Corporate and Community Partners Manager

Job Description

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum, a 16,000+ acre protected forest in Kentucky, about 25 miles south of Louisville, is seeking a dynamic individual to maintain and grow critical corporate and business community relationships that support Bernheim’s Fundraising and Advancement Goals.

The Corporate and Community Partners Manager plays a vital role in generating support for Bernheim’s programs, events, operations, and special projects through corporate partnerships, sponsorships, grants, and corporate volunteer engagement.

About Us

Bernheim is home to a 600-acre, Level IV accredited arboretum. The natural landscape features 40+ miles of hiking trails and extensive natural areas managed for conservation and research purposes. Its woodlands, prairies, and wetlands make up the largest privately-owned forest in the Eastern United States dedicated to education and conservation. Bernheim is a privately owned not-for-profit, relying on donations and memberships, whose mission is to connect people with nature. Annually, over 300,000 people experience Bernheim through visits, educational programs, field trips, and Bernheim festivals.

Duties & Responsibilities

Essential Duties/Responsibilities
• Cultivate, steward, and solicit both established and emerging corporate partners to meet funding goals.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive corporate development strategy in collaboration with the Director of Advancement and President & CEO.
• Promote corporate employee engagement through volunteerism, special events, and on-/off-site activities with corporate partners.
• Collaboratively manage the full lifecycle of corporate grants – from research and application to reporting and compliance – in collaboration with relevant department directors.
• Maintain and actively engage a portfolio of 50–75 corporate and individual prospects, including cultivation, solicitation, closing, and stewardship.
• Create and deliver compelling funding proposals, sponsorship packages, and presentations to corporate audiences.
• Collaborate to support special events, program content, and funding for strategic initiatives.
• Represent Bernheim at networking events and with organizations.
• Participate in internal and external fundraising committees as needed.
• Utilize donor database (e.g., Altru) to manage records, track outreach, and summarize engagement activities.
• Complete special assignments and projects as directed by leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Experience and Expectations
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience cultivating corporate partnerships, securing sponsorships, or leading business development initiatives in a nonprofit or mission-driven setting.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher preferred; equivalent experience considered.

• Proven success in securing corporate gifts and sponsorships with measurable revenue impact.
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills, with the ability to influence and engage diverse stakeholders.
• High integrity and discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
• Collaborative mindset with experience working across departments.
• Embrace a spirit of curiosity, creativity, and joy in the workplace, with a deep belief in Bernheim’s mission to connect people with nature.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and donor database systems (preferably Altru).

Additional Information

This full-time, salaried position reports to the Director of Advancement.
Pay range: $50,000-$60,000.
Competitive benefits package includes: health/vision/dental insurance, retirement 403(b) match benefit and paid sick, holiday and vacation leave.

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, disability, age, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Application Instructions

Please send all inquiries and resumes to: HR@bernheim.org