Manager, Workforce Partnership Development - Craft Education

Western Governors University; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 97,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in education is seeking a Manager for Workforce Partnership Development. This remote role involves building strategic partnerships to enhance workforce initiatives, requiring strong communication and research skills. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in business development and a passion for workforce solutions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in partnership or business development, preferably in workforce development.
• Experience in developing conference and event strategies.
• Skills in drafting partnership agreements.

Responsibilities

• Establish partnerships with local workforce development boards.
• Plan and report on partnership development initiatives.
• Engage potential partners using a solutions-oriented approach.

Skills

Presentation skills

Communication skills

Research skills

Team collaboration

CRM software experience

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Manager, Workforce Partnership Development - Craft Education

Join to apply for the Manager, Workforce Partnership Development - Craft Education role at Western Governors University.

If you’re passionate about building a better future for individuals, communities, and our country—and committed to working hard to play your part—consider Craft Education as your next career step.

Craft Education aims to solve skilled labor shortages by powering work-based learning pathways for all. We are revolutionizing apprenticeship degrees by combining on-the-job learning with accredited instruction to create innovative educational pathways for working professionals that meet employer needs. Our flagship product, Craft Connect, helps organizations administer apprentice degree programs and address critical data and reporting needs, transforming how on-the-job learning converts into academic credits.

Our team provides technical assistance to organizations launching and managing apprenticeship programs, working tirelessly to expand these initiatives and their supporting data infrastructure. Join us in the work-based learning revolution to solve complex problems in a high-growth startup environment and make a lasting impact on education and workforce development.

The salary range for this position is between $97,300 and $175,200, based on skills, experience, and organizational needs.

Job Description

The Manager, Workforce Partnership Development will execute activities to identify, develop, and manage strategic partnerships aligned with company objectives. Responsibilities include working closely with the Senior Manager, Workforce and WIOA, to establish partnerships with state and local workforce development boards, developing and monitoring metrics, supporting partnership pipelines, and sharing insights to inform product innovation. The role involves in-person meetings, conference participation, and relationship management.

Primary Responsibilities

• Establish official partnerships with local workforce development boards, formalized in contracts or agreements.
• Support the growth and leadership of the workforce department, traveling as needed.
• Plan, budget, and report on partnership development initiatives and performance.
• Prospect and engage potential partners using a solutions-oriented approach.
• Prepare reports for workforce board partners.
• Develop strategies for conferences and outreach to enhance brand recognition and partnership conversion.
• Identify opportunities to add value or generate revenue from partnerships.
• Travel to meet prospective partners and conduct research as needed.
• Share field insights to support product innovation.
• Maintain partner pipeline data in CRM software.

Qualifications

• Experience in developing conference and event strategies for brand visibility.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.
• Ability to conduct research and due diligence for new partnerships.
• Experience drafting partnership agreements.
• Skills in gathering insights for product and organizational strategy.
• Team collaboration skills to ensure messaging consistency.
• CRM software experience for pipeline management.
• Willingness to attend meetings and events across regions.

Education & Experience

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience; 5+ years in partnership or business development, preferably in workforce development or public sector initiatives. Equivalent experience may substitute for education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with apprenticeship programs and workforce initiatives.

Work Location

This is a remote/work-from-home position, with location determined by business needs. The company has multiple locations across the US.