Community Partnership Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY: The Community Partnership Coordinator is responsible for developing a comprehensive sponsorship program that supports event growth, generates alternative revenue and assists with the planning, coordination and execution of District-wide special events. This position works in close collaboration with Recreation, Parks and Finance staff to ensure strong community partnerships, successful event execution and fulfillment of sponsorship agreements. The coordinator serves as a primary liaison between the Park District and community partners, sponsors and vendors, while also supporting event logistics, promotion and on-site execution.   This is a PT-2 position - benefits listed below. 

SUPERVISORY DUTIES:                

• None 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Collaborate with various team members to develop and maintain relationships with corporate sponsors, local businesses and community partners. 
• Create sponsorship packages, proposals and presentations aligned with Park District goals. 
• Secure cash and in-kind sponsorships to meet established revenue targets.  
• Create and maintain a sponsorship database including tracking of revenue, contracts, deliverables and renewals.  
• Ensure fulfillment of all sponsorship agreements including but not limited to signage placement, promotional recognition, digital inclusion and on-site benefits.  
• Collaborate within the Marketing & Communications department to develop sales materials and promotional assets that support sponsorship objectives.  
• Prepare post-event reports summarizing sponsorship performance, revenue, attendance and event outcomes. 
• Assist Recreation staff with the planning and logistics of assigned Park District special events including but not limited to celebrations, community events races and concerts. 
• Collaborate with Recreation staff to develop event concepts, timelines, logistics plans and day-of support needs as approved. 
• Represent the Park District at outreach events and networking opportunities as assigned. 
• Actively uphold and contribute to the Wilmette Park District Comprehensive and Strategic Plan, including the Guiding Principles and Strategic Priorities. 
• Actively contribute to the Park District's sustainability goals. 
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Actively support the safety program that will effectively control and reduce accidents. 
• Obey the safety rules, regulations and procedures established by the Wilmette Park District safety program that is pertinent to the activities conducted by the department. 
• Become familiar with and follow safety procedures of the Wilmette Park District including, but not limited to fire, severe weather and evacuation procedures. 
• Promptly report all unsafe actions, practices or conditions observed to immediate supervisor, or Human Resources/Risk Management division. 
• Attend and participate in required safety training. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Business, Event Management, Recreation, Hospitality or related field preferred. 
• Two years of experience in event planning, sponsorship development, fundraising, sales or related field preferred.  

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Strong strategic thinking, negotiation and relationship-building skills 
• Strong organization management, attention to detail and problem solving, along with excellent communication skills.       
• Communicate in proper written form and be proficient in communicating verbally in group and individual situations. 
• Ability to develop and meet revenue goals. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. 
• Ability to analyze event outcomes and financial performance. 
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams. 
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, patrons, vendors and the public. 
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.  
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram or schedule form. 
• Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.  

TECHNOLOGY SKILLS: 

Possess computer skills with the ability to learn and use new computer software. The Park District uses Microsoft Office Suite, Wrike for project and content management, Paycom for payroll processing, Incode for financial record/budget management and RecTrac for program registration/facility booking. 

• Experience with Customer Relationship Management or sponsorship tracking software preferred. 
• Familiarity with project management software. 
• Familiarity with email marketing platforms and digital marketing tools preferred. 

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: 

• Must possess a valid Illinois Driver’s License. 
• CPR/First Aid certification required within six months of hire (provided by WPD). 
• Complete annual District trainings, including, but not limited to, Sexual Harassment, Avoiding Exposure to Bloodborne Pathogens annually and Mandated Reporter training every three years. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:   

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stoop, kneel, or crouch. 
• The employee is frequently required to talk or hear; use hands to finger, handle, and feel; and reach with hand and arms. 
• The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk and sit; climb or balance; and push/pull objects. 
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. 
• General work area is indoors, in a smoke-free environment, with controlled temperature and fluorescent lighting.  
• Frequent on-site presence at events, including outdoor environments and varying weather conditions. 
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. 

HOURS: 

• Approximately 20–30 hours per week (flexible based on event schedule), not to exceed 40 hours per week and 1,000 hours per year. 
• General weekday office hours between 9 am – 5 pm, with required evening and weekend work based on event calendar.  
• General hours of duty will be approved by the Marketing & Communications Manager.