POSITION OVERVIEW

The Marine Discovery Center (MDC) is a 501 (C) 3 non-profit organization that aims to protect and restore Florida’s coastal and Indian River Lagoon ecosystems through education, conservation, and exploration. 

The Business Development & Partnerships Coordinator position is a part-time role focused on growing MDC's earned revenue and organizational visibility through strategic relationship-building, corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and group tour sales. This externally facing role serves as a key ambassador for the organization, cultivating alliances with businesses, partners, and community stakeholders to expand mission impact and financial sustainability.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Development & Strategic Partnerships

• Identify, cultivate, and steward strategic partnerships with businesses, community organizations, partners, and corporate sponsors.
• Develop and execute strategies to grow earned revenue through corporate partnerships, group bookings, sponsorships, and cross-promotional opportunities.
• Represent MDC at networking events, chamber meetings, and community gatherings to increase organizational visibility and build long-term relationships.
• Track partnership outreach, proposals, and outcomes in CRM to support growth and retention efforts.

Event Sponsorship 

• Lead sponsorship development efforts for organizational events, including identifying prospects, preparing proposals, and fulfilling sponsor commitments.
• Collaborate with the Marketing & Development Director and Events & Tour Coordinator to align sponsorship opportunities with event goals.
• Steward existing sponsor relationships to encourage renewal and increased investment.
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Tour Sales Strategy

• Assist the Event and Tour Coordinator to drive group and corporate bookings for boat and kayak eco-tours for private charters, organizational outings and corporate experiences.
• Help develop and implement seasonal sales strategies to maximize tour participation during both peak and off-peak periods.

Marketing & Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with staff to support promotion of tours, events, and partnerships through digital, print, and community channels.
• Contribute content ideas, partnership highlights, and sales messaging that support broader marketing and fundraising goals.
• Ensure consistent messaging that reflects the organization’s mission, values, and brand.

Administrative & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of sales, partnerships, and event outcomes in CRM and booking systems.
• Prepare regular reports on revenue performance, partnerships, and event metrics for leadership.
• Assist with budgeting, forecasting, and goal setting related to tours, partnerships, and events.

OTHER RELATED FUNCTIONS

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of MDC’s mission and the organization's strategic vision.
• Comply with MDC Employee Handbook guidelines and expectations.
• Attend internal staff meetings.
• Assumes responsibility for professional growth and development.
• All other duties as assigned by the Marketing & Development Director.

WORK HOURS

24 hours a week in a highly active office.  The schedule can vary, but a typical day at MDC is 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday – Friday.  Evenings and weekends will be required for event execution. 

EDUCATION/TRAINING/EXPERIENCE

• College degree preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• A minimum of 3 years of experience in a similar position is preferred
  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with booking or event management platforms a plus.
  • Strong interpersonal and written communication skills.
  • Positive, team-oriented attitude and willingness to take initiative.
  • Enthusiasm for MDC's environmental education and conservation mission

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  ESSENTIALS THAT WILL MAKE YOU SUCCESSFUL 

  Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.

  Ability to multitask!

  Ability to take initiative.

  Positive attitude.

  Superior attention to detail.

  Ability to work well and collaborate with others.

  Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  Highly organized.

   

  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Must be able to remain stationary part of the time at a computer.
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  • Needs to move inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
  • Continually operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
  • Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand and exchange accurate information in these situations.
  • Occasionally work in outdoor weather conditions.

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  EXPOSURE TO HAZARDS

  Many MDC operations involve being on, in or near water.  Additionally, chemicals are used for various laboratory tests, in aquaria, and in restoration work.  All safety protocols must be followed.

  
  

  The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified