UIDP seeks a dynamic and relationship-oriented Partnerships & Engagement Manager to support the growth and engagement of our membership community. This position plays a critical role in advancing UIDP's mission by securing sponsorships, cultivating strategic partnerships, and increasing participation in UIDP events, programs, and initiatives.
The Partnerships & Engagement Manager serves as a key ambassador for the organization, building relationships with industry, university, government, and nonprofit stakeholders while helping organizations identify opportunities to engage with and support UIDP's work. The successful candidate will combine business development, relationship management, and engagement strategies to drive sponsorship revenue and expand participation across the UIDP community.
This is a mid-level professional position that reports directly to the Chief Partnerships Officer and operates with a high degree of independence while collaborating closely with colleagues across the organization.
Key Responsibilities:
Partnership Development & Sponsorships
- Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward sponsors for UIDP conferences, workshops, webinars, publications, and strategic initiatives.
- Develop compelling sponsorship packages and value propositions that align organizational goals with sponsor interests.
- Build and maintain a robust pipeline of prospective sponsors and strategic partners.
- Conduct outreach, presentations, and meetings with prospective sponsors and partner organizations.
- Manage sponsorship agreements and ensure fulfillment of sponsor benefits.
- Collaborate with internal teams to identify and develop new sponsorship opportunities.
- Support sponsor retention efforts and cultivate long-term relationships that lead to renewals and expanded engagement.
- Track sponsorship activity, pipeline development, and revenue performance.
Engagement & Participation Growth
- Develop and implement strategies to increase attendance and participation in UIDP events, programs, webinars, and networking opportunities.
- Partner with marketing and communications staff to execute outreach campaigns that drive registrations and engagement.
- Conduct direct outreach to prospective attendees, member organizations, and stakeholder groups.
- Monitor participation trends and recommend strategies to increase audience engagement and event attendance.
- Identify opportunities to engage new audiences and expand UIDP's visibility across sectors.
Relationship Management & Stewardship
- Serve as a point of contact for sponsors, partners, prospects, and key stakeholders.
- Ensure timely and professional communication throughout the sponsorship and engagement lifecycle.
- Maintain accurate records of interactions, sponsorship commitments, and partnership activities within AMS systems.
- Gather stakeholder feedback to enhance the participant and sponsor experience.
Strategic Partnerships & Collaboration
- Collaborate with colleagues across UIDP to align partnership and engagement efforts with organizational priorities.
- Contribute to annual sponsorship, engagement, and partnership growth strategies.
- Research and identify emerging opportunities for collaboration and sponsorship.
- Monitor trends and stakeholder interests to inform engagement strategies.
- Represent UIDP at conferences, meetings, and industry events.
- Support special initiatives that advance UIDP's strategic goals and member value.
Travel
Occasional travel is required to support UIDP conferences, workshops, member engagement activities, sponsor meetings, and other organizational events.
Other Duties as Assigned
This position may be responsible for a variety of additional tasks to support the effective operation of the organization. These may include general administrative functions, clerical support, document preparation, data entry, scheduling assistance, meeting coordination, filing, supply management, and other office-related activities. Responsibilities may evolve based on organizational needs, and flexibility and a collaborative approach are essential.
THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
A relationship-driven professional who excels at building and nurturing connections across diverse stakeholder groups. They bring a strong business development mindset and a demonstrated ability to generate revenue through sponsorships, partnerships, and strategic engagement opportunities. An effective communicator, they can craft compelling messages, present ideas with confidence, and tailor their approach to meet the needs of sponsors, members, and partners.
They are highly collaborative, thrive in team-oriented environments, and possess the project management skills necessary to balance multiple priorities while delivering results. Strategic and forward-thinking, they identify opportunities for growth and engagement while remaining focused on achieving measurable outcomes. The successful candidate takes initiative, demonstrates accountability for their work, adapts readily to changing priorities, and consistently represents UIDP with professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to exceptional service.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
- Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, nonprofit management, public relations, or a related field.
- Five years of managerial experience in partnership development, sponsorship sales, business development, membership engagement, fundraising, event marketing, or a related area.
- Demonstrated success in securing sponsorships, partnerships, or revenue-generating relationships.
- Excellent relationship-building, networking, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously.
- Experience using ASM/CRM systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Preferred
- Experience working within a professional association, nonprofit organization, higher education institution, research organization, or membership-based organization.
- Knowledge of sponsorship sales, partnership development, and event engagement strategies.
- Familiarity with university-industry collaboration, innovation ecosystems, research partnerships, or economic development initiatives.
- Experience analyzing engagement metrics and using data to inform outreach strategies.
WHO WE ARE
UIDP (www.uidp.org) is a global nonprofit membership association that helps great innovation companies and world-class research universities develop new and better collaboration approaches. UIDP is a recognized convener of thought leaders and practitioners, identifying high-impact strategies so companies and universities (along with other interested parties) can improve the return on investment from their partnerships. UIDP’s operating model is predicated on being agile and producing high-quality products that meet the community's needs.
OUR TEAM
As the quality and impact of UIDP’s work continue to gain recognition, our team has experienced rapid growth over the past five years to keep up with the increasing demand. Despite this growth, we maintain the vibrant spirit and energy of a mission-driven start-up. We’re united by a clear, ambitious vision while embracing the inherent ambiguity and urgency of a highly agile organization.
Exciting growth opportunities await! At UIDP, we believe in investing in our staff to help them achieve their personal and professional goals. Team members are encouraged to enhance their skill sets through professional development initiatives, and we actively promote from within, offering pathways for those seeking greater responsibilities. Join us and be a part of our dynamic journey!
LOCATION
This position is located in Columbia, SC, USA. UIDP operates under a hybrid work schedule, and staff work a minimum of 3 days per week in the office.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
This full-time, exempt position offers a competitive salary that reflects the value we place on our team members' contributions. In addition to financial compensation, we provide a generous benefits package designed to support your overall well-being and work-life balance, including comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
Beyond our benefits, this role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and career advancement. As our organization continues to evolve, the successful candidate will have the chance to expand their responsibilities, develop new skills, and make a meaningful impact on the future of the organization.
We also offer a robust retirement plan to help you plan for your future, along with generous paid time off that encourages you to recharge and enjoy personal time. At UIDP, we are committed to fostering our employees' professional development by providing opportunities for training, workshops, and mentorship programs that support their professional growth.
Pay: From $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Referral program
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Are you a current SC resident willing to work in our downtown Columbia office at least 3 days per week?
Education:
Experience:
- business, marketing, non-profit mgmt, or related : 5 years (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Columbia, SC 29201
