Manager​/Director of Strategic Partnerships & Engagement

Manager / Director of Strategic Partnerships & Engagement

Please submit a resume and cover letter to Diego

Albuquerque-Based | Statewide Travel Required

Full-Time | $50,000–$75,000 DOE

Reports to:

President

Title and compensation will be determined based on experience, demonstrated revenue leadership, and capacity for independent ownership.

Leadership New Mexico strengthens New Mexico by educating and connecting diverse leaders through experiential learning programs and activities.

Through programs including Core, Connect New Mexico, the Local Government Leadership Program (LGLP), and a growing alumni network, LNM cultivates informed leaders prepared to address the challenges and opportunities facing our state.

Our work is built on trust, relationships, and a deep belief that strong, connected leadership strengthens New Mexico for future generations.

Leadership New Mexico seeks a relational, organized, and mission-driven professional to strengthen and expand the partnerships that sustain our statewide impact.

This role blends community engagement, relationship-building, and disciplined fundraising. The Manager/Director will serve as a visible ambassador for LNM while building structured systems that support donor stewardship, sponsorship growth, and long-term sustainability.

Fundraising and partnership development are core responsibilities of this position.

The ideal candidate is warm, professional, highly organized, and motivated to grow New Mexico’s leaders and communities for the next generation.

• Build and manage a structured donor and sponsorship pipeline.
• Cultivate and steward relationships with individual donors, corporate sponsors, alumni, and community partners.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen and upgrade existing partnerships.
• Actively participate in sponsorship development and relationship-based fundraising conversations.
• Collaborate with the President on strategic major gift cultivation.
• Track revenue activity and provide consistent reporting and updates.

LNM’s major events serve as key relationship and fundraising platforms. This position plays a leadership role in planning, sponsorship development, and execution for events including:

• Legislative Reception
• Annual Dinner / Land of Enchantment Leadership Awards
• Golf Tournament / Golf Classic

Responsibilities include:

• Developing and managing event sponsorship outreach and fulfillment.
• Coordinating planning timelines, logistics, and vendor relationships.
• Supporting or staffing event committees and volunteers as needed.
• Ensuring a professional, welcoming guest experience aligned with LNM’s brand.
• Executing structured post-event follow-up and sponsor stewardship.

• Represent LNM at community, alumni, and networking events throughout the state.
• Build authentic relationships that expand awareness and partnership opportunities.
• Serve as a professional, visible ambassador for the organization.
• Support rural and statewide outreach initiatives.

Statewide travel is an essential component of this role.

• Maintain and manage CRM and partnership tracking systems.
• Implement structured donor touch cadences and stewardship plans.
• Ensure timely, thoughtful donor acknowledgment and personalized thank-you communication.
• Coordinate sponsorship fulfillment, recognition, and invoicing follow-up.
• Implement disciplined follow-up after meetings, events, and commitments.
• Build and maintain dashboards for revenue visibility and forecasting.
• Ensure accurate record keeping and consistent reporting.

Strong organizational discipline and comfort with technology are essential.

• 3+ years of experience in fundraising, business development, sponsorship sales, community engagement, or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage professional relationships.
• Experience supporting or leading professional events (planning, logistics, sponsorship coordination).
• Highly organized with strong follow-through and accountability.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs and products.
• Comfortable using CRM systems, spreadsheets, and reporting tools (or…