Director of Business Development and Integrated Partnerships

Director of Business Development and Integrated Partnerships

Houston, TX, United States

Director of Business Development and Partnerships is responsible for designing, securing, and stewarding revenue-generating partnerships that advance the organization’s highest-priority programs and initiatives. This role leads strategy and execution for corporate sponsor ships, philanthropic partnerships, and special projects, while also helping to shape and implement community affairs activities that strengthen the organization’s visibility, reputation, and impact.

The ideal candidate is a strategic relationship-builder who understands both business objectives and community impact, and can translate organizational priorities into compelling opportunities for sponsors, donors, and community partners.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an annual strategic plan focused on key initiatives, sponsor ships, and major partnership opportunities.
• Identify, research, and qualify prospective corporate, foundation, and individual partners.
• Create compelling cases for support, pitch decks, proposals, and impact reports tailored to specific partners and initiatives.
• Collaborate with News, Sales and Marketing leads to align business development and partnership opportunities with organizational priorities and impact goals.
• Maintain active and ongoing pipeline for key projects and initiatives.

Sponsorship & Corporate Partnerships

• Design and package sponsorship opportunities for events, programs, campaigns, and signature initiatives (e.g., naming opportunities, series sponsor ships, innovation pilots).
• Manage the full sponsorship lifecycle: prospecting, outreach, pitch meetings, negotiation, contracting (in coordination with legal/finance), and renewal.

Integrated marketing strategy & planning

• Develop and own the integrated marketing strategy aligned to company growth goals and revenue targets.
• Build quarterly/annual marketing plans that connect brand, content, demand generation, and business development priorities.
• Define positioning, messaging, and campaign themes in partnership with Product, Sales, and Leadership.
• Ensure sponsor benefits are delivered on time and at a high quality (branding, recognition, activation, hospitality, speaking opportunities, etc.).
• Maintain ongoing communication with sponsors to deepen relationships and maximize long-term value for both the organization and the partner.
• Serve as a strategic partner to News, Sales, Events, Product, Customer Success, and Leadership to align go-to-market execution.
• Serve as the business development lead for organizational “key initiatives” (e.g., new programs, capital or pilot projects, multi-year campaigns, or strategic partnerships).
• Build and manage project plans, timelines, and budgets related to development/sponsorship components of key initiatives.
• Convene internal stakeholders (programs, news, sales, marketing/communications, finance, operations) to ensure alignment and successful execution.
• Track progress toward specific KPI’s; adjust strategies based on performance and opportunities.

Community Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement (if included in the role)

• Support or lead community affairs strategies that enhance the organization’s presence and relationships with local stakeholders, including civic groups, community-based organizations, businesses, and residents.
• Represent the organization at community meetings, events, and coalitions; serve as a visible and credible ambassador.
• Identify opportunities for community-focused sponsor ships or cause-marketing partnerships that align corporate partners’ goals with community needs.
• Work with all departments to promote community initiatives and highlight impact stories for both sponsors and the broader public.

Communications, Branding & Marketing Collaboration

• Partner with advertising, marketing and the news team to develop co-branded campaigns, storytelling assets, and recognition plans for sponsors and stakeholders.
• Work closely with News/Opinion to understand and execute key strategies for advertising leadership.
• Lead creation of high-impact assets: thought leadership, web content, case studies, white papers, sales…