Director, Strategic Partnerships
The WBDC is hiring for a Director, Strategic Partnerships. This role is based in Chicago, IL. This full-time, exempt position reports to the Managing Director, Strategic Partnerships.
Who We Are:
The Women's Business Development Center (WBDC) is a 501(c)(3) nationally recognized leader in the field of women's business development and economic empowerment for over 30 years. Our mission is to support and accelerate business development and growth by targeting women and serving all diverse business owners, to strengthen their participation in, and impact on, the economy. We value our knowledgeable, prepared, and diverse staff and foster a culture that is results-oriented, supportive, and progressive.
The Role:
The Director, Strategic Partnerships is responsible for managing several of the WBDC's partnerships within the Business Service Organization (BSO) ecosystem. The Director focuses on collaborating with programs and services across the WBDC to advance the development and nurturing of relationships with key stakeholders. A particular focus will be placed on prospective partners located in geographies where the WBDC is expanding its service offerings. The person in this role will not only cultivate and advance the WBDC's relationships with outside partners, but also implement ideas and projects with those partner organizations. This role is also involved in progressing the organization's capacity to further service nascent, emerging, and established women and minority entrepreneurs, including those that are economically disadvantaged and underserved.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Plan, organize, and facilitate initiatives in line with the WBDC's strategic partnership plan.
• Develop and foster relationships with prospective and current partner organizations, particularly with a focus in target markets and communities.
• Manage and coordinate internal resources, community partnerships, and various subject-matter experts for execution of programming and services.
• Collaborate with other BSO's and stakeholders to promote capacity building, program participation, and engagement in target markets and communities.
• Work alongside internal teams to manage various projects, taking responsibility for strategic partnership data and practices guidance.
• Innovate and execute projects with key stakeholders and partner organizations within the BSO ecosystem
• Monitor expenditures, deliverables, program effectiveness, and any required reporting.
• Represent the WBDC at trade shows and events through networking, presentations, and public speaking.
• Work with marketing team to manage promotion of, and outreach for, workshops, events, and training sessions.
• Align to the WBDC's overall strategic goals.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
• Familiarity within neighborhoods and communities serviced by the WBDC
• Strong organizational skills
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite
• 5+ years of work experience
• Bachelor's degree (advanced degree is preferred)
• Passionate about women's issues and economic development
WBDC Benefits and Perks:
The WBDC offers a competitive benefits package with a mission-focused organization. Our benefits include:
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance
• Long term care insurance
• Pre-tax commuter benefits
• Personal, sick, and vacation paid time off
• Life insurance
• Pre-tax flexible spending account and dependent care benefit
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching
The salary range for this position within the WBDC is $70,000 - $90,000 annually, commensurate with experience and skillset.
How to Apply:
To apply, please submit your resume by email to: Eva Pawlik, HR Generalist -
The Women's Business Development Center is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. Further information regarding the WBDC is available at .
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