Sponsorship Manager

WEXFORD FESTIVAL OPERA
Job Description

Job Title: Sponsorship Manager
Location: Wexford Festival Opera, Wexford, Ireland (Hybrid or On-Site)
Reports To: Head of Development
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: €50,000 per annum, based on experience

About Wexford Festival Opera

Wexford Festival Opera (WFO) is internationally renowned for its dedication to presenting rarely performed and unjustly neglected operatic works. Each year, the festival attracts a global audience, artists of the highest calibre, and garners critical acclaim for its artistic excellence and innovative programming. Described by Frommer’s Travel Guide as one of the top three destinations in the world for opera lovers, Wexford Festival Opera enjoys a growing base of national and international supporters and sponsors. This is a unique opportunity to work with an award-winning arts organisation that is driven, ambitious, and respected on the world stage.

As WFO continues to grow and build upon its fundraising success, we are seeking a highly motivated Sponsorship Manager to join our Development Team. This is a key fundraising role focused on driving sponsorship growth and deepening relationships with corporate partners.

Role Purpose

We are seeking an energetic and experienced Sponsorship Manager to join our Development team and drive sponsorship and commercial partnership opportunities for Wexford Festival Opera. The role covers all aspects of sponsor acquisition, relationship management, and activation, working with a well-established portfolio of long-term partners to ensure high-quality delivery and meaningful engagement.

You will join a supportive Development team, including the Head of Development, Donor Development Manager, Operations and Research Development Executive, and a part-time Development Executive, fostering collaboration and shared expertise.

This is a hybrid and flexible role, with remote working supported, but on-site presence in Wexford required during the festival and at other agreed times.

The position offers scope for creativity and initiative and is ideal for someone with an interest in the arts with a strong track record in sponsorship or commercial fundraising.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and secure new sponsorships across corporate, media, and brand sectors to support the festival’s activities and growth.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective sponsors, ensuring excellent stewardship and high levels of engagement and retention.
• Work closely with sponsors to develop and execute bespoke activation campaigns that align with their brand and marketing objectives.
• Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., marketing, programming, production) to ensure seamless integration and delivery of sponsor commitments.
• Develop compelling sponsorship proposals, presentations, and reports that effectively articulate value propositions.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of sponsor interactions, contracts, and performance metrics using appropriate CRM tools.
• Monitor market trends and competitor activity to identify new opportunities and ensure competitive positioning.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience

• Brings a natural sense of welcome and care, taking pride in meeting and exceeding expectations and in thoughtfully fulfilling the elements involved in each partnership.
• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in sponsorship sales, fundraising, business development, or a similar commercial role, ideally within the arts, cultural, or events sector.
• Demonstrable success in securing significant sponsorship or income targets.
• Proven skills in account management/relationship cultivation with high-value clients/donors.
• Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills, with a strategic and analytical approach to deal-making.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality proposals and presentations.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities, capable of managing multiple deadlines and priorities independently.
• A collaborative team player with the initiative to work autonomously and the interpersonal skills to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.

Desirable

• Interest in the arts, cultural, or non-profit sectors.
• Experience with event logistics or donor engagement activities.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to join a world-class cultural organisation and play a key role in its future development. As part of a dedicated team, you will contribute to the success of one of Ireland’s most celebrated festivals, while building your own skills in fundraising, operations, and arts administration.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role to jobs@wexfordopera.com by 5pm on Friday 23^rd of January 2026.

Job Description

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