Strategic Employer Partnerships Lead

The Kalamazoo Promise; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kalamazoo Promise is seeking a Business Partner Coordinator to develop and sustain partnerships with the business community, connecting Kalamazoo Promise Students, Scholars, and Alumni with opportunity paths.

Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the role emphasizes driving equitable outcomes by expanding employer engagement, delivering presentations, and maintaining partner relationships across Kalamazoo.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in partnership management, account management, business development, or similar role.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
• Familiarity with partnership activation and engagement strategies.
• Previous success delivering projects on time and achieving results.
• Strong organizational and oral/written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Identifies, cultivates, and secures relationships with new business partners interested in hiring higher Promise interns, job training graduates, apprentices, and early career talent.
• Creates and implements strategies that ensure partnerships are mutually beneficial and aligned with the Promise’s mission.
• Travels throughout Kalamazoo to meet with employers, deepen relationships, and expand engagement opportunities.
• Maintains strong, ongoing relationships with existing business partners through consistent communication, updates, and relationship-building activities.
• Develops and delivers presentations to employers, industry groups, and community stakeholders to promote Promise talent and partnership opportunities.
• Serves as a responsive liaison to business partners, ensuring high-quality engagement and support.
• Partners internally to connect students, scholars, and alumni with career-related activities.
• Supports the integration of employer engagement into relevant Promise programs and initiatives.
• Prepares reports on partnership activities and outcomes for the leadership team.

Skills

Partnership management

Account management

Business development

Relationship building

Public speaking

Oral/written communication

Time management

Networking

Education

BA/BS in Business / Non-profit Management / Communications

Job description

The Kalamazoo Promise is seeking a Business Partner Coordinator to develop and sustain partnerships with the business community, connecting Kalamazoo Promise Students, Scholars, and Alumni with opportunity paths.

Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the role emphasizes driving equitable outcomes by expanding employer engagement, delivering presentations, and maintaining partner relationships across Kalamazoo.