Carmel Christkindlmarkt, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The primary mission of the organization is to create and host an authentic, traditional German Christmas festival - the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. The festival has taken place for eight years (2017-2025, skipping 2020 due to Covid-19), drawing 300,000+ visitors annually from mid-November through Christmas Eve. In 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2025 the Carmel Christkindlmarkt was voted the #1 Holiday Market in North America according to USAToday’s 10Best Readers’ Choice poll.
The mission of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt is supported by a small team of year-round staff and seasonal staff members. Our organization highly values the ability of our team members to work together, to adapt to changing circumstances, and to cultivate an atmosphere of shared success when engaging with each other, contract vendors, and guests of the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.
Job description:
The Director of Sponsorships & Development leads the fundraising and sponsorship strategy for the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. This role is responsible for cultivating and securing corporate sponsorships, stewarding donor relationships, and overseeing private event partnerships that generate revenue and deepen community engagement.
The Director of Development works closely with the CEO and internal teams to ensure sponsor relationships are aligned with the organization’s mission, well-integrated into Market programming, and fulfilled with excellence. The role also oversees sponsorship reporting, recognition, and renewal strategies to sustain long-term partnerships.
This position is hybrid during the off-season with significant on-site responsibilities during the Market’s operating season (November–December).
Compensation Range: $90,000-$110,000 Annual
Job duties:
Sponsorship Development & Fundraising
- Develop and implement sponsorship and fundraising strategies to support the Carmel Christkindlmarkt.
- Identify, cultivate, and secure corporate sponsors and community partners.
- Renew and upgrade existing sponsorship relationships while expanding new partnership opportunities.
- Create/Update sponsorship packages and proposals, including sponsorship tiers for the Market and key events.
- Negotiate sponsorship agreements and coordinate contract execution with the CEO - ensuring sponsorship partners align with the mission and values of the organization.
Donor & Sponsor Relationship Management
- Serve as the primary relationship manager for all sponsors from prospecting through post-event stewardship.
- Coordinate sponsor tours of the Market and engagement opportunities for prospective partners.
- Research and implement a CRM that fits the Organization’s needs.
- Track and integrate all sponsorship activity through the organization’s CRM, including prospect lists, contacts, and opportunity status.
- Oversee delivery of sponsor benefits and recognition across marketing, communications, and on-site activations.
- Provide post-Market reporting, recognition, and renewal outreach to sustain long-term partnerships.
Development Events
- Plan and execute fundraising and sponsor engagement events connected to the Market.
- Work with Special Events Coordinator for the planning and coordination of Wundernacht, the pre-season ticketed fundraising event designed for sponsors, media, and VIP guests.
Grants & Development Infrastructure
- Develop and manage a grant writing program to support organizational growth.
- Establish systems and processes for tracking fundraising performance and sponsor engagement. Collaborate with leadership to develop development strategies and marketing collateral that support sponsor recruitment.
Cross-Department Collaboration
- Partner with the Communications team to ensure sponsor visibility across marketing channels, including signage, newsletters, and social media.
- Work with Cultural Programs to develop meaningful community partnerships. Coordinate internally with Market leadership to ensure sponsor deliverables are properly integrated into Market programming and operations.
Private Rental Events
- Oversee the Private Rental Coordinator as it pertains to the securing and coordinating Private Rentals for the Market season.
- Oversee the communication, logistics, and on-site execution to ensure successful private events.
On-Site Market Support
- Attend key Market events and sponsor activations during the Market season.
- Provide on-site leadership during private rental events to ensure smooth execution and fulfillment of commitments.
Additional Responsibilities
- Support organizational fundraising initiatives and strategic partnerships.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the CEO.
Key Competencies
- Relationship Building: Ability to cultivate and steward strong relationships with corporate sponsors, donors, and community partners.
- Fundraising & Sponsorship Development: Experience identifying, securing, and growing sponsorships or philanthropic support.
- Business Development: Skilled at prospecting, presenting sponsorship opportunities, and negotiating partnership agreements.
- Project & Event Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple partnerships, events, and deliverables.
- Systems & Data Management: Ability to implement and manage a CRM and track fundraising activity and outcomes.
- Collaboration & Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to work effectively across teams.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience.
- 3–5+ years of experience in fundraising, development, sponsorship sales, partnerships, or related roles.
- Demonstrated success building relationships and securing sponsorships or financial support.
- Experience planning or supporting fundraising or donor engagement events.
- Willingness to work in cold temperatures, predominantly standing and walking
To Apply:
Please submit a resume and cover letter to Staffing@carmelchristkindlmarkt.com
