Strategic Employer Partnerships Manager

The Kalamazoo Promise; Kalamazoo (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Kalamazoo Promise is seeking a Business Partner Manager to develop and sustain partnerships with the business community and coordinate engagement opportunities for Promise Students, Scholars, and Alumni.

As part of the Workforce Innovation Team, you will connect local employers with Promise talent, act as a liaison to community stakeholders, and help advance our mission of reducing educational and economic disparities in Kalamazoo.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in workforce development, partnership development, partnership management, account management, business development, or similar role.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain professional relationships.
• Familiarity with partnership activation and engagement strategies.
• Prior success executing projects in a timely manner and achieving results on schedule.
• Strong organizational and oral/written communication skills.
• Ability to speak with tact and persuasiveness in person, when making phone calls and when giving presentations.
• Careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
• Persistent in the face of obstacles and able to adapt to a variety of workplace situations and personnel.
• Effective time management skills.
• Commitment to The Kalamazoo Promise mission and values.

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.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication skills

Time management

Strategic thinking

Public speaking

Education

BA/BS in Business or related field

Job description

The Kalamazoo Promise is seeking a Business Partner Manager to develop and sustain partnerships with the business community and coordinate engagement opportunities for Promise Students, Scholars, and Alumni.

As part of the Workforce Innovation Team, you will connect local employers with Promise talent, act as a liaison to community stakeholders, and help advance our mission of reducing educational and economic disparities in Kalamazoo.