Director of Partnerships

Company Description Black Houston Creatives Network (BHCN) is a professional association, media platform, and creative economy initiative dedicated to increasing access, visibility, and opportunity for Black creatives across Houston. Guided by its CREATIVES Framework—Community, Resources, Economic Opportunity, Access, Technology, Impact, Visibility, Education, and Sustainability—BHCN focuses on strengthening the infrastructure that supports Black creative talent. The organization believes creativity thrives when people have the right relationships, resources, platforms, and pathways to grow. Through professional development, curated networking experiences, media storytelling, member visibility, and strategic partnerships, BHCN helps creatives connect, grow, and elevate within Houston’s creative economy. BHCN’s work centers on honoring the cultural contributions of Black creatives while building systems that turn creativity into influence, sustainability, and long-term economic opportunity.

Role Description The Director of Partnerships is a contract, remote role responsible for leading and expanding strategic relationships that support BHCN’s mission and programs. This role manages the full partnerships lifecycle, including prospecting, developing proposals, negotiating agreements, and ensuring successful delivery of partnership commitments. Day-to-day responsibilities include identifying and nurturing new and existing partners across corporate, nonprofit, civic, and creative sectors; coordinating joint initiatives and campaigns; and maintaining clear communication and reporting with partners and internal stakeholders. The Director of Partnerships will collaborate closely with leadership and program teams to align partnership strategies with organizational goals, increase resources and visibility for Black creatives, and drive sustainable revenue and impact. This role also oversees partnership performance metrics, maintains partner documentation, and continuously refines partnership strategy based on feedback and outcomes.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong Communication and relationship-building skills, including clear written and verbal communication and the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Candidates should possess at least 5 years

of

• experience in Strategic Partnerships and Account Management, including managing partner portfolios and stewarding long-term collaborations.
• Candidates should possess Strategic Planning and Sales skills, including developing partnership strategies, creating proposals, and securing sponsorships or funding.
• Candidates should possess skills in stakeholder coordination and project management to organize partnership activities, timelines, and deliverables.
• Relevant experience working with creative communities, nonprofits, or mission-driven organizations is beneficial.
• Familiarity with Houston’s creative ecosystem and issues impacting Black creatives is an asset.
• Ability to work independently in a remote environment, manage multiple priorities, and use digital collaboration tools effectively.
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, Arts Administration, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.