About STARTedUP Foundation

STARTedUP Foundation, Inc. is a non-profit organization located in Indianapolis, serving thousands of students across the state of Indiana. Our mission is to empower students and teachers to view life through a lens of innovation and entrepreneurship while building a life of purpose. We envision a future where the function and culture of schools measurably shift because they have been transformed into Hubs of Innovation.

We focus our impact in three key ways:

• Ecosystems: We help schools become vital centers of connection within their local communities, linking students with mentors and opportunities while cultivating a future-ready pipeline of innovative talent.
• Educators: We reignite purpose in teachers by equipping them to lead innovation in their schools and serve as pillars of change within their ecosystems.
• Students: We inspire students to engage deeply in learning by solving real-world problems, connecting with industry leaders, and making meaningful contributions to their futures and communities.

How we do it:

The STARTedUP Innovation Accelerator (a professional development program for high school teachers) provides teachers with a national network, curriculum, and real-world tools to bring innovation to life in their classrooms.

Innovate WithIN is the nation’s largest high school pitch competition, giving Indiana high school students of any skill level the platform to turn their world-changing business ideas into action.

Corporate Engagement Manager

Position Overview:

The Corporate Engagement Manager leads STARTedUP Foundation’s fundraising efforts by proactively securing new corporate partnerships and thoughtfully stewarding existing relationships across corporate, strategic, nonprofit, and government sectors. Reporting directly to the Director of Development, this role requires a seasoned development professional who can effectively manage a sales pipeline while also nurturing long-term partnerships. The Corporate Engagement Manager collaborates closely with executive, programming, and marketing teams to drive sustainable revenue growth and deepen partner engagement.

Responsibilities:

Corporate Partnership Sales & Development

• Actively identify, qualify, and secure new corporate partnerships, effectively managing the full sales cycle from initial prospecting to finalizing agreements.
• Develop customized proposals, presentations, and partnership packages that align with potential partners’ business objectives and corporate goals.
• Consistently meet or exceed defined corporate revenue targets through strategic outreach and relationship cultivation.

Stewardship & Strategic Relationship Management

• Design and implement comprehensive stewardship strategies for existing corporate, strategic, nonprofit, and government partners, emphasizing partner retention and growth.
• Maintain ongoing, strategic communication with partners, delivering regular updates on partnership impact, opportunities for deeper involvement, and personalized engagement activities.
• Plan and execute targeted stewardship events and recognition efforts, effectively showcasing partner contributions and organizational impact.

Data Analysis & Performance Tracking

• Regularly track partnership engagement metrics, revenue forecasts, pipeline progress, and stewardship effectiveness.
• Maintain accurate, detailed records within CRM systems, ensuring timely analysis and strategic adjustments to partnership strategies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner effectively with internal teams (including programming and marketing) to ensure seamless delivery of partnership benefits and fulfillment of organizational commitments.
• Serve as a key internal advisor on partnership development best practices, contributing strategically to broader organizational development goals.

Qualifications:

• Proven success (5+ years preferred) in corporate sales, partnership development, fundraising, or related roles, demonstrating a track record of securing significant partnerships and achieving revenue targets.
• Exceptional interpersonal, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, capable of effectively engaging high-level stakeholders.
• Strong ability to manage multiple priorities, balancing proactive sales activities with thorough and personalized stewardship efforts.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including persuasive proposal writing and impactful presentations.
• Proficiency with CRM software and data-driven performance management.
• Flexible, proactive, and collaborative approach, comfortable operating in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.