Tag: business partnership
We’re Hiring a Business & Corporate Relations Manager
TITLE: Business & Corporate Relations Manager
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular, exempt from overtime. Full-time (40 hours per week).
HOURS: Monday to Friday flexible schedule, with frequent Saturdays October – April, evenings as needed.
SUPERVISED BY: Development & Communications Director
PAY RATE: Annual salary set at $66,000. Eligible for full benefits package, including 100% employer paid medical, dental and vision insurance, retirement match up to 2%, paid time off starting at 3 weeks’ vacation, 11 holidays, and sick time. Eligible for one month paid sabbatical after five years. The organization is closed during the final week of December.
LOCATION: Friends of Trees Portland office at 3117 NE MLK Jr. Blvd, Portland, OR 97212. Stairs required to access the office. Travel throughout the City of Portland with FOT provided vehicles. Work a combination of in-office, outdoor, and hybrid/remote.
CLOSE DATE: Materials due by Wednesday, June 17, 2026 (see details below under How to Apply). Resumes will be reviewed upon receipt; qualified candidates may be invited to interview prior to the posted closing date. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
EXPECTED START DATE: July 2026 (ideally)
ABOUT FRIENDS OF TREES
Since 1989, Friends of Trees (FOT) has planted more than a million trees and native shrubs in 120+ neighborhoods’ in six counties across two states. We’ve done this through engaging 75,000+ community volunteers, and while implementing and growing programming that aims to do this work inclusively and equitably. We plant trees, and so much more. Learn more about The Friends of Trees Way, about Our Commitment to Equity, and about Our Community Partnerships.
JOB SUMMARY
The Business & Corporate Relations Manager is the lead and primary staff person for business and corporate financial support of Friends of Trees. This position involves pursuing, securing, maintaining, and growing corporate and business support through donations (financial and in-kind), sponsorships, percentage of sale benefits, and all other forms of business/corporate support. The Manager works with the Development & Communications program, and other program areas as necessary, to coordinate Friends of Trees’ events as appropriate and relevant. This position also plays a lead role in implementing external communications, especially as related to corporate and business donors. This position is in the office, out in the community, and sometimes in the field networking with sponsors, donors, and other partners.
Business partners of note include Portland Trail Blazers, Portland Fire, Portland Thorns, PGE, Northwest Natural, along with many other businesses of various sizes and scopes.
DESCRIPTION OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Corporate and Business Relations
- Maintain and grow existing corporate and business partnerships.
- Prospecting: Research, develop, and secure new corporate and business partnerships in line with FOT’s service areas in Portland Metro, SW Washington, Salem, and Eugene.
- Ensure fulfillment of partnership promotional benefits and activities.
- Create and implement consistent, creative, and valued appreciation activities.
- Host sponsors and business partners at weekend planting events.
- Support sponsor engagement and community activation efforts, including occasional mobilization & operation of Friends of Trees mascot, Garry Oak, at corporate partner events
- Other benefit administration as necessary and as specified in individual partner agreements.
- Interact with sponsors and prospects externally as opportunities are available.
- With DevComm and other appropriate staff, conceive of and implement specific campaigns and other activities specific to recruiting and growing business donors.
- Work with the regional Eugene team on creative regional solutions to fulfill sponsor promotional activities.
- Evaluate regional office work processes and develop / implement efficiencies to help advance fundraising and sponsorship promotional activities.
- Coordinate private planting events for corporate and business groups, working closely with the Green Space Program.
- Lead on all aspects of business/corporate partner involvement in organizational events and activities.
- Work with the Development Specialist on data entry, reporting, and donation acknowledgements.
- Maintain accurate and complete records of corporate transactions and communications. Prepare regular reports on all campaign activities.
- Coordinate and staff outreach events as appropriate, to maintain and pursue relationships with sponsors and potential sponsors.
- Appropriately respond to frequent inquiries and requests from current and potential business donors.
- Project corporate donation revenue monthly, quarterly, and annually to support budgeting, goal tracking, and organizational planning.
Communications
- Social media: Work with Communications Manager on content specific to business/corporate partners.
- Contribute to the monthly e-newsletter as necessary.
- Work with Communications Manager on all aspects of the Business Digest, a periodic e-news for business partners.
- Work with DevComm team to maintain FriendsofTrees.org pages related to corporate and business donors.
- Work with the Development Specialist to generate, regularly update, and post seasonal planting calendar, which includes sponsor participation.
- With the DevComm team, assess and evaluate the success of communications efforts.
General Friends of Trees Programming support
- Lead on, and/or support other staff with, securing in-kind donations of goods and/or services for organizational events.
- Work with program staff as possible on ideas and strategies to maximize events’ and activities’ appeal to potential sponsors.
- Directly support program activities as necessary to promote the above.
OTHER DUTIES:
- Actively participate in FOT’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives
- Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, retreats, trainings, and cross-organizational initiatives; support efforts to improve program and organizational effectiveness
- Uphold FOT’s safety protocols in support of a safe working environment
- Participate in cross-program committees and subcommittees to fulfill FOT’s mission
- Participate in organizational fundraising efforts and strategic planning efforts\
- Contribute content for TreeMail and FOT social media channels, as needed
- And other duties as assigned
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
- At least three years demonstrated experience cultivating and securing donations from corporations and businesses, including prospecting new relationships and growing existing relationships.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Demonstrated experience managing events
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment; proven ability to exercise initiative while working collaboratively and as part of a team.
- Ability to effectively juggle and reprioritize tasks and responsibilities.
- Strong proficiency with MS Office.
- A positive, flexible attitude and a sense of humor.
- Passion for FOT’s mission.
- Experience with and dedication to working with diverse teams and constituents in a respectful, equitable, and inclusive fashion.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with Salesforce or other CRM database.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit a cover letter and resume as a single PDF to [email protected] by Wednesday, June 17, 2026
In the cover letter, please address the following elements:
1) Why you’re interested in this position.
2) How your specific skills and experience position you as a qualified candidate based on this job description.
3) Personal or professional experience with equity, diversity and inclusion work.
4) Any relevant skills and experience not listed in your resume or anything benefiting from further explanation.
Please limit your application materials to three pages total. References may be requested at a later date. Resumes will be reviewed upon receipt; qualified candidates may be invited to interview prior to the posted closing date, early applications are encouraged.
Friends of Trees recognizes that not everyone has equal access to the benefits of trees and healthy urban green spaces based on racial and socioeconomic status, and we are committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment. Candidates of color are strongly encouraged to apply.
Friend of Trees provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identification, national origin, age, disability or genetics.
Friends of Trees Selected for NW Natural’s Programs of Focus Partnership
Friends of Trees is excited to have been selected as one of NW Natural’s Programs of Focus. This new partnership is an extension of over a decade of support from NW Natural for Friends of Trees based on our aligned values of caring, service and environmental stewardship. NW Natural employees can often be found volunteering at Friends of Trees planting events.
“We’re proud to support Friends of Trees because they’re a partner who exemplifies what caring can look like—bringing together volunteers to plant trees that will have a long-lasting impact for our communities.”
– Sama Shagaga, community affairs at NW Natural
Programs of Focus is a special three-year collaboration. Five different community partners receive philanthropic funding, in-kind resources, and volunteer support from NW Natural. NW Natural also facilitates knowledge and resource sharing among the cohort of programs.
“NW Natural’s continued support is so important to making sure we can continue bringing people together to plant trees,” says Yashar Vasef, executive director at Friends of Trees. “And we’re excited to explore the opportunities to collaborate with the rest of the cohort.”
Other Programs in the cohort:
ABC House works to break the cycle of child abuse and neglect, supporting children as they find their voice and helping children and families heal and thrive in Linn and Benton counties.
Council for the Homeless provides community leadership, compelling advocacy, and practical solutions to prevent and end homelessness in Clark County, WA.
ReFIT – Remodeling for Independence Together empowers people with disabilities and limited income to live safely, independently, and with dignity by providing essential home modifications at no cost.
Youth Villages helps youth and families live successfully in Clackamas, Multnomah and Washington counties.
Join us for MLK Weekend Planting Events!
Friends of Trees has impactful volunteer events on this weekend of service
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day has long been observed with community service. Friends of Trees is proud to offer meaningful volunteer service opportunities throughout the region. Together, we’re working toward everyone having access to trees, green spaces, and the important benefits they provide to community members.
These events will likely fill up! Individual volunteers can sign up on our event calendar. If your group, including business groups, want to join in on the action, visit this page for more details.
If you’re a business that wants to support MLK Weekend events with a sponsorship, visit this page for details, or reach out to our Corporate & Business Relations Manager, Sam Erman at [email protected].
NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS
Our neighborhood planting events are an awesome way to engage with other community members and make a tangible impact right where people live, all in a single Saturday morning. Volunteers meet up at the staging site, enjoy a short program over some coffee and breakfast treats, then go out into the neighborhoods to plant trees with guidance from their crew leaders! Together, we’ll plant about 100 trees!
MLK Corridor ~ N/NE Portland
January 17, 8:45 am – 1 pm | 3117 NE Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR
Let’s plant trees together in Portland on the inner eastside, including some historically black neighborhoods. Of special note: this event is staged at our office! This planting is part of our new collaboration with Portland Urban Forestry.
Aloha Neighborhoods
January 17, 8:45 am – 1 pm | Staging Location TBD
We have an awesome planting event in Aloha neighborhoods for our Washington County peeps! Neighborhood trees provide countless benefits to the community, from cleaning air and water to providing the cooling power of shade.
NATURAL AREA EVENTS
Our green space plantings are for nature lovers. Together, we’ll enhance natural areas and parks with hundreds of native trees and plants that will improve wildlife habitat, air and water, and opportunities for people to connect with nature. Volunteers work in crews throughout the morning at the natural area. Snacks, gloves, and instructions provided!
Columbia Slough Natural Area ~ NE Portland
January 17, 9:45 am – 1 pm | 11058 NE Simpson St, Portland, OR
Friends of Trees is excited to partner with Portland OIC and Portland Parks & Recreation to restore this two acre parcel of the Columbia Slough. Help us plant hundreds of native shrubs and wildflowers at this important community site.
Stites Nature Park ~ Forest Grove
January 17, 8:45 am – 1 pm | 2423 26th Ave, Forest Grove, OR
Calling all nature lovers! Help us plant hundreds of native wildflowers and shrubs at Stites Nature Park in Forest Grove!
THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS
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Partner Spotlight: NW Natural
NW Natural’s partnership helped Friends of Trees reach and celebrate 1,000,000 trees & native plants
NW Natural has partnered with Friends of Trees for over a decade, so it made perfect sense for them to collaborate with us for our millionth tree season. They sponsored 10 community tree planting events, bringing together hundreds of people to plant thousands of trees and native plants.
Two of NW Natural’s core values are environmental stewardship and caring, both of which they find in the partnership with Friends of Trees.
We’re proud to support Friends of Trees because they’re a partner who exemplifies what caring can look like—bringing together volunteers to plant trees that will have a long-lasting impact for our communities.”
– Sama Shagaga, community affairs at NW Natural
NW Natural also organized a day for its employees to volunteer at a Friend of Trees event this spring, connecting employees who don’t often get to work with each other. They joined Friends of Trees at Bagley Park in downtown Hillsboro for an awesome day of planting.
“When employees go out to projects they get to accomplish something as a team,” Sama says. “They get to walk away knowing they’ve made an impact.”
Our millionth tree celebration and planting event could not have been as successful without the support of NW Natural, who provided tenting and catering for the 200 attendees at the party at our office in Portland. It was a quintessentially Friends of Trees event, a perfect marker for this milestone for the organization, our partners, and the community.
Get to Know our Partner: PGE
With us since 1989, Portland General Electric is the Presenting Partner of our Millionth Tree Celebration
Just like the decades-old trees we’ve planted throughout the years, our partnership with Portland General Electric has deep roots. Since 1989, PGE and Friends of Trees have partnered with the shared belief of investing in the environmental health and economic success of our communities by planting native trees and shrubs.
Our partnership with PGE has allowed us to bring communities together to instantly beautify neighborhoods and parks, while also supporting healthy air quality. PGE knows trees play a pivotal role in climate action by removing CO2 and other pollutants, resulting in better air quality for everyone.
As PGE and Friends of Trees are dedicated to building the greenery of our communities, we are both also committed to thoughtful tree selection and planting education. PGE’s “right tree, right place” initiative works to empower customers before planting to ensure their trees can grow and thrive without interfering with powerlines or other electrical equipment.
“Selecting the right tree species in the right location is critical to the long-term growth and success of the tree,” said PGE Senior Manager Vegetation Management, Alex Konopka. “We want to empower customers to make the right decisions now before they plant to ensure their trees can grow to full potential.”
Over the past 36 years, PGE has sponsored hundreds of tree planting events. With PGE employees volunteering countless hours to the cause, it’s not uncommon to see a crew of volunteers wearing PGE shirts, eager to get trees in the ground.
“Planting just one tree is really gratifying, but planting one million together is an amazing milestone that demonstrates our values as a community,” says PGE Community Impact Director, Kregg Arntson.
He continues, “We are grateful to Friends of Trees for bringing us together for more than three decades to plant trees and native plants that have beautified our neighborhoods and parks, made the air cleaner, and contributed to healthier living.”
We were joined at our Millionth Tree celebration by folks from Portland General Electric. In his remarks, Friends of Trees founder Richard Seidman shouted out PGE for being a partner on our very first tree, planted at Boise-Eliot Elementary School in 1989.
“PGE was at our very first planting,” says Friends of Trees Executive Director Yashar Vasef. “We’ve done so many things with them over the years, like hosting Project Zero interns and modernizing our fleet with electric vehicles through the PGE Drive Change fund. We’re very grateful for all their support.”
Before helping plant the Millionth Tree itself, PGE CEO Maria Pope thanked the volunteers and crew leaders who planted alongside PGE employees at Saturday events over the past 36 years.
“This achievement is the result of decades of partnership, thousands of volunteers and a shared belief in the power of community to shape a healthier, more resilient future,” said Pope. “Thank you to Friends of Trees for more than 30 years of leadership—and to every volunteer who helped get us here.”
We’re excited that Portland General Electric is the Presenting Partner for our Millionth Tree Celebration. They’re helping us celebrate by supporting volunteer events throughout the planting season and other fun community events like tree walks and volunteer appreciation parties. All of this will culminate with the Millionth Tree Celebration & Planting in April.
“We could not have reached this milestone without their support,” says Yashar Vasef, Friends of Trees Executive Director. “We’re so grateful to have had such a committed partner throughout our entire history.”
PGE is also helping us tell the story of our first million trees and native shrubs. Check out A Million Trees, A Million Stories, brought to you by PGE, to hear about some of the people who have made an incredible impact for the community working with Friends of Trees. One of the stories is from Adrian, a PGE Project Zero intern!