Manager, Strategic Partnerships

Job Title: Manager, Strategic Partnerships 

Compensation Range: $68,640 - 75,000 annual salary, exempt

Full Time: 100% FTE, 40 hours per week

Benefits Overview: Medical, vision, dental and life insurance, vacation and sick time off, paid federal holidays, and retirement plan (See full job description for more details).

Organization Size: 50+ employees

Reports to: VP of Strategic Partnerships & Innovation

Location(s): Location(s): We are seeking one (1) hire at either the Modesto or Stockton Center. Some travel to all Digital NEST locations will be required.

NOTE: This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule after successful completion of the first 90 days of employment.

JOB OVERVIEW:

Digital NEST is an innovative workforce development center that has welcomed thousands of youth from working-class, farmworker communities to develop the technical and professional skills they need to achieve their dreams. It is an exciting time for the NEST. We are focused on growth and expansion to five communities across the Monterey Bay (MBR) and San Joaquin Valley (SJVR) Regions in Northern California. Digital NEST has Centers in the heart of Watsonville, Salinas, Gilroy and Modesto and Stockton.

A critical part of achieving our mission is our ability to secure and grow strategic partnerships with employers, educators, and youth-focused organizations in our communities. We are especially focused on partnerships that will enable our youth to launch high potential careers. We seek to cultivate relationships with major employers who have recurring hiring needs for apprentices and skilled entry level positions. We are looking for a talented individual to drive these critical partnerships that will enable us to scale our impact, and provide opportunity to California youth in the coming years.  

This role will seek partnerships that benefit our bizzNEST interns & Pathways program members.  bizzNEST is the digital media agency of Digital NEST. bizzNEST offers a paid, one-year internship program that provides real world professional training. The Pathways program is a one-year program that provides youth with hands-on experience and development of technical, professional and career skills while using industry software and hardware. 

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Partnership Development & Management (50%)

• Identify and secure partnerships with employers, academic providers, and other organizations aimed at providing job experience and career opportunities to Digital NEST youth
• Develop a strong pipeline of employer partners with entry-level, career track jobs (including internships and apprenticeships) for bizzNEST interns and program members
• Design and pilot new partnership models, such as place-based apprenticeships, to scale our reach and impact 
• Research and analyze trends pertaining to workforce development and industry needs in our communities to inform our program focus and partnership models
• Connect with government and professional organizations and associations related to workforce development and related conferences and initiatives (e.g. California Workforce Development Board)
• Speak with passion, confidence, and purpose about Digital NEST’s programmatic offerings, mission and values; project and embody our core values when representing NEST
• Travel to areas within assigned regions as necessary for community partner cultivation and management
• Represent Digital NEST at events, meetings and conferences to build relationships and increase brand recognition with potential employer partners
• Track and measure partnership impact on member outcomes in collaboration with the Evaluation team

Support Job Placement (25%)

• Develop strategies to accelerate successful job placement for bizzNEST interns and program members seeking employment post high school graduation
• Work closely with the Career Services Team to support bizzNEST interns through the hiring process for successful entry to full-time employment 
• Continuously identify and promote employment and internship opportunities for members via internal social channels
• Submit monthly status updates that show progress toward meeting quarterly deliverables and yearly goals

Programs (25%)

• Redesign the professional mentor program, in collaboration with the VP of Strategic Partnerships & Innovation
• Lead program operations, including implementation, communications, database management, impact measurement and continuous improvement

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 7 years of professional experience in a nonprofit and/or corporate setting, managing partnership development, recruiting or program development
• At least 3 years experience working in client service role, where building and maintaining external relationships was required
• At least 3 years experience with program design and management
• Comfort and skilled in strategically networking, speaking, and meeting new people in activist and nonprofit circles as well as corporate and business settings
• An independent self-starter with strong organizational, communication, presentation and customer service skills, and attention to detail
• Ability to interact with and relate well to others, and embodies a collaborative spirit
• Must be flexible; have a positive, can-do attitude; and have a strong desire to work in an industry that focuses on helping others
• Advanced proficiency with Google Workplace collaboration tools
• Basic proficiency with Powerpoint, Excel, WordPress, and graphic design
• Basic proficiency with a task management system

PREFERRED-BUT-NOT-REQUIRED:

• Experience with a CRM databases
• Experience in corporate recruiting and/or corporate partnerships with nonprofit organizations

REQUIREMENTS:

• Passion for the mission of Digital NEST and belief in upholding organization’s core values.
• Understanding of and sensitivity to issues of culture/ethnicity/race, gender, sexual identity, class/socioeconomic status and immigration status.
• Ability to be an ally to people of color, women and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer, questioning and intersex individuals and their allies (LGBTQIA).
• Participate in NEST evening and weekend programs and events on an occasional basis; facilitate youth involvement in these programs and events. 

NOTE: The job offer will be contingent upon the successful completion and passing of a background check.

ABOUT OUR BENEFITS: We take a holistic approach to wellness, physical, emotional, and financial. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 100% Agency Paid Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance for the employee
• SIMPLE IRA Retirement Benefit with up to 2% employer match
• 10 Paid Vacation Days for Full-time Employees (non-Director and non-Chief positions)
• 13 Paid Holidays Annually Plus Business closure/holiday the week between Christmas Day and New Years Day
• Paid Sick Time Off
• Annual Parking Permit
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Professional Development

We understand that no candidate is perfectly qualified for any job. Experience comes in different forms; many skills are transferable, and passion goes a long way. Even more important than your resume is a clear demonstration of dedication, impact, and the ability to thrive in a fluid and collaborative environment. We want you to learn new things in this role and encourage you to apply if your experience is close to what we’re looking for. We also know that diversity of background and thought makes for better problem-solving and more creative thinking, so we're dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team. We look forward to hearing from you.

Digital NEST, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Digital NEST is committed to an inclusive experience for all applicants and will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations in the interview process, to the known physical or mental limitations of qualified employees with disabilities unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business.   

Please refer to our career page for more information on how to apply for reasonable accommodations.