Manager, Nonprofit Partnership Development
First Book has a mandatory Covid-19 vaccination policy (medical and religious exemptions permitted)
About First Book:
First Book (https://firstbook.org) believes that education offers children the best possible path out of poverty. Since 1992, First Book has distributed more than 200 million books and educational materials to children from low-income families. Reaching 5 million children from birth to age 18 annually, First Book has built the country’s largest and fastest growing network of educators serving kids in need. Today First Book reaches over 550,000 educators nationwide with an additional 750 joining every week. In addition to our work in the United States, First Book also distributed books to children in more than 30 countries last year.
A recognized leader in social enterprise, First Book harnesses the power of the private sector to advance social change. First Book has also been highlighted for its innovation and impact by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, the World Economic Forum and in case studies at Columbia Business School, Wharton Business School, the Yale School of Management, and the London School of Economics. Finally, Charity Navigator recently awarded First Book its highest rating, including a perfect score for Accountability & Transparency.
About the position: (This is not a 100% remote position)
The Nonprofit Partnership Development Manager identifies, develops, supports, and executes projects with education and nonprofit leaders, that address barriers to education for children in under-resourced communities. Partnership managers work closely with the VP, National Engagement Partnerships and regularly support First Book’s executive team. Partnership managers must be big-picture thinkers with a strong attention to detail and they must thrive in highly interactive environments. The successful candidate will quickly get up-to-speed on presenting the First Book overview and listening for opportunities for resource distribution and network growth when talking with nonprofit and school district leaders. Successful managers nurture existing relationships while generating new collaborations with organizations serving kids in need. This position requires a highly motivated, independent individual who is committed to First Book’s mission and works with a sense of urgency. You’ll excel in this role if you embrace a collaborative mindset, an entrepreneurial spirit, and have a knack for detailed project management. The Manager’s key responsibilities are to identify prospective nonprofit partners, represent First Book in external discussions, support and lead program design, write strong concept briefs and proposals, assist with ongoing partnership development, and project manage partner initiatives flawlessly. A high degree of critical thinking is essential at all times.
The Nonprofit Partnership Development Team supports First Book’s mission by developing organizational strategies to grow the First Book Network, nurture and manage relationships with nonprofit and education leaders nationwide, create initiatives that lead to resources distributed in communities of need, and generate social enterprise revenue that contributes to the organization’s goal of self-sustainability. The team also represents First Book externally through conference presentations, webinars, and in meetings with other education equity leaders. Executive level communication and presentation skills are hallmarks of this team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Work closely with the VP, National Engagement Partnerships to help develop and execute nonprofit and school district relationships in collaboration with Senior Leadership at First Book.
• Serve as lead for partnerships, communicating closely with VP, National Engagement Partnerships to help maximize collaborative potential.
• Generate new relationships with mission-aligned nonprofit organizations through proactive outreach and networking
• Remain current on trends and issues of importance related to education and education equity.
• Conceptualize, develop, and present partnership concepts and pitches to leading nonprofit organizations.
• Develop formal proposals and concept briefs to generate funded partnership initiatives.
• Create presentations and represent First Book on webinars, at partner convenings, conferences, etc.
• Effectively project manage non-profit partner initiatives.
• Contribute to proposals and applications in response to philanthropic RFPs.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to create and implement value-added, integrated programs that advance organizational goals.
• Respond to and undertake executive requests and special projects that advance the department or organization, as requested.
• Follow internal SOPs for Salesforce related activities
• Maintain current and accurate record keeping in Salesforce to track prospects, opportunities, partner account activity, etc.
Qualifications:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required:
Creative, inquisitive, and entrepreneurial spirit as well as a passion for First Book’s mission that is visible and contagious
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to spark, cultivate, and grow relationships.
• Ability to communicate effectively, professionally, and persuasively with internal staff and external partners.
• Executive level business writing and presentation skills with a sharp eye for detail.
• Strong project management skills
• Adept at working effectively independently and in a collaborative team environment.
• Capacity to work at the strategic level (using data and creativity to come up with innovative ideas for growth) and at the tactical level (executing projects, analyzing impact, solving problems)
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Exceptional organizational skills and time management required. Must have the ability to meet designated deadlines.
• Ability to learn new concepts and collaborative approach to work.
• Flexible and adaptable, motivated by a fast pace.
• Positive outlook and sense of humor – a must have
• Takes a solution-oriented approach to opportunities and challenges.
• Travel is required as necessary, up to 20% during peak periods, unless precluded by global or regional safety and public health considerations.
Education and/or Experience:
• Demonstrated track record in client relations and account management, with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in external client management
• Experience with customer relationship management systems such as Salesforce
• Experience writing successful proposals
• Proficiency with MS Office products including Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
All full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
• Hybrid work environment - can work from home and office
• Dental & medical insurance
• Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment coverage
• Vacation leave
• Sick leave
• Twelve Annual Holidays
• 401K and employer matching pension contribution
• Transportation benefits