Partner Relationships Manager

Free Wheelchair Mission; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Free Wheelchair Mission in Irvine, California is seeking a Partner Relationship Manager to cultivate and grow relationships with international partners and suppliers. This role involves leading communication and support for successful distribution efforts.

The ideal candidate should possess a B.A. degree, with nonprofit experience and bilingual skills preferred. Compensation is between $65,000 and $80,000 annually based on qualifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years in nonprofit program or development work.
• Ability to interact diplomatically with diverse partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage partner strategy and communications.
• Build strong, mission-aligned relationships.
• Track partner distribution projections and performance.

Skills

Intermediate computer skills in MS Word, Outlook and Excel

Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills

Ability to work as part of a team

Bilingual communication skills

Education

B.A. degree in a relevant field

M.A. degree preferred

Tools

Salesforce

Job description

Partner Relationship Manager – Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM), a humanitarian, faith‑based nonprofit organization based in Irvine, California.

Job Summary

This position focuses on managing, cultivating, and growing FWM’s working relationships with its international distribution partners and suppliers. The Partner Relationship Manager will manage an assigned portfolio of partners and suppliers, leading communication, strategy implementation, and support them in executing successful distributions.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main point of contact for assigned portfolio of distribution partners and gift‑in‑kind suppliers, managing partner strategy, needs, orders, scheduling, and documentation.
• Build and maintain strong, supportive, and mission‑aligned relationships.
• Facilitate strategic communication and meetings for FWM and partner C‑suite and senior executive leadership.
• Manage strategy for regular communication and work closely with internationally based independent contractors to facilitate check‑ins, virtual and in‑person trainings.
• With the help of FWM’s international based independent contractors, support partners in navigating FWM’s distribution process and reporting requirements.
• Work in collaboration with the Senior Programs Compliance Manager to manage partners’ understanding and adherence to FWM’s compliance guidelines and plans for program audits.
• Work with the Logistics Manager and the Senior Programs Compliance Manager to track partner distribution projections.
• Work with the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager to track partner performance and progress towards goals.
• Identify opportunities for partner development and recommend resources or assistance.
• Identify new partnership prospects, review partner applications, and implement an annual and long‑term partner growth strategy as outlined by the Director of Programs Partnerships.
• Manage the new and recurring partner contractual agreement process.
• Assist the Senior Programs Compliance Manager with onboarding new partners and integrating them into FWM systems and expectations.
• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date assigned partner records and correspondence in the database (Salesforce).
• Work with team members to prepare internal reports, dashboards, and updates for senior leadership.
• Encourage and help facilitate impact reporting through the collection of photos, stories, and impact data to support marketing and development needs.
• Collaborate with leadership on key partnership initiatives, such as potential Vision Trips, webinars, events, and global conferences.
• Travel approximately 20% of time, or as required, to maintain strong relationships.
• Perform other administrative duties as assigned in support of daily job duties by direct supervisor.
• Participate in off‑site staff development and fundraising events.
• Occasional evenings and weekends.
• Share the message of Free Wheelchair Mission and our vision.

Minimum Experience and Required Skills

• B.A. degree required – M.A. preferred, in a relevant field.
• Minimum of 2 years in nonprofit program or development work.
• Intermediate computer skills in MS Word, Outlook and Excel a MUST, and Salesforce skills a plus.
• Ability to work as part of a team, interact diplomatically and build relationships with diverse partners, agents, and groups stateside and internationally.
• Outstanding verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills a MUST.
• Bilingual candidates (with the ability to read, write, and speak professionally in a second language) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Compensation

Dependent upon qualifications and experience, $65,000 – $80,000 annual salary.