Illinois Partnerships Manager for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

Merrimac International is recruiting this position on behalf of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. All communication regarding this role will be handled exclusively through Merrimac International. Position Overview The Partnerships Manager expands Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library across Illinois by developing, managing, and sustaining relationships with community partners, funders, and stakeholders. This role blends strategic partnership-building with a passion for early childhood literacy, driving mission impact and organizational growth. The ideal candidate is an experienced relationship builder with a proven record of securing new partners and funding within nonprofit or mission-driven settings. Primary Essential Duties & Responsibilities ● Perpetuate The Dollywood Foundation’s Vision & Mission ● Be a ‘personal representative’ for Dolly Parton and Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library

Key Responsibilities

• Incorporates the foundation’s Core Values into all aspects of their work
• Identify, cultivate, and secure new partnerships, sponsorships, and funding opportunities.
• Manage a diverse portfolio of prospects and partners, overseeing engagement from first outreach through stewardship and reporting
• Collaborate cross-functionally with communications, program, and leadership teams to ensure development activities align with organizational goals
• Track and manage partner relationships using CRM systems and donor databases such as Salesforce
• Contribute to a culture that values creativity, agility, and solutions-oriented approaches to engagement and growth
• Represent the organization at external meetings and events to build and maintain relationships
• Leverage experience working with or around political figures, advocacy campaigns, or public sector partnerships a plus
• Bring knowledge of Illinois’ educational and nonprofit landscape to inform outreach strategies

Position Requirements The ideal candidate is a passionate, outstanding leader who thrives on the opportunity to deliver Dolly’s mission to inspire a love of reading! Core

• Fully understand and respect their responsibility to represent Dolly Parton and The Dollywood Foundation. All actions and behaviors are an extension of Dolly and The Foundation and as such, great care must be taken to preserve the image and integrity of both
• A passionate desire to help children and make a difference in their lives
• Excellent ‘first impression’ regarding appearance, hygiene, and dress to present a professional image
• Exhibits exemplary leadership qualities that inspire and unify both the team and the community at large
• Willingness to work a varying schedule that includes nights, holidays, and weekends
• Recognized as a positive influence on others
• Works with integrity, ethics, and honesty
• Contributes to building a positive team spirit, shares their expertise and recognizes the accomplishments of others
• Willingness to learn best practices and modify for future improvement

Skills/Knowledge

• Proven ability to identify, initiate, and cultivate strategic partnerships that advance organizational growth and mission impact
• Skilled in building trust and maintaining long-term relationships with community leaders, funders, and institutional partners
• Knowledge of fundraising methods, donor cultivation, and stewardship strategies within nonprofit or association contexts
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and relationships simultaneously
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to craft persuasive proposals, pitches, and presentations
• Strategic thinker with a solutions-oriented and adaptable mindset
• Proven success in working cross-functionally with program, communications, and leadership teams
• High degree of integrity, professionalism, and alignment with organizational values
• Responsiveness to Dollywood Foundation leadership and to partner needs across Illinois
• Comfortable using CRM systems, fundraising databases, and communication tools to track progress and manage outreach efficiently
• Experience creating and managing social media content to engage partners, promote organizational initiatives, and amplify the mission across digital platforms
• Demonstrates tact, judgment, and professionalism when working with a wide range of stakeholders at local and statewide levels
• Disciplined in setting, pursuing, and achieving measurable goals
• Exceptional communicator across phone, video, and in-person platforms
• Proficient in written English; skilled at proofreading and editing for clarity and grammar
• Available to travel within Illinois and occasionally outside the state as needed

Education / Experience

• 2–4 years of experience in development, fundraising, client engagement, or partnership-building roles, preferably in nonprofit, association, or mission-driven settings
• Demonstrated success in building and securing new partnerships, sponsorships, or funding
• Ability to work across teams and communicate organizational priorities effectively
• Demonstrated creativity, agility, and problem-solving skills
• Experience in advocacy or public sector partnership work a plus
• Knowledge of Illinois’ education and nonprofit sectors strongly preferred

Compensation and Employment Details

• This is a full-time remote position based in Chicago, Illinois with a salary range of $85,000 to $90,000 annually, based on experience and qualifications
• The role includes a comprehensive benefits package, which covers health, dental, vision, and retirement plans, along with paid time off

Location Requirement Although this position is remote, the candidate must reside in Chicago, IL to meet compliance and business needs. Apply tot his job Apply To this Job