Request for Proposals: Sponsorship Development Consultant
The Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits (SVCN) is seeking an experienced Sponsorship Development Consultant (Independent Contractor) to lead sponsorship sales and fundraising strategy for a nonprofit conference for approximately 500 attendees, to be held in Santa Clara County in Spring 2026 This is a temporary independent contractor role, with work beginning immediately and extending through the event date and post-event debrief. 

The Development Consultant will work closely with the SVCN team and Event Producer Consultants to design sponsorship strategy, identify prospects, lead outreach, and secure commitments.  

  • Identify and cultivate leads: Build a pipeline of potential sponsors through research, networking, and leveraging SVCN’s existing relationships. 
  • Lead outreach and negotiations: Conduct direct outreach, present sponsorship opportunities, and support SVCN in relationship management. 
  • Close sponsorship sales: Secure sponsorship commitments and ensure deliverables are integrated into event planning. 
  • Support broader development efforts: Provide recommendations and strategies that extend beyond the conference to other SVCN events and programs, particularly in terms of packaging multiple events with the conference. 

  • Partner with SVCN to refine sponsorship levels, benefits, and pricing structure for the conference. 
  • Research and build a sponsorship prospect list, incorporating SVCN’s network and identifying new opportunities. 
  • Work with Conference Producer and SVCN staff to develop outreach materials and communications to engage potential sponsors. 
  • Lead outreach and follow-up with prospects, representing SVCN professionally and effectively. 
  • Negotiate and close sponsorship agreements in partnership with SVCN staff and leadership. 
  • Provide regular updates, reports, and documentation of outreach, prospects, and commitments. 
  • Collaborate with SVCN’s event planning team to ensure sponsor deliverables are tracked and fulfilled. 
  • Participate in a post-event debrief with the SVCN team and provide recommendations for future sponsorship and development strategy, particularly as it relates to packaging other event sponsorships with the conference. 
  • Our budget for this project is approximately $10,000

  • Proven experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or sponsorship sales, ideally for conferences or large-scale events. 
  • Strong network of corporate, philanthropic, and community contacts in Silicon Valley. 
  • Demonstrated success in prospecting, outreach, and closing sponsorship or fundraising commitments. 
  • Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, including comfort with outreach and negotiations. 
  • Ability to develop strategy while also executing day-to-day tasks. 
  • Ability to work collaboratively with SVCN staff and contractors and participate in shared decision making.  
  • Familiarity with equity-centered and values-based fundraising practices.
  • Availability to begin immediately and remain engaged through event execution and wrap-up. 

Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority given to proposals received by Monday, September 22 at 10:00am. 

We welcome proposals from individuals with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, including those who have navigated systemic barriers or bring a deep understanding of the communities served by the nonprofit sector. 

Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits (SVCN) advances the role, voice, and capacity of the nonprofit community in Santa Clara County so it can be a force for positive social change and support the creation of equitable, vibrant, and thriving communities. SVCN has committed to being a change agent and a model of possibility by centering racial justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion principles in everything we do internally and externally. 

We support the nonprofit ecosystem by being a trusted source and hub of information, resources, and connections for nonprofits across Silicon Valley. We facilitate nonprofit collaboration, collective impact, and systems change that addresses the biggest challenges facing nonprofits and the communities they serve. SVCN’s nonprofit membership is 170+ strong. We also offer Ally Membership to individuals, businesses, and foundations. 

To learn more about SVCN, please visit www.svcn.org. 









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