Director of Partnerships
Toronto, ON
Sales /
Full Time Permanent /
Hybrid
Our client in the education sector (k-12) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Partnerships with a strong sales background to drive strategic partnerships, collaborations, and revenue growth. Reporting to a member of the Executive Team (TBD), the Director of Partnerships will drive sales growth towards both their Online programs and also towards our brick-and-mortar schools.
The successful candidate’s strategic vision will open dynamic partnership opportunities allowing for potential growth of all their educational products. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in cultivating and managing relationships, identifying partnership opportunities, executing sales strategies, and aligning initiatives with an organization’s mission and objectives.
He/she will be the key sales leader, growing our partnerships line of business. This individual will be the primary point of contact for key partnerships that they will own, while providing support/advice for various partnerships outside of their scope of responsibility. They must be a self-starter who is organized, and detail focused.
International travel required. Occasional work on weekends and evenings for recruitment events (i.e., Open Houses) is also required.
Responsibilities:
- Strategic Partnership Development: Identify, sign, develop, and nurture strategic partnerships that align with the company's objectives and growth plans, leveraging sales expertise to drive revenue-generating opportunities.
- Relationship Management: Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, partners, and organizations, ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and sales conversions.
- Sales and Negotiation: Utilize sales skills to acquire new partners that align with the company's objectives, lead negotiations with potential partners, close deals, draft agreements, and manage contract renewals and amendments.
- Collaboration with Internal Teams: Collaborate cross-functionally with various departments within the company, including the academic team, marketing, admissions, and operations, to ensure alignment, execution of partnership initiatives, and revenue goals.
- Market Research and Analysis: Conduct market research to identify emerging trends within the K-12 sector, opportunities, and potential partnership areas within the education sector, focusing on sales-driven strategies. Also, to serve as a subject matter expert in this area.
- Performance Metrics: On-going measurement of the effectiveness/results of partnership initiatives, evaluate ROI, drive sales growth, and ensure continuous improvement.
- Budget Management: Managing the partnership budget effectively, ensuring optimal allocation of time, cost-efficiency, and maximizing sales opportunities.
Essential Skills and Requirements:
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is required
- Minimum 5 years of experience in partnership management, business development, sales, or related field, preferably in education and the K-12 sector
- Strong sales and negotiation skills with the ability to influence, close deals, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
- Proven track record of establishing and managing strategic partnerships, driving sales growth, preferably within the education or ed-tech industry.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to identify opportunities, analyze data, develop sales strategies, and drive results
- Having an established network of contacts in key established/emerging markets is preferred
- Demonstrated experience in providing outstanding customer service is essential; international experience / exposure is strongly preferred.
- Experience in developing/contributing to marketing plans and strategies using social media and/or web-based tools.
- Experience working with executives/senior professionals and delivering high level presentations
- Proven attention to detail, excellent organizational and project management skills
- Results driven with strong customer focused mindset
- Exemplary customer service and interpersonal skills to interact with a diverse group of stakeholders
- Resourceful and identifies opportunities for continuous improvement
- Diplomatic, resilient, and adaptable to shifting priorities
- Effective problem-solving skills and sound judgment
- Excellent verbal and written communication
AIP Connect believes in equal opportunity. Our recruitment consultants are committed to inclusive recruitment and selection practices and will not discriminate based on age, colour, ability, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.
Accessibility: If you need any accommodations during the interview process, please let us know.
