Solving Sacramento - Director of Business Development and Partnerships → Sacramento

Organization:Local Media Association / Local Media Foundation.

Position details: Exempt, 40 hours per week, salaried with commission.

Location: The ideal candidate is based in the Sacramento, California, region with reliable broadband internet access and the ability to travel within the region.

Starting:Preferably in August 2025. The position will remain open for applications until filled.

Job Summary:

As the Director of Business Development and Partnerships focused on Solving Sacramento, an LMF media collaboration program, you will play a pivotal role in driving revenue growth through strategic partnerships, philanthropic support, sponsor ships, and branded content initiatives. You will work on behalf of the seven local publishers in the collaborative, as well as the group’s shared news and information sites and related initiatives.

You will also have the opportunity to serve as a fractional revenue lead for the collaborative members, helping them identify philanthropic opportunities of their own or develop branded content initiatives. You will also work with their organizations on business sustainability plans.

This is a 12-month contract employee position at LMA/LMF, full-time with benefits, that may be renewed subject to future funding.

Responsibilities:

• Branded Content Projects:
  Source and secure branded content projects with major brands that resonate with Solving Sacramento audiences and align with editorial standards.
• Strategic Development:
  Lead the strategic development of revenue-generating initiatives, working closely with LMF and collaborative executives to identify new opportunities for expansion.
• Philanthropic Partnerships:
  Identify and develop relationships with foundations that support media or are active in the Sacramento region.
• Sponsorship Management:
  Cultivate and maintain relationships with sponsors and partners, negotiating sponsorship agreements and ensuring successful fulfillment of sponsor commitments.
• Work with organizations in the collaborative on business sustainability plans, including launching new revenue products or training sales leads.
• Events:
  Cultivate new lines of revenue through events for the collaborative and its participating organizations.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in a role with a focus on revenue generation, preferably in the media or publishing industry (commercial, philanthropic or both).
• A strong track record of successfully sourcing and managing branded content projects and sponsor ships with major brands.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to drive revenue growth through innovative and creative approaches.
• Strong negotiation and relationship-building skills, with the ability to cultivate and maintain partnerships.
• Experience developing and managing sales contacts and pipelines.
• Understanding of digital media and a passion for promoting diversity and inclusion in storytelling.
• Analytical and data-driven mindset, with the ability to use data to inform decision-making.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills.

Compensation:

The compensation for this position includes a base salary of $95,000 and an incentive on revenue produced, with lots of upside potential, along with benefits including insurance and 401(k) with employer match.