Manager, Advertising & Brand Partnerships

Cornell University • Ithaca, MI

3d • $73,171 - $85,037 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is seeking an entrepreneurial partnerships leader to help expand one of the most trusted brands in conservation science. The right candidate will work with a Lab communications ecosystem that reaches millions of people worldwide through platforms including Merlin Bird ID, eBird, AllAboutBirds.org, Living Bird magazine, social media, and participatory science programs. The Manager of Advertising & Brand Partnerships will cultivate high-impact relationships with mission-aligned companies and develop integrated brand partnerships that connect corporate partners with the Lab’s global audience of birders, nature enthusiasts, and conservation supporters. This role goes beyond traditional advertising sales to build strategic partnerships that span the Lab’s digital platforms, media channels, participatory science programs, and educational initiatives, and create lasting collaborations that help advance key conservation objectives. While position responsibilities vary, all staff are expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by being trustworthy; respecting all individuals; being flexible; supporting work/life integration as well as healthy boundaries; inviting new ideas, alternatives, and perspectives; speaking up and taking action if others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and recognizing the contributions of others.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a globally recognized leader in conservation science and public engagement. Through innovative technology, media, and participatory science, the Lab connects millions of people with birds and the natural world. This position offers the opportunity to shape and grow the Lab’s corporate partnership portfolio by developing relationships with companies that share a commitment to conservation, science, and environmental stewardship. Working across the Lab’s marketing, communications, and program teams, this role will design partnership opportunities that integrate sponsorship, advertising, storytelling, and program collaboration.

The ideal candidate brings both a relationship-driven approach and a strategic mindset, with the ability to develop long-term partnerships that align corporate goals with mission-driven impact. They are comfortable working across teams, building new opportunities from the ground up, and translating audience reach and brand value into meaningful collaborations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and relevant experience in partnerships, sponsorships, advertising sales, business development, or related fields
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and manage relationships with corporate partners or clients
• Experience developing proposals or partnership packages
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience developing integrated brand partnerships or sponsorship programs
• Experience working with mission-driven organizations, media organizations, or outdoor brands
• Experience negotiating multi-channel advertising or sponsorship agreements
• Interest in conservation, science communication, or outdoor recreation

Responsibilities

• Strategic Partnership Development
• Identify and cultivate relationships with corporate partners aligned with the Lab’s mission and audiences
• Develop proposals and partnership opportunities that integrate advertising, sponsorship, and brand collaboration
• Build and manage a pipeline of mission-aligned companies across sectors such as outdoor recreation, optics, technology, travel, and sustainability
• Cultivate long-term and multi-year partnerships that deliver shared value
• Corporate Relationship Management
• Serve as the primary point of contact for corporate partners and advertisers
• Manage partner relationships to ensure successful collaboration and long-term engagement
• Coordinate internally with Lab teams to deliver partnership programs and campaigns
• Revenue & Partnership Growth
• Lead outreach, negotiation, and closing of advertising and sponsorship agreements
• Develop partnership packages leveraging the Lab’s diverse communications channels
• Identify opportunities to expand and renew corporate partnerships
• Internal Collaboration
• Work closely with marketing, communications, and program teams across the Lab
• Collaborate with colleagues managing sponsorships and partnerships to coordinate outreach and partner engagement

Benefits

• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement; the hybrid schedule will be determined at the time of hire.
• The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid or remote work arrangement at any time.
• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager