SVP, Strategic Growth & Partnerships

 

Employer: Make48
Location: Hybrid (Preferred: Kansas City Metro Area)
Reports to: CEO

Applications Close March 31, 2026

​

Company Overview:

Make48 is pioneering innovation within event, media, and educational environments, dedicated to empowering students and schools through creative challenges. As we plan for significant expansion, we are seeking an experienced fundraising and business development expert to secure and manage sponsorship, grant, and partnership opportunities that support our mission.

Position Summary: This position will be crucial in driving revenue through diverse funding opportunities (Grants and sponsorship packages) ranging from $25,000-$500,000. Additionally, you will lead a team of ambassadors who support $1500-$10,000 opportunities at the local level. This role will work closely with Make48 leadership and regional ambassadors, as well as external stakeholders, to cultivate relationships with new and existing business prospects across industries, ensuring the growth and sustainability of sponsorship and funding contributions.

 

Key Responsibilities:

• To present and sell a range of partnership and sponsorship packages to new and existing clients, including event and curriculum sponsors.

• Collaborate closely with various internal teams to align sponsors with their marketing community, innovation, and recruitment goals.

• Identify and secure revenue-generating opportunities, fostering long-term relationships with sponsors and foundations

• Lead and manage a team of ambassadors and grant writers, who will bring you warm introductions, enhancing funding opportunities.

• Maintain sponsor and foundation deliverables, ensuring all commitments are met with high standards and deadlines. 

• Maintain meticulous attention to our funders’ missions and initiatives, ensuring alignment in all communications.

• Demonstrate creativity and strategic thinking in locating and engaging the right decision-makers within potential sponsor organizations.

• Be willing to grow and lead presentations and meetings with sponsors, demonstrating strong public speaking and presentation skills. 

• Work within a team environment, according to staff expectations, to achieve collective goals, while also leading your own individual sales initiatives.

 

Qualifications:

• Highly personable and engaging, capable of building and maintaining strong relationships.

• Excellent verbal, presentation, and written communication skills, with impeccable attention to detail.

• At least 2 years of educational sales and fundraising experience.

• Proven ability to raise amounts over $100,000 or large portfolios

• Experience or degree in sales, marketing, business, psychology, or other similar field is desirable but not necessary; must demonstrate a willingness to learn and apply techniques and processes. 

• Exceptional skills in using LinkedIn and other professional networking platforms.

• Experience in grant writing or willingness to lead a team of grant writers is desired.  

• Ability to work independently in a remote setting and travel for meetings and events.

• High proficiency in technical and computer skills, including public presentation tools, Google software, and CRMs.

• Highly efficient with AI software systems

• Proven track record of partnership trust and long term relationship building

• Must have success with combined revenue generation over $2m

 

Leadership Expectations:

• Demonstrates a strong sense of ownership and commitment to achieving goals.

• Strategic, creative, and solution-oriented with a focus on delivering results.

• Highly self-motivated and ambitious, with a constant drive for excellence and success.

• Willingness and ability to develop a team if necessary. 

 

What We Offer:

• Hybrid role with flexible hours if needed

• The opportunity to work in a dynamic, innovative environment with a significant impact on educational sectors.

• Competitive compensation and potential for growth and development within the company.

 

Work Conditions:

• Will be considered as a remote opportunity anywhere in the USA for the right candidate.

• Hybrid work arrangement with a preference for candidates located in or near the Kansas City metro area; expected in-office attendance up to 3 days per week. 

• Standard work hours with flexibility for extended hours as needed. (approx 45)

• 15-20% travel required for the purposes of attending Make48 competitions, maintaining partner relationships, and engaging with stakeholders. 

Compensation 

• $90,000-$180,000, Range will be determined by experience and performance.

 

How to Apply

If you’re ready to help expand innovation opportunities for students across Kansas, we’d love to hear from you. Please fill out this application form.