Manager of Corporate Relations

Manager of Corporate Relations

At Communities In Schools (CIS) of Chicago we believe students can enhance their learning when their needs are met and that includes mental and emotional health. Every day we partner with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and hundreds of community organizations to bring no-cost high-quality programs directly to schools. These programs help students stay focused engaged and on track to graduate.

During the 2025-26 school year well serve over 80000 students across 250 schools connecting them to life-changing support from arts and academic enrichment to health and mental wellness services. And we need your help to make it happen.

Were looking for a School Partnership Specialist to join our team. If youre passionate about supporting the unique needs of schools love building relationships and want to play a key role in improving the success of thousands of Chicago students-this is your chance to make a real impact.

Position Overview

The Manager of Corporate Relations is responsible for leading Communities In Schools of Chicagos corporate fundraising strategy and driving progress toward the organizations annual corporate revenue goal. This position serves as the primary relationship manager for most of the corporate portfolio including the Inspiring Futures program with a focus on securing stewarding and growing corporate partnerships and gifts.

In addition to managing their own portfolio the Manager will collaborate closely with gift officers to align strategies for corporations that intersect with larger portfolios ensuring a unified and high-impact approach. The role also includes building out a stronger more visible corporate program creating a robust Inspiring Futures program designing scalable engagement opportunities expanding sponsorships and elevating CIS of Chicagos profile among the business community. A key part of this work includes driving corporate sponsorships for CIS of Chicagos annual fundraising event.

Key Responsibilities:

Corporate Relations

• Develop a robust corporate engagement program including Inspiring Futures sponsorship opportunities employee engagement initiatives and recognition strategies.
• Drive progress toward the organizations corporate fundraising goal by managing and growing a portfolio of corporate donors and prospects.
• Collaborate with gift officers to coordinate strategies for corporations with the potential to move into higher-level portfolios.
• Develop tailored proposals pitches and partnership opportunities that align corporate social responsibility priorities with CIS of Chicagos mission.
• Lead strategy and execution for securing corporate sponsorships of the organizations annual fundraising event including prospecting solicitation and stewardship

Stewardship & Collaboration

• Provide consistent high-quality stewardship and recognition to corporate partners.
• Partner with program and communications staff to capture impact stories outcomes and visuals to strengthen donor communications.
• Represent CIS of Chicago at school visits corporate engagement events donor meetings and networking opportunities.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree or equivalent experience.

• 3-5 years of experience in development with a strong emphasis on corporate giving.
• Proven success managing donor/prospect portfolios and meeting revenue goals.
• Experience working collaboratively with colleagues across a development team.
• Excellent writing presentation and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Familiarity with donor databases (e.g. Salesforce Raisers Edge) preferred.
• Passion for education equity and CIS of Chicagos mission.

How to Apply

• To apply please submit your resume and any relevant supporting documentation you may have.
• Candidates advancing to interviews may be asked to provide work samples (such as sponsorship proposals partnership summaries or donor communications) that demonstrate their experience in corporate fundraising relationship management or strategic storytelling.

Salary: $65000 commensurate with experience and negotiable.

Communities In Schools of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued respected and supported. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on sex gender identity or expression sexual orientation pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions) race color ethnicity national origin religion age disability medical condition marital or family status veteran or military status citizenship genetic information or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local law.

This commitment applies to every aspect of employment at CIS of Chicago including recruitment hiring training promotion compensation and all other conditions of employment. We believe that building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve strengthens our mission to surround students with a community of support empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.

Required Experience:

Manager