Job Specifications
Company Description
Creative 21 is dedicated to exploring creative thinking as a vital skill in the 21st century. The organization examines how creativity is applied across disciplines, industries, and real-world contexts to solve problems, inspire innovation, and foster resilient communities. Through live events, engaging demonstrations, and thought-provoking discussions, Creative 21 highlights the process of transforming imagination into practice.
Creative 21 is preparing for a major milestone in 2026: the launch of its first large-scale public creative event in Charlotte, NC (October 2026). Following a successful private pilot, we are assembling a small, high-accountability team to support this public launch.
Role Description:
We are seeking a Director of Sponsorships & Partnerships to lead sponsorship and partner development for the 2026 event cycle - building a credible pipeline, closing partnerships, and stewarding relationships through activation and follow-up. The role reports directly to the Executive Director.
This is a senior, individual-contributor contract role for the 2026 event cycle; there is no base salary and no initial team oversight.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategy & Packaging
Develop and execute a sponsorship and partnerships strategy tailored to the 2026 event cycle
Shape partnership proposals, asset packaging, and partner activation concepts in coordination with leadership
Prospecting & Pipeline
Identify and pursue qualified prospects across corporate, small business, and community sectors
Build and manage a healthy pipeline (targets, stages, next steps, timelines)
Outreach, Pitching, Negotiation, Closing
Lead outreach, pitch meetings, proposal development, negotiation, and closing
Drive opportunities to signed agreements and ensure a clean handoff for fulfillment
Partnership Operations & Stewardship
Manage partner relationships through activation and post-event follow-up
Maintain accurate tracking for agreements, deliverables, and payment status
Coordinate with the Executive Director and Operations team to ensure commitments are feasible and deliverable
Compensation:
This is a commission-based contract role designed to attract experienced sponsorship/partnership professionals.
20–25% commission on sponsorship and partnership revenue secured
Commission is paid on funds collected, not verbal commitments or unsigned pledges
No cap on earnings
Full commission mechanics and performance thresholds will be shared with qualified candidates during the interview process
What Success Looks Like:
A strong, credible pipeline established early in the planning cycle
Signed sponsorship/partnership agreements that materially underwrite the event
Professional partner communications and reliable follow-through on deliverables
Strong revenue performance that supports a high-quality October 2026 execution
Qualifications:
5+ years in sponsorship sales, partnerships, business development, or related roles
Demonstrated ability to independently close mid- to high-value deals
Comfortable with a commission-only, performance-based contract structure
Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills
Highly organized, self-directed, and accountable
Experience with events, arts/culture, media, sports, hospitality, or community-facing initiatives is a plus
Familiarity with the Charlotte market is helpful but not required
Timing & Commitment:
Flexible, part-time commitment initially; expected to ramp as the event approaches
Planning and partner development will run throughout 2026
On-site presence in Charlotte will be required closer to the event date (October 2026), as needed for partner meetings and activation
How to Apply:
Please submit:
A brief introduction describing your relevant experience and interest in the role
Minimum of One example of a sponsorship, partnership, or business development effort you’ve led (summary or redacted materials are acceptable)
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
About the Company
Creative 21 exists to explore creative thinking as a core skill for the 21st century. In a world defined by rapid change, complexity, and uncertainty, creativity is no longer limited to the arts. It is essential to how people solve problems, adapt to new conditions, build organizations, and shape communities. Creative 21 was created to examine how creative thinking shows up in real life - across disciplines, industries, and lived experience. The event brings together creators, practitioners, and organizations working at the ...
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