Jobs & internships

Jobs

Sponsorship Coordinator

Sports Backers is a nationally acclaimed 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to inspire people to live actively. We achieve this mission by hosting events and facilitating programs that encourage people to get moving. Through our work, we strive to build a healthier, more vibrant community in the Richmond region.

position overview

The Sponsorship Coordinator plays a pivotal role in the success of Sports Backers’ award-winning events by managing sponsor relationships, securing sponsorship agreements, and ensuring fulfillment of sponsorship benefits. This individual will work closely with internal teams, external partners, and sponsors to support the organization’s mission and ensure positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

This is a full-time, office-based position located in Richmond, Virginia with flexibility to work remotely at times. Evening and weekend work is required during event weeks, and it’s an all-hands on deck approach to support event production and logistics. The Sponsorship Coordinator will report to the Director of Sponsorship, Lauren Millard ([email protected]). Resumes will be accepted until October 31^st.

key areas of responsibility:

• Sponsorship Sales and Acquisition
  • Identify and cultivate potential sponsors through research, networking, and outreach.
  • Develop compelling sponsorship proposals tailored to potential partners’ needs and objectives.
• Sponsor Relationship Management
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for sponsors, ensuring their needs are met and expectations exceeded.
  • Maintain regular communication with sponsors, providing updates, reports, and addressing inquiries.
  • Build long-term relationships with sponsors to encourage ongoing support and engagement.
• Sponsorship Fulfillment
  • Ensure the timely and accurate fulfillment of all sponsorship agreements, including branding, activation, and promotional deliverables.
  • Collaborate with the marketing and event operations teams to integrate sponsor activations seamlessly into events such as the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k, Dominion Energy Riverrock, and Allianz Richmond Marathon.
  • Provide post-event reports to sponsors, highlighting deliverables and value provided.
• Event Support
  • Assist with on-site sponsor activations during events, ensuring a positive experience for both sponsors and participants.
  • Coordinate sponsor signage, displays, and other branding elements for events.
• Administrative and Reporting
  • Maintain accurate records of sponsorship agreements, communications, and activities.
  • Track sponsorship performance metrics and provide regular updates to leadership.
  • Support budgeting and revenue forecasting for sponsorship-related activities.

knowledge and skill requirements:

• 2+ years of experience in sponsorship sales, account management, or event marketing.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with corporate partners.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Experience with CRM tools is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the Richmond, VA, community and its businesses.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business, sports management, or a related field.
• Experience working in sports, events, or non-profit organizations.
• Creative thinker with a track record of developing innovative sponsorship solutions.

Salary and benefits

• Annual salary $50k-$60k based on experience
• 3+ Weeks Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays 
• 401k with Company Match
• Health Insurance
• Mobile Phone
• Employee Discounts on Merchandise

Sports Backers believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a nonprofit, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. It is the policy of Sports Backers, in accordance with all applicable laws, to provide all individuals with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender-identity, pregnancy, age, marital status, veteran or disability status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in all terms, conditions and privileges of employment.

Development Manager

Sports Backers is a nationally acclaimed 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization with a mission to inspire people to live actively. We achieve this mission by hosting events and facilitating programs that encourage people to get moving. Sports Backers is seeking a passionate and experienced Development Manager to assist in fundraising through individual, corporate, foundation, and jurisdictional funding

position overview

The Development Manager supports the fundraising and stewardship activities that sustain Sports Backers’ mission. This position plays a key role in donor communications, gift processing, event support, and database management, ensuring that supporters feel valued and engaged. The ideal candidate will be detail-oriented, organized, tech-savvy, and enthusiastic about building relationships that advance active living in the Richmond region.

This is a full-time, office-based position located in Richmond, Virginia with the necessity to be on-site at events along with the flexibility to work remotely at times. This role will include evening and weekend work as well as manual labor. The Development Manager role will report to the Director of Development, Megan Capito ([email protected]). Resumes will be accepted until October 15th.

key areas of responsibility:

• Process and acknowledge donations promptly, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Draft and personalize donor thank-you letters and emails.
• Assist in executing donor stewardship activities, including mailings, calls, and event invitations.
• Help maintain donor recognition listings across publications, website, and signage.
• Maintain and update donor records in the database.
• Generate reports, mailing lists, and queries for fundraising campaigns.
• Ensure data integrity and confidentiality of donor information.
• Provide administrative support for special events, donor receptions, and fundraising campaigns.
• Manage Sports Backers President’s Council, our volunteer young professional group.
• Support staff and volunteers during event setup, execution, and breakdown.

knowledge and skill requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
• 2-3 years of experience in fundraising.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite;
• Experience creating, managing, and troubleshooting online donation pages (e.g. Soapbox or similar platforms).
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Passion for Sports Backers’ mission and enthusiasm for active living.

Salary and benefits

• Annual salary starting at $50k based on experience
• 3 Weeks Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays 
• 401k with Company Match
• Health Insurance
• Mobile Phone

Sports Backers believes that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success as a nonprofit, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. It is the policy of Sports Backers, in accordance with all applicable laws, to provide all individuals with equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender-identity, pregnancy, age, marital status, veteran or disability status, national origin, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in all terms, conditions and privileges of employment.

Key volunteer role

Water Stop Coordinator Assistant

Overview

The Water Stop Assistant supports the Head Water Stop Coordinators in managing and setting up the hydration and support stations within designated zones of the course. There are a total of 16 water and electrolyte stops, 2 gel stops, 2 wet water cloth stops and 1 pickle juice stop along the marathon, half marathon and 8k routes. The Water Stop Assistant would be responsible for the hydration and support stations within one of the course zones. This role is essential in ensuring that runners stay hydrated and energized throughout the race.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Water Stop Coordinators and other volunteers with the setup and breakdown of the hydration and support stations.
• Help organize and direct volunteers to ensure water, electrolyte drinks, and other items are distributed efficiently to participants.
• Refill water cups, electrolyte drinks and restock supplies as needed.
• Monitor and maintain cleanliness around the water stop area, clearing discarded cups and debris.
• Communicate with race staff as needed to report any issues or request additional supplies.
• Ensure safety protocols are followed, making the stop accessible and safe for all participants.

Requirements:

• Must be 21 years or older.
• Strong organizational and leadership skills to help manage volunteers and tasks effectively.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and perform light physical tasks, such as moving tables or lifting cases of cups.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, outdoor environment.
• Positive, team-oriented attitude with a desire to help participants succeed.

Perks of Volunteering:

• Be part of America’s Friendliest Marathon and help support 21,000+ participants!
• Committee race gear including a jacket and volunteer shirt.
• Stipend for lunch.
• The satisfaction of helping athletes reach their goals in a major endurance event!

Internships

There are no internship positions currently open.