ent of Business Development - Sponsorships

Human Innovation Institute

(1099 / Contract Role, Performance-Based Compensation)

About the Human Innovation Institute

The Human Innovation Institute (HII) is an independent think tank and learning lab dedicated to advancing the emerging discipline of Human Innovation. The Institute was founded on the recognition that humanity is entering a period of profound systemic transition marked by institutional breakdown, accelerating complexity, and the urgent need for reimagined systems of growth, governance, and human development.

Our mission is to equip high-agency individuals, organizations, and systems with the capabilities required to navigate collapse and breakdown while actively contributing to reimagining and rebuilding. We pursue this mission through research, applied practice, and capability development, with a focus on disciplines such as cognitive cartography, self-authorship, narrative discernment, and the Human Innovation OS.

The Institute serves as both a research hub and a practice community. Its programs include Reading the World, a flagship briefing series that distinguishes signal from noise in the global landscape; applied research initiatives that generate original insights into systemic transformation; and exclusive research briefings that provide members and sponsors with forward-looking intelligence. In addition, the Institute convenes a growing membership community, which provides participants with access to capability-building tracks, practice libraries, reflection tools, and live convenings that foster collaboration and shared learning.

With this foundation, the Institute is positioned to engage sponsors and partners whose support will fuel the launch of its core programs and also shape the trajectory of a discipline that stands to influence the way humanity thinks, works, and evolves in the decades to come.

Position Overview

The Human Innovation Institute (HII) is seeking a results-driven, entrepreneurial leader to serve as Vice President of Business Development. This senior-level role is focused on leading a high-impact sponsorship sales campaign that will seed the Institute’s launch and provide the financial foundation for its early-stage growth.

The VP of Business Development will leverage their existing networks (“rolodex”) to identify and close sponsorship deals with corporations, family offices, high-net-worth individuals, philanthropic partners, and other mission-aligned stakeholders. The ideal candidate is an experienced closer who thrives in early-stage environments, combines consultative sales skills with entrepreneurial hustle, and has the credibility to engage C-suite and board-level decision-makers.

This is a 1099 contract role with a performance-based compensation model that rewards outcomes and offers above-market success fees.

Core Responsibilities

Business Development & Sales Strategy

• Develop and execute a sponsorship sales strategy aligned with HII’s launch campaign.

• Define clear targets, pipelines, and milestones for achieving sponsorship sales goals.

Prospecting & Network Leverage

• Activate personal and professional networks to identify qualified sponsorship prospects.

• Cultivate relationships with corporations, family offices, high net worth individuals, and philanthropic foundations.

Sponsorship Sales & Negotiation

• Drive sales of tiered sponsorship packages, ranging from entry-level supporters to high-visibility founding sponsors.

• Structure agreements that deliver mutual value while advancing HII’s mission.

Sponsor Stewardship & Relationship Growth

• Ensure sponsors are recognized and engaged as long-term partners.

• Act as a trusted advisor to sponsors, ensuring their ongoing goals are met while strengthening alignment with HII’s mission.

Collaboration & Alignment

• Partner closely with HII’s co-founders to refine positioning and campaign strategy.

• Integrate sales efforts with Institute functions (media, research, membership) to ensure sponsor benefits are realized.

Candidate Profile

Required Experience

• Proven track record of closing multi-million-dollar sponsorships, partnerships, or philanthropic commitments.

• Strong rolodex of corporate, family office, and HNWI relationships.

• Demonstrated success selling high-value sponsorship packages.

• Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and closing skills.

• Entrepreneurial mindset; thrives in early-stage, high-growth environments.

Preferred Experience

• Business development or sponsorship sales experience in think tanks, institutes, cultural institutions, or innovation-focused organizations.

• Experience with high-value sponsorships or naming rights.

• Experience using relationship management tools to track pipelines and accelerate deal flow

• Ability to engage sponsors across diverse industries and geographies

Compensation

• Type: 1099 contract role.

• Structure: Commission + success-based bonuses tied directly to funds raised.

• Incentive: Above-market success fee structure, aligned with outcomes.

• Payment Timing: Bonuses issued upon receipt of sponsor funds by the Institute.

Why This Role Matters

The Vice President of Business Development for Sponsorships will directly shape the pace and scale of HII’s launch. By securing critical sponsorship revenue, this role will provide the financial runway needed to activate core programs, fund research, and convene a world-class membership community. Its success will establish the foundation for launching the Institute and advance a discipline that stands to shape the future of human capability, while ensuring the long-term sustainability of HII’s mission.