Strategic Partnerships Manager

KENTUCKY SOCIETY OF ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES INC; Chicago (IL); Remote; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Strategic Partnerships Manager to enhance member value through strategic vendor partnerships. This role is pivotal in driving revenue growth and optimizing purchasing coalitions, ensuring that members receive the best possible benefits. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in vendor relations, excellent negotiation skills, and the ability to analyze financial data. This position offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, making it a fantastic opportunity for those looking to make a significant impact in a remote work environment while engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in partnerships, vendor relations, or business development.
• Strong negotiation and contract skills with proven revenue targets.

Responsibilities

• Drive member cost savings and revenue growth through vendor partnerships.
• Manage vendor relationships and increase participation in coalitions.

Skills

Vendor Relationship Management

Negotiation Skills

Business Development

Financial Analysis

Communication Skills

Self-Motivation

Job description

CBA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that had historically outsourced its day-to-day operations and annual conference planning functions to an association management company. It has hired a part-time Executive Director and a full-time Assistant Executive Director (AED) to build upon its strengths and move CBA’s mission forward, including operationalizing a recently completed strategic plan. Our next growth step is to hire a Strategic Partnerships Manager to enhance the association’s value to our members through more and stronger strategic partnerships.

CBA Vision

The indispensable resource for faith-based benefit providers.

CBA Mission

The CBA fosters interfaith collaboration, education, and professional relationships to enhance benefit programs and services of our member organizations.

CBA Values

• Generous in Spirit
• Collaborative in Approach
• Respectful of Differences
• Welcoming of Diversity

Position Overview

The CBA Strategic Partnerships Manager drives member cost savings and CBA revenue growth through vendor partnerships, purchasing coalitions, and conference sponsorships. This role manages vendor relationships to increase participation in purchasing coalitions, expand vendor programs, and grow sponsorship revenue.

Additionally, the role supports membership growth by promoting the value of purchasing coalitions to prospective members.

Primary Responsibilities

1. Grow and Optimize Purchasing Coalitions

• Increase coalition participation and vendor engagement with CBA members.
• Serve as primary liaison between coalition vendors and CBA members.
• Identify and launch new coalitions and discount programs with CBA SMEs.
• Negotiate vendor agreements with financial returns to CBA (loyalty credits, admin fees, or sponsorships).
• Track coalition participation, vendor performance, and financial impact.

2. Expand Conference Sponsorships & Vendor Engagement

• Increase conference sponsorship revenue to meet or exceed targets.
• Design sponsorship packages aligned with vendor and member goals.
• Manage vendor participation at the annual conference to maximize value.
• Oversee exhibitor space, materials, networking, and educational sessions.
• Track sponsorship outcomes and recommend improvements.
• Develop year-round vendor engagement opportunities beyond the conference.

Secondary Responsibility

3. Support Membership Growth

• Promote purchasing coalitions as a key membership benefit.
• Support outreach to prospective members and maintain an active pipeline.
• Leverage current members for referrals and introductions.

Required:

• 5+ years in partnerships, vendor relations, business development, or similar.
• Strong vendor relationship, negotiation, and contract skills.
• Proven ability to meet/exceed revenue targets.
• Experience with sponsorship or partnership programs.
• Ability to analyze financial data and program performance.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Self-motivated, organized, and effective in remote work.

Preferred:

• Experience in employee benefits or association management.
• Familiarity with faith-based organizations or nonprofits.

Key Competencies

• Relationship Building – Build vendor and member partnerships.
• Collaboration – Work across internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Financial Accountability – Meet/exceed financial goals for the role.
• Sales & Negotiation – Drive vendor participation and revenue growth.
• Strategic Thinking – Spot and pursue new revenue opportunities.
• Analytical Skills – Use data to guide decisions.
• Adaptability – Adjust to vendor needs and market trends.

Additional Details

• Work Environment: Remote with travel to conferences, member meetings, and vendor events.
• Reports To: Executive Director
• Performance Expectation: Role must be net-positive, with revenue exceeding total costs.

Travel

Estimated travel is about 1 trip/month for annual conference, planning committee, board of directors, and member meetings.

Compensation and Benefits

A competitive compensation package will be made available to the qualified candidate with an annual salary range of $85,000 to $95,000 and comprehensive benefits.