Corporate Fundraising & Sponsorship Specialist

GUIDESHIP

Job Title: Corporate Fundraising & Sponsorship Specialist
Position level: Mid-level individual contributor
Employment: Initial 90-day temporary assignment; potential full-time conversion
Initial compensation: $22–$25 per hour, based on experience
Upon successful conversion: $55,000 annual salary

Location: Silver Spring, MD
Hybrid: 4 days on-site

Application Deadline: November 30, 2026
To apply, please follow these steps:

• Visit
• Select the position you are interested in
• Review the job details, then click Apply Now
• Complete and submit your application

GuideShip is a nonprofit focused on expanding access to cybersecurity careers through workforce development and apprenticeship opportunities. Its program builds on an established cybersecurity apprenticeship initiative developed and supported by IBSS Corporation, including curriculum, training delivery, employer engagement, talent resources, and leadership support. GuideShip is focused on expanding this proven foundation through philanthropic and corporate support.

This is a fundraising execution position -not- a grant research, grant writing, or general program administration role. Dedicated team members and consultants support those functions.

• Proactively solicit financial support from corporations, individual donors, and prospective sponsors; confidently make specific funding asks.

• Build relationships with decision-makers, secure meetings, present sponsorship opportunities, and follow through toward commitments and contributions.

• Identify and prioritize actionable prospects, using existing IBSS and GuideShip executive, Board, advisor, and employer relationships for introductions.

• Develop clear donor-specific requests and sponsorship proposals in coordination with the program and communications teams.

• Maintain momentum when prospects decline or eligibility barriers arise; identify alternative pathways rather than allowing obstacles to halt outreach.

• Own measurable weekly fundraising outcomes, including asks made, meetings held, proposals delivered, opportunities advanced, and commitments secured.

• Maintain timely, accurate prospect records and next steps in the fundraising CRM or tracking tool.

• Coordinate with leadership and available support staff on donor materials and introductions.

• Provide concise weekly reports on results, priorities, and specific support needed.

• At least 3 years of hands-on experience directly soliciting charitable gifts, corporate sponsorships, or comparable financial support.

• Demonstrated examples of personally requesting and securing financial commitments—not only prospect research or event coordination.

• Strong interpersonal communication, persuasion, presentation, follow-up, and relationship-building skills.

• Proactive, outgoing, persistent, resourceful, and comfortable with accountability for fundraising outcomes.

• Ability to work independently and effectively leverage a supporting team.

• Experience fundraising for workforce development, apprenticeships, education, or nonprofit programs.

• Familiarity with cybersecurity workforce development, employer hiring needs, or CompTIA Security+.

• Relationships with business leaders, corporate sponsors, or donors in Maryland, Virginia, or the Washington, DC region.

A cybersecurity background is -not- required. The successful candidate is expected to develop working knowledge of the program promptly and begin a supported Security+ learning plan during the first 6 weeks. Security+ certification is encouraged; examination timing will be agreed upon based on readiness and job requirements.

• Establish a prioritized, actionable pipeline of corporate and individual donor prospects.

• Demonstrate consistent direct fundraising outreach and specific financial asks.

• Secure and conduct sponsor/donor conversations, submit proposals, and document next steps.

• Advance qualified opportunities toward funding commitments and contributions.

• Provide accurate weekly reporting and proactively request targeted executive introductions when needed.

Conversion to full-time employment is -not- automatic. It will be considered after the 90-day assignment based on demonstrated fundraising execution, overall performance, organizational needs, and applicable employment terms.

About IBSS Corp.

Since 1992, IBSS, a woman-owned small business, has provided transformational consulting services to the Federal defense, civilian, and commercial sectors. Our services include cybersecurity and enterprise information technology, environmental science and engineering (including oceans, coasts, climate, and weather), and professional management services.

Our approach is to serve our employees by investing in their growth and development. As a result, our employees bring greater capabilities and provide exceptional service to our clients. In addition to creating career development opportunities for our employees, IBSS is passionate about giving back to the community and serving the environment. We strive to leave something better behind for the next generation.

We measure our success by the positive impact we have on our employees, clients, partners, and the communities we serve. Our tagline, Powered by Excellence, is a recognition of the employees that make up IBSS and ensures we deliver results with quality, applying industry best practices and certifications.

IBSS offers a competitive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage with a company-paid deductible, paid time off, federal holidays, a matching 401K plan, tuition/professional development reimbursement, and Flex-Spending (FSA)/Dependent Care Account (DCA) options.

IBSS is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Click to see that the EEO is the law. Please direct any inquiries to the HR Department email at

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to the Talent Acquisition Department at