Corporate Partnership Lead (Full-time)

Location: Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre, Calgary
Reports to: Senior Director of Development

About Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre

More than a museum, the National Music Centre (NMC) preserves and celebrates Canada’s music story. It is inspiring a new generation of music lovers at its home, Studio Bell. Located in the heart of Calgary’s East Village, on-site activities include five floors of interactive exhibitions, instruments, artifacts and Canadian music memorabilia from NMC’s vast collection as well as four separate Canadian Music Halls of Fame. NMC also hosts public programs, live performances across multiple music venues, education programs and creative artist residencies with NMC’s world-class recording facilities.

We are Hiring a Corporate Partnership Lead

The Corporate Partnership Lead is responsible for driving sponsorship revenue by developing and managing strategic partnerships that advance the National Music Centre’s corporate objectives and national impact. This role leads sponsorship strategy, corporate account management, and partnership development, while identifying and creating new opportunities that deliver meaningful value for both NMC and its partners. The portfolio includes sponsorship and partnership opportunities across NMC’s five Halls of Fame, special exhibitions, collections, programs, events, and other initiatives that support the organization’s mission and growth. This is a full-time position and includes a competitive salary and benefits package.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Develop and manage a robust year-round pipeline, taking ownership of prospecting, lead generation, relationship development, and conversion from initial outreach to close and renewal.
Own and deliver against annual partnership revenue targets across assigned accounts, developing strategies to secure new business, grow existing partnerships, identify upsell opportunities, and maximize the commercial value of NMC’s portfolio.
Lead the sales process from discovery through pitch, proposal development, negotiation, closing, and renewal, confidently presenting NMC's partnership opportunities and tailoring recommendations to each partner's business and marketing objectives.
Lead the development of strategic, insight-driven partnership concepts and integrated marketing solutions that leverage NMC's event, experiences, artist, and other assets to create meaningful value for partners and advance NMC's objectives.
Lead commercial negotiations and manage the development of compelling proposals and pitch materials, exercising sound judgment around investment, inventory, exclusivity, benefits, pricing, and partner requirements to maximize value for both NMC and its partners.

Qualifications

We are seeking candidates who demonstrate:

3-5 years of experience in sales, sponsorships, partnerships, or business development, with demonstrated experience driving revenue and developing new business opportunities.
Strong commercial mindset with the confidence and initiative to independently prospect, develop relationships, advance opportunities, and convert leads into new business.
Proven ability to manage and grow client relationships, with a strong service mindset and the ability to build trust, understand partner objectives, identify opportunities, and deliver a high-quality partnership experience.
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to read a room, adapt messaging in real time, influence conversations, and build rapport with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
Strong strategic and creative thinking, with an understanding of brand marketing and sponsorship marketing and the ability to develop custom programs that align partner objectives with NMC's properties, audiences, and assets.
Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to develop persuasive proposals, pitch decks, presentations, and other sales materials that clearly articulate strategic value and bring partnership opportunities to life.
Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to independently manage multiple accounts, projects, conversations, timelines, and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Solutions-oriented and adaptable, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, respond quickly to evolving priorities, solve problems proactively, and maintain momentum in high-pressure environments.
Self-motivated and entrepreneurial, with the ability to take ownership, exercise sound judgment, work autonomously, and contribute positively to a collaborative team environment.
Passionate about music, culture, entertainment, and the evolving landscape of sponsorship, experiential marketing, and brand partnerships.
Experience working within events, entertainment, media, sports, music, or cultural properties is considered an asset.
Account management experience is considered an asset.
Proficiency in Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, Raiser’s Edge, presentation software are considered an asset.
University degree, college diploma, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.

Key Relationships

Donors and Sponsors
Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS)
NMC Volunteers
Third-party event organizers
Development Team, Reporting to Sr. Director of Development
Marketing Teams
Finance Team
President & CEO
NMC Leadership

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salary commensurate with experience
Comprehensive medical and dental benefits after successful completion of probation
RRSP matching program

To Apply

Qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover letter addressed to the Development Hiring Manager at donations@nmc.ca.

Subject Line: NMC_ CPL_2026_Position

Commitment to Fair Hiring Practices

National Music Centre (NMC) believes in the power and importance of fair hiring practices in the workplace. We ensure equal opportunity for all qualified applicants and encourage people of all visible minorities, and those of any religion, sex, age, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression to apply.