Associate Director, Partnerships & Community Engagement

CHICAGO SCHOLARS FOUNDATION; Illinois; On-site; USD 110,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Chicago Scholars Foundation seeks an Associate Director of Partnerships & Community Engagement to build and manage a diverse portfolio of community and nonprofit partners. You will drive funding, in-kind resources, referrals, and collaborative programs that advance Scholar outcomes and organizational goals.

Reporting to the Managing Director of Partnerships, you will coordinate data, reporting, MOUs, and renewal workflows while leading cross-functional projects and external representation to

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• 5–7 years of progressive partnerships, external affairs, or nonprofit leadership.
• Ability to participate in occasional evening or weekend events.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage a portfolio of community, nonprofit, philanthropic, civic, government, and other partners.
• Identify funding, in-kind resources, referrals, programming, advocacy, and opportunities for Scholars.
• Create customized engagement and stewardship strategies to deepen relationships.
• Maintain partnership data, commitments, contacts, and renewal tracking.
• Lead cross‑functional partnership projects and events including annual programs.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Development to elevate partnership impact and awareness.

Skills

Community partnerships

Strategic growth

Relationship management

Fundraising & sponsorships

Project management

CRM (Salesforce)

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Chicago Scholars Foundation seeks an Associate Director of Partnerships & Community Engagement to build and manage a diverse portfolio of community and nonprofit partners. You will drive funding, in-kind resources, referrals, and collaborative programs that advance Scholar outcomes and organizational goals.

Reporting to the Managing Director of Partnerships, you will coordinate data, reporting, MOUs, and renewal workflows while leading cross-functional projects and external representation to