat, promote sound conservation policies, and engage in research and education efforts to ensure healthy populations for future generations. MDF partners with local, state, and national organizations to advance its conservation initiatives.

Position Summary:

The Manager of Corporate Partnerships is a key position within the Mule Deer Foundation, responsible for building and managing relationships with corporate partners to generate revenue and support for the organization’s conservation programs. The ideal candidate will have at least five years of experience in corporate partnerships or sponsorships, particularly in the hunting, outdoor recreation, or conservation sectors. A strong network within the hunting and outdoor industry is essential for success in this role.

Key Responsibilities:

• Corporate Partnership Development:
  • Identify, prospect, and secure new corporate partnerships that align with the Mule Deer Foundation’s mission and values.
  • Cultivate relationships with existing partners to maintain long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships.
  • Develop customized sponsorship packages and partnership opportunities that offer value to corporate partners while supporting the organization’s conservation goals.
  • Negotiate contracts, terms, and benefits with partners, ensuring a clear understanding of deliverables and expectations.
• Partnership Stewardship and Retention:
  • Manage ongoing relationships with corporate partners, ensuring high levels of satisfaction and engagement.
  • Collaborate with partners to develop and execute co-branded marketing campaigns, events, and initiatives that increase brand visibility and showcase partnership impact.
  • Track and report on partnership performance, providing regular updates to partners and ensuring that all commitments are met.

• Revenue Growth and Strategic Initiatives:
  • Work closely with senior leadership to set and achieve annual revenue targets from corporate sponsorships and partnerships.
  • Create and implement strategies to grow MDF’s corporate partnership program, focusing on new revenue opportunities and increased partner engagement.
  • Collaborate with other departments on marketing, events, and membership growth, to integrate corporate partnership efforts into MDF’s broader organizational strategy.
• Networking and Industry Engagement:
  • Represent the Mule Deer Foundation at industry events, conferences, and meetings to network with potential corporate partners and raise awareness of MDF’s work.
  • Leverage existing relationships within the hunting, outdoor, and conservation sectors to identify new partnership opportunities and foster collaboration.
  • Maintain a deep understanding of industry trends, challenges, and opportunities to inform partnership development strategies.
• Team Collaboration and Reporting:
  • Collaborate with internal teams, including Conservation and Communications, to ensure the seamless execution of partnership initiatives.
  • Provide regular reports to senior leadership on partnership revenue, growth, and strategic opportunities.
  • Contribute to the development of new corporate partnership strategies and enhance the overall sustainability of MDF’s partnership program.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in corporate partnerships, sponsorships, or business development, with a focus on the hunting, outdoor recreation, or conservation sectors.
• A robust network of connections within the hunting, outdoor, or conservation industries is essential.
• Proven track record of developing and managing corporate partnerships that drive revenue and support organizational objectives.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously, while meeting deadlines and revenue goals.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
• Passion for wildlife conservation and the Mule Deer Foundation’s mission.
• Experience with CRM systems, partnership tracking, and reporting tools is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with outdoor recreation brands, hunting organizations, or conservation advocacy groups.
• Experience in event sponsorships, corporate cause marketing, or cause-related partnerships.
• Knowledge of the Mule Deer Foundation’s mission and conservation initiatives.

How to Apply:Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining their relevant experience and network within the hunting and outdoor sectors to [email protected]. Please include examples of successful corporate partnerships you have developed and managed.

As always, Good luck this winter and remember to send any success pictures or stories from the field to [email protected] and you could be featured on our website or in our magazine. If this article or any of our articles have helped you become a better hunter or conservation steward, consider becoming a member of the Mule Deer Foundation or the Blacktail Deer Foundation or both. Click here to join: https://muledeer.org/product-category/membership/ or https://www.blacktaildeer.org/

Trevor J Hubbs @TrevorHubbs on Instagram

Trevor is the Communications Manager for the Mule Deer Foundation. He grew up hunting and fishing the eastern edge of the Ozark Mountains for quail, ducks, and bucks. Trevor is also a contributor for “Fur, Fish, and Game”, “Lethal Minds Journal”, “Strung Magazine”, “Fly Fisherman”, and “Shooting Sportsman” among others.