Description
SUMMARY
This position leads districtwide efforts to generate new revenue through short-term and long-term advertising partnerships, naming-rights agreements, philanthropic fundraising, and grant acquisition. The role identifies, cultivates, and secures external partners, including corporate sponsors, community organizations, foundations, and individual donors to support Tacoma Public Schools' athletics, activities, after-school programs, and other District priorities.
The position develops and manages a comprehensive fundraising and sponsorship strategy in partnership with the TED Fund; oversees solicitation, negotiation, and contract development for advertising and naming rights opportunities; and ensures compliance with district policies, state regulations, and ethical fundraising standards.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Develops and executes a districtwide fundraising and sponsorship strategy to support athletics, activities, and afterschool programs, including multi-year revenue goals and performance metrics.
- Identifies, researches, and cultivates prospective advertising and naming rights partners for stadiums, fields, gymnasiums, classrooms, and other district facilities in alignment with state laws and district policy.
- Leads partner outreach and business negotiations for advertising, sponsorship, and naming rights opportunities and collaborates with the Contracts Analyst, Legal, Procurement, and District leadership in the development and execution of related agreements.
- Develops and manages an inventory of district advertising assets, including signage, digital placements, event sponsorships, and facility naming opportunities.
- Collects and analyzes audience and usage data and develops pricing recommendations based on market conditions, comparable organizations, and anticipated exposure.
- Coordinates philanthropic fundraising efforts, including foundation grants, corporate giving, sponsorships, and individual donations. Partners with the TED Fund to develop fundraising strategies and donor engagement opportunities.
- Partners with the Director of Grants to identify and pursue grant opportunities that support District priorities, including the development of proposals, presentations, and grant applications to secure external funding.
- Ensures compliance with state law, district policy, and ethical fundraising standards, including restrictions related to advertising in public schools.
- Collaborates with the TED Fund, Athletics, Communications, Facilities, and school leaders to identify sponsorship opportunities and ensure consistent branding and messaging.
- Manages donor and sponsor stewardship, including recognition, reporting, and long-term relationship development.
- Tracks and reports revenue performance, including forecasting, pipeline management, and Board-level reporting.
- Coordinates with Finance to ensure accurate accounting, receipting, and reporting of sponsorship and fundraising revenue.
- Provides responsive customer service to sponsors, donors, schools, and community partners.
- Represents the District at community events, business forums, and partner meetings to promote Tacoma Public Schools and cultivate relationships.
OTHER JOB DUTIES
- Participates in professional development to maintain knowledge of fundraising, sponsorship, and grant writing best practices.
- Manages special projects and performs related duties as assigned.
- Ensures staff and stakeholders receive timely information related to sponsorship opportunities and fundraising initiatives.
- Regular, reliable, predictable attendance, or physical presence is an essential job requirement.
CONDITIONS
Office environment; frequent travel to district sites and community locations; required to meet inflexible deadlines; required to manage sensitive negotiations and high-visibility partnerships; may be required to lift up to 20 pounds and perform occasional physical tasks related to event setup.
Requirements
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, communications, nonprofit management, public administration, or a related field; five years of experience in fundraising, sponsorship sales, foundation leadership, business development, or related work; or any combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job. Master’s degree preferred.
Licenses/Special Requirements
Fingerprints and successful WSP and FBI background clearance/sexual misconduct clearance.
Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) or similar credential preferred.
Must maintain all required licenses and certifications.
Allowable Substitution
Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be evaluated by the Human Resources Department for comparability.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Knowledge of principles and practices of fundraising, sponsorship sales, and donor relations.
Knowledge of contract negotiation and advertising/naming rights agreements.
Knowledge of grant writing and philanthropic funding sources.
Knowledge of Washington state laws and district policies governing advertising in schools.
Knowledge of marketing, branding, and community engagement strategies.
Skill in building and maintaining relationships with business and community partners.
Skill in preparing persuasive proposals and presentations.
Skill in negotiating complex agreements.
Skill in managing multiple projects and deadlines.
Skill in communicating effectively with diverse audiences.
Ability to identify and evaluate revenue generating opportunities.
Ability to represent the District professionally in high visibility settings.
Ability to work collaboratively across departments and schools.
Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to demonstrate reliable and regular attendance.
This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. District administration has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the primary functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods or otherwise balance the workload.
Nondiscrimination Statement
Tacoma Public Schools does not discriminate in any programs or activities on the basis of sex, race, ethnicity, creed, religion, color, national origin, immigration or citizenship status, age, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, homelessness, disability, neurodivergence, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle questions and complaints of alleged discrimination:
