Strategic Community Tech & Partnerships Manager

Merit Network; Michigan; Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Merit Network is seeking a Community Engagement Manager to identify and develop opportunities at the intersection of technology, research, healthcare, and community needs. You will build strategic relationships, translate complex concepts into actionable opportunities, and connect organizations with Merit's services, infrastructure, and partnerships.

You will engage with stakeholders across higher education, research, and nonprofit sectors, grow programs like Rural Health Care, and drive

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT, business, or related discipline.
• At least five years' experience in business development or related field.
• Ability to build relationships in higher education, research, healthcare, gov, or nonprofit.
• Ability to translate complex tech concepts for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience in discovery and translating requirements into solutions or partnerships.
• Experience developing business plans, proposals, or engagement materials.
• Strong presentation and facilitation skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to learn rapidly about evolving technologies and programs.
• Ability to manage multiple opportunities simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to work independently and with teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop expertise in emerging technologies and research infrastructure relevant to Merit's community.
• Build relationships with higher education, research, and technology stakeholders.
• Lead discovery to identify requirements and opportunities for partnerships.
• Translate trends into actionable business opportunities for Merit and its community.
• Monitor trends and represent Merit as a knowledgeable partner.
• Collaborate to evaluate opportunities and contribute to market research and go-to-market strategies.
• Oversee Rural Health Care Program growth and engagement.
• Develop engagement strategies to reach adoption goals.
• Prepare proposals, presentations, pilot opportunities, and grant partnerships.

Skills

Relationship building

Technical fluency

Presentation skills

Written communication

Cross-disciplinary collaboration

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in IT/Business/Telecommunications or related

Tools

CRM software

MS Office

Job description

Merit Network is seeking a Community Engagement Manager to identify and develop opportunities at the intersection of technology, research, healthcare, and community needs. You will build strategic relationships, translate complex concepts into actionable opportunities, and connect organizations with Merit's services, infrastructure, and partnerships.

You will engage with stakeholders across higher education, research, and nonprofit sectors, grow programs like Rural Health Care, and drive