Manager of Business Engagement

ArtsKC - Regional Arts Council is seeking a dynamic, creative, and goal-oriented Manager of Business Engagement to support our resource and fund development.

This position will establish and manage meaningful relationships with corporate and community partners to advance ArtsKC’s mission and programs for the benefit of Kansas City’s regional arts community and residents. The annual fundraising goal includes approximately $200,000 in sponsorships, workplace giving, Now Showing and other corporate giving opportunities. This role will align with ArtsKC’s strategic goals that seek to overcome systemic and societal barriers to ensure inclusive and equitable participation in the arts.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan and execute corporate donation and sponsorship solicitation strategies to support the Annual Fund, special events and direct programs or services.
• Identify new and renew existing companies that participate in the Now Showing program; manage Now Showing program corporate relationships.
• Present regularly on ArtsKC’s mission, programs, and impact to prospective supporters, chambers of commerce, economic, civic, and business councils.
• Execute cultivation, stewardship, appreciation activities for corporate donors including delivery of sponsor or donor benefits in collaboration with the Development and Marketing teams.
• Lead and expand ArtsKC Workplace Giving Campaigns.
• Track data and relationship development using Salesforce, ArtsKC’s CRM system and ClickUp, ArtsKC’s project management system.
• Provide planning and implementation assistance of ArtsKC signature events.
• Represent the agency before funders, board members, volunteers, arts patrons, and donors.
• Prioritize engagement in community and business events during and after business hours.

EXPERIENCE:

Candidates must demonstrate proven success in fundraising, business development, sales, promotions in a not-for-profit setting, or similar environment. Must also be a self-starter who consistently delivers on responsibilities and commitments to meet or exceed expectations. Possess strong understanding of how to engage Kansas City’s corporate community. Experience with United Arts Fund/United Way fundraising and workplace giving is an added strength for this position. Must be technologically savvy and comfortable learning new technology. Must be a genuine participant/consumer of the arts.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• CFRE credential or similar fundraising accreditation, or equal business development experience preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of direct fundraising, sponsorship solicitation, sales, marketing, or relationship-building experience in a not-for-profit environment.
• Excellent written, interpersonal, and verbal presentation skills.
• Well-organized, efficient, detail-oriented, and ability to manage projects from start to completion.
• Experience working with not-for-profit volunteers and a diverse, dynamic constituency.
• Working knowledge of: Salesforce CRM (preferred), Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides.

KEY CHARACTERISTICS:

• A passion for the arts and enthusiasm for ArtsKC’s mission and programs.
• Thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative, service-driven environment, ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Risk-taker and openness to try new ideas, perspectives, or methodologies.
• High degree of professionalism, personal integrity and passion for meeting expectations.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Deadline: September 4, 2026

No phone calls or recruiters please. Please submit a single pdf document, via email, containing a cover letter, resume, salary expectations and three references to: humanresources@artskc.org. Please indicate “Manager, Business Engagement” in the subject line of the email to ensure proper handling.