Chicago River Swim

Develop and execute corporate sponsorship strategy, manage sponsorship lifecycle, and collaborate with teams to maximize sponsor value. | 7+ years in corporate partnerships or sponsorship sales, strong Chicago corporate network, excellent communication with executives, and passion for civic and community impact. | About the Chicago River Swim The Chicago River Swim is more than an athletic event — it’s a civic milestone. Founded by open-water swimmer and advocate Doug McConnell, the Swim celebrates the restoration of the Chicago River and raises awareness of the city’s evolving relationship with its waterways. Proceeds benefit ALS research at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine and support youth water safety programs through the Kroc Center, ensuring that kids in underserved communities learn the life-saving skill of swimming. As the Chicago River Swim expands toward its 2026 edition, we are building our sponsorship team. About the Role We’re seeking a senior-level corporate partnerships leader to drive sponsorship growth and steward relationships with Chicago’s most influential companies. This is a visible, high-impact opportunity for a well-connected professional who wants to combine business strategy with civic purpose. The ideal candidate is an experienced relationship-builder who can inspire corporate partners to invest in a mission that blends environmental progress, community impact, and Chicago pride. Key Responsibilities • Develop and execute a comprehensive corporate sponsorship strategy for the Chicago River Swim. • Leverage and grow your network of Chicago business leaders to identify, pitch, and secure new partnerships. • Manage the full sponsorship lifecycle — from outreach and proposal development to contract negotiation and post-event stewardship. • Collaborate with leadership, marketing, and events teams to ensure sponsors receive visibility, activation opportunities, and measurable value. • Position the Swim as a premier platform for corporate social responsibility and community engagement. Qualifications • Strong, established network within Chicago’s corporate community. • Minimum 7+ years of experience in corporate partnerships, sponsorship sales, philanthropy, or strategic business development. • Exceptional communication and presentation skills with C-suite executives. • Proven ability to close high-value sponsorships and deliver results independently. • Genuine passion for Chicago, civic leadership, and mission-driven work related to water, wellness, and community impact. What We Offer • A leadership role in one of Chicago’s most exciting and inspiring civic events. • The chance to connect corporate generosity with tangible community outcomes — from ALS research breakthroughs to youth water safety programs. • High visibility among Chicago’s philanthropic, business, and media circles. • Flexible structure • Work from home • Base salary plus bonus threshold-based compensation • Potential for expanded responsbilities as the Chicago River Swim grows