JOB SUMMARY

The Council for Professional Recognition promotes improved performance and recognition of professionals in the early childhood education of children ages birth to 5 years old. The Council works to ensure that all professional early childhood educators and caregivers meet the developmental, emotional, and educational needs of our nation’s youngest children

The Director of Partner Relations at the Council for Professional Recognition is responsible for developing and nurturing strategic relationships within the early childhood education sector. This role involves identifying and prioritizing strategic partners, leading negotiations, and establishing mutually beneficial agreements. The Director will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute strategic plans that leverage partnerships to drive revenue growth, expand market reach, and enhance the Council's offerings. They will also articulate the Council's value, mission, and vision to ensure alignment with partners in meeting strategic goals.

Additionally, the Director will maintain strong relationships with existing partners, providing guidance to improve customer satisfaction and expand market strategy. They will enhance onboarding processes, develop comprehensive partner toolkits, and coordinate key external stakeholders into state coalitions. The Director will proactively resolve business and technical issues, work cross-functionally with various teams, and lead the Partner Relations team. This role requires approximately 25-30% travel and supports organizational events such as conferences and coalition meetings.

Job Responsibilities:

Identify and prioritize strategic partners and explore new partnership models that align with organizational goals, emerging industry trends, and strategic opportunities to maximize impact and mutual benefits.

Lead negotiations with potential partners to establish mutually beneficial agreements and collaboration frameworks.

Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing partners, serving as an integral point of contact.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and execute strategic plans that leverage partnerships to drive revenue growth, expand market reach, or enhance product offerings.

Clearly articulate brand value, mission, and vision as well as its unique positioning to align with partners in meeting business strategic goals.

Nurture relationships with our partners and provide guidance that will help improve customer satisfaction, expand market strategy, and deliver partner benefits.

Create strategic engagement plans and partner agreements with diverse business and state agency entities.

Leverage partnership performance data to uncover trends, maximize opportunities, and drive continuous improvement.

Enhance onboarding processes and develop comprehensive partner toolkits to ensure partners are well-equipped to support the organization’s initiative while driving operational success.

Coordinate key external stakeholders into state coalitions and establish meeting agendas that are mutually beneficial for all.

Maintain direct and active relationships with partners, including proactively resolving business, and technical issues, serving as a strong external advocate.

Work cross-functionally with programs, brand and marketing, research, finance, policy and community engagement teams.

Responsible for the leadership and coordination of activities within the Partner Relations team.

Key Characteristics and Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree with concentration in Business, Marketing, Communications, or a related field (master’s degree preferred)

Experience: The ideal candidate has a minimum of 10 years of experience in management, business development, consulting, and corporate/partner relations, particularly within the education sector. They have a proven track record of building and managing business partnerships, excelling in negotiation and contract management with complex partnerships.

Characteristics: The ideal candidate should possess strong leadership and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic environment. They must excel in building and managing business partnerships, demonstrating excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills. Proficiency in strategic thinking and the ability to lead small teams effectively are also essential. Commitment to high standards of quality, confidentiality, and professionalism, along with exceptional interpersonal skills for working with diverse communities, is crucial.

Salary: $138,000-$148,000 (This position is budgeted not to exceed (148,000)