Manager, Advertising & Brand Partnerships Job at Cornell University in Ithaca

Manager of Advertising & Brand Partnerships

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.

This is a full-time position at 100% FTE. This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 2-3 days per week and on-site 2-3 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke, or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Relocation assistance will not be provided for this position.

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.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Partnership Development
• Corporate Relationship Management
• Revenue & Partnership Growth
• Internal Collaboration

What Makes This Role Exciting

• Opportunity to build partnerships with a globally trusted conservation brand
• Work with one of the largest engaged audiences of nature enthusiasts in the world
• Develop creative collaborations across media, technology, and conservation programs
• Help connect mission-driven companies with meaningful environmental impact

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.

Qualifications

• Required
• 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
• Preferred
• 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

Rewards and 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.