Department: Development

Reporting to: Director of Conferencing

Part-Time; Non-Exempt

Location: Hybrid, New York City 

Commission Eligible Position (based on annual target sales goal)

Salary Range: $41-$44/hourly rate (based on $80k – $85k annual salary estimate)

Robert F. Kennedy Human rights is seeking a purpose-driven Sales & Sponsorship Lead to join our dynamic Development team. This role is ideal for a people-person with a background in ESG, DEI, and sustainability – particularly within the investor or corporate responsibility landscape – who is looking to pivot into the human rights space and grow professionally in a mission-driven environment.

The Sales & Sponsorship Lead will drive revenue by cultivating new and renewed sponsorships for RFK Human Rights’ programs and events. This position balances results-driven sales with meaningful relationship-building among our values-aligned network of business leaders, impact investors, and changemakers.

About our Work:

The work of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is possible thanks to a dynamic, multi-source model of revenue, supported by an endowment, individual giving (largely driven by board and leadership council support), events (such as our annual Ripple of Hope Gala and Compass Investor Conference(s), and institutional support.

Job Responsibilities:

Sales & Revenue Development (80%)

• Support the generation of $3.25m in annual topline revenue through flagship annual conference sponsorship, private donations and other sources.
• Identify, build, maintain relationships with RFKHR Compass Sponsors (predominantly General Partners who invest funds on behalf of Public Pensions and other institutional investors).
• Drive new sponsorship acquisition and renewal opportunities across RFK Human Rights’ initiatives, events, and programs.
• Lead compelling sponsor pitch processes, including presentations, proposals, and follow-ups.
• Develop tailored sponsorship benefit packages based on organizational tiers and partner objectives (includes finalization of the annual Sponsor Benefit Grid).
• Imagine and pitch ways to monetize related spaces (Corporate Engagement, Other Asset Classes, Innovative Partnerships, etc) against existing capacity and fixed assets.
• Collaborate with Dev. Team members to maintain and update CRM (e.g., Salesforce) with accurate sales data and activity tracking.
• Identify strategic sponsorship opportunities aligned with ESG, DEI, and sustainability priorities.

Network Engagement & Strategic Relationship-Building (20%)

• Cultivate and engage RFKHR’s partner community with a focus on shared values and long-term collaboration.
• Collaborate with the Director of Conferencing and Chief Governance Officer to attend mission-aligned industry events and forums to represent RFK Human Rights and expand our sponsorship network.
• Support Director of Conferencing and Chief Governance Officer with the regular interaction of Board Members, GT Partner with numerous Sponsor Clients, and PGIM DEI Investments Exec and former Compass Lead.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams (e.g., Programs, Communications) to ensure sponsor experiences are mission-centric and high impact.
• Work with the Development team to identify a donor pipeline relevant for other RFKHR fundraising needs (Ripple of Hope Honorees, Prospective Board Membership, General Donations, Other Event Sponsorship, Endowment Giving, Bequests, etc).

Qualifications: 

• A mission-aligned professional with 2 to 5 years of experience in sponsorship sales, partnerships, or business development – experience in ESG, DEI, or sustainability sectors a strong plus.
• A strong communicator and storyteller with the ability to translate complex impact work into compelling value propositions.
• Self-driven, organized, and detail-oriented, with a comfort navigating both structured pipelines and evolving opportunities.
• Familiar with CRM tools (preferably Salesforce) and sales reporting.
• Eager to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to a human rights-centered organization.
• Exceptional attention to detail, time management, and cross-team coordination.
• Tech-savvy and comfortable with virtual/hybrid event tools (i.e. Cvent, Zoom, Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, etc.).
• Comfortable working with executive key stakeholders, high-net-worth individuals, and partners.
• Awareness and passion for the non-profit space, current events, and issues relating to human rights around the world; 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; 
• Demonstrated research skills suitable for varied audiences; 
• Time management, you have the ability to manage multiple tasks and projects at once;
• Flexible, patient, and ability to stay gracious under pressure; 
• High level of integrity and discretion in handling confidential information; 
• Innovative thinking, a willingness to voice opinions, and a strong work ethic are essential;
• Teamwork, you are able to build positive relationships with your colleagues and are willing to help others; 
• Inclusive, you’re excited to work with colleagues with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives from your own. 

Availability and Compensation:

• The initial period of work will be seven (7) months beginning Fall 2025 and ending Summer 2026; Option to extend dependent on deliverables;
• Available 15-25 hours per week;
• Part-time, starting hourly rate of $41/hour;
• Commission Eligible Position (based on annual target sales goal)
• This position is eligible for overtime pay.

Benefits and other Perks:

• Flexibility and independence to help manage your work and home life: Staff have the ability to work from home and work out of offices as needed;
• We love to celebrate human rights advocates and our hard work! We do so by hosting award ceremonies, galas, summer outings, holiday parties, potlucks, domestic and international staff retreats, and spur-of-the-moment social outings.

How to Apply:

• Submit your resume and cover letter to applications@rfkhumanrights.org with “Your Name + Sales & Sponsorship Lead” in the subject heading.
• In your cover letter please include how you heard about this role and why you’re interested in this position.

No phone calls, please. RFK Human Rights will contact qualified candidates directly. 

Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights is an equal opportunity employer and believes we are stronger and more effective by working internally and externally with people of all abilities, diverse backgrounds, and a range of perspectives, particularly those who have historically been marginalized or underrepresented. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We do not discriminate in our hiring practices and in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seek a diverse applicant pool.

If you’re in need of an accommodation at any time during the application and hiring process please contact us by emailing your request to hr@rfkhumanrights.org with the subj. line “Accommodation Request”. Examples include, but are not limited to: • Having interviews in a more accessible location/format

• Having documents in alternate formats or read aloud