Partnership Director - West Region

About the job

Heart of America (HOA) is a national nonprofit organization that has provided high-quality education resources and transformed spaces in under-resourced schools into modern learning environments so that students and communities can learn and grow. Over the past 26 years, HOA has served more than two million students in need by distributing more than 4.5 million books, infusing $12 million in technology, and transforming nearly 1,300 community libraries, cafeterias, gymnasiums, college and career centers, tech labs, and many more educational spaces across North America. If you are looking for a career where you can have an impact and make a difference - join us! For more information, visit www.heartofamerica.org

Desired location, western 1/3 of United States and close to a major airport.

We seek a Partnership Director to join our team and lead portfolio development and management in the West Market Region. This individual will be required to have strong communication, negotiation and organizational skills as they develop strategic relationships with corporate, community and non-profit partners to execute on the vision and mission of Heart of America. Additionally, this individual will be required to demonstrate empathy, sensitivity and cultural awareness as they navigate and meet the needs of varied district, community and municipal relationships. Lastly, this role requires that the selected candidate be able to manage multiple competing priorities, have great interpersonal and self-management skills, as well as acute attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities:

• Executes and delivers HOA’s organizational strategy, in alignment with our mission, vision and values.
• Ensures programmatic excellence based on HOA’s Operating Principles.
• Cultivates new and sustains existing partnerships (corporate, non-profit & community) to exceed annual fundraising and impact targets.
• Other duties as assigned.

Detail of Responsibilities:

Executes and delivers HOA’s organizational strategy, in alignment with our mission, vision and values.

• As a member of the Development team, lead and engage in strategic planning to expand West Region portfolio diversification and growth.
• Identify new opportunities for HOA based on regional needs and partnerships.
• Ensure alignment of decision-making, goal setting and problem solving for programs and projects as directed by Mission/Vision.

Ensures programmatic excellence based on HOA’s Operating Principles.

• Act with empathy in working internally with partner teams, deliver clear goals, objectives and scope to meet funder and recipient expectations.
• Collaborate with internal teams on new program/project concepts, models and opportunities.
• Demonstrates consistent quality of finance and administration; communications and systems; recommends timelines and resources needed to achieve program goals.
• Ensure that key project outcomes are evaluated and leveraged for maximum community and organizational impact.

Cultivates new and sustains existing partnerships (corporate, non-profit & community) to exceed annual fundraising and impact targets.

• Researches and develops new relationships with sponsors, partners, and other relative stakeholders to promote project development and solidify increased funding opportunities within the assigned region.
• Maintains and nurtures community and school district partnerships (as assigned in the region) through relationship cultivation, ensuring quality programming, developing grants, and analyzing and reporting on the impact of programs.
• Acts as representative and spokesperson to promote positive relationships and strong partnerships for the benefit of the organization.
• Maintain constant understanding and learning of the issues in educational equity, locally and nationally, through participation in partner activations, conferences, and other education moments

Required Experience:

• Committed to and highly motivated to tackle the issues facing educational equity in communities across the US.
• Passion for HOA’s mission and commitment to working collaboratively with the leadership team.
• 5+ years of non-profit development experience, working in program management, nonprofit management, corporate philanthropy, partnership development, or a related field.
• Master’s degree a plus.
• Proven track record developing partnerships and programs that meet fundraising goals, through diverse funding streams, particularly major gift fundraising ($2M+)
• Comfort working remotely.
• An innovative and out-of-the-box thinker, willing to be flexible and unconventional in their resolve to tackle projects.
• Commitment to quality programs and excellence in organizational and project management.
• Ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders including foundations, corporate sponsors, and advisory groups.
• Display a positive attitude, show concern for people and community, and demonstrate presence, self-confidence, common sense, and good listening ability.
• Empathetic leader with solid judgment and performance management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple, high-visibility, simultaneous partners, programs and projects.
• Working knowledge of Salesforce and Smartsheet
• Team player who integrates and operates effectively with staff of all levels within a collegial yet demanding work environment.
• Ability to travel up to 30%

Required Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and ability to conduct in-person and virtual presentations to varied-level audiences
• Executive-level Presenting & Spokesperson
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management
• Program/Project management
• Advanced technological expertise (Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc…)
• Valid driver’s license and the ability to drive an SUV or mini-van.

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance, 403(b) with company matching, paid vacation, and holidays.