Partnership Officer

Job Type

Full-time

Description

POSITION SUMMARY

We are growing our organizational scope. This is a new role and subject to evolution as we build out our sales team.

The Partnership Officer (PO) reports to the Director of Business Development (DBD) and drives sales in the independent high school and higher education markets to grow partnerships and increase program revenue. Goals of the PO:

• Primary: secure high school and college business partnerships to boost revenue
• Secondary: expand VOBS' presence in target markets through outreach and promotion
• Tertiary: grow local partnerships for our "open enrollment" program business

This role requires strong relationship-building and persuasive communication skills to generate leads, conduct sales meetings, deliver presentations, and represent VOBS at conferences and events. The PO must quickly identify prospect motivations and tailor messaging accordingly.

Working closely with the DBD and Marketing Coordinator, the PO will help execute strategic sales initiatives, develop collateral, and lead targeted sales campaigns.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Business Sales & Partnerships (75%)

• In collaboration with the DBD, generate and pursue leads in target markets to grow sales and partnerships.
• Manage a sales calendar; scale to 15 sales meetings per month, prioritizing live interactions.
• Develop and deliver compelling sales presentations.
• Identify and secure outreach opportunities, representing VOBS at events and conferences.
• Collaborate with the Director of Business Development (DBD) on sales strategies and reporting.
• Contribute to evolving value propositions and messaging in coordination with sales, marketing and development teams.
• Maintain sales records, publish activity reports, and contribute to revenue tracking.
• Align efforts with Outward Bound USA's national sales goals.
• Work with VOBS Admissions team members to transition sold clients to program on-boarding.
• Leverage AI for sales analysis, content creation, and market insights.
• Work with DBD to maintain a current VOBS Brand Code (Primal Branding approach).

Messaging & Communications (15%)

• Collaborate with VOBS sales, development and admissions teams to coordinate and align VOBS value propositions, calendars, projects and goals.
• Promote VOBS value propositions and partnerships via LinkedIn and other channels.
• Develop and deliver presentations highlighting program impact.
• Write blogs, articles, and social media content to engage target audiences.
• Collaborate with marketing, development and admissions teams to create digital messaging and content.

Administration & Client Management (10%)

• Create and manage sales records and contracts in Salesforce.
• Transition clients to the Admissions Team and support post-course debriefs; attend external debriefs as needed.
• Conduct follow-ups with returning clients and attend external partner meetings.
• Participate in Outward Bound USA sales and partnership meetings as needed.

Safety & Risk Management (As assigned)

• Participate in Emergency Response Plan (ERP) training and fulfill assigned roles.
• While rare, activation of VOBS ERP may require staff to work extended hours during the incident, sometimes in difficult or uncomfortable environments.
• Support safety management by reporting concerns to HR or the Director of Programs & Safety.

Requirements

KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES

• Creativity - Innovate for success by identifying and developing solutions with limited resources.
• Proactivity - Recognize and act on opportunities to solve problems and achieve goals.
• Entrepreneurial Spirit & Flexibility - Adapt to ambiguity, seek growth opportunities, and learn through action.
• Resilience - Take calculated risks, learn from setbacks, and apply lessons to future solutions.
• Sales & Marketing - persuasive communication, and adaptability in value proposition presentations.
• Outreach - relationship development; research, identify and develop prospects with in person, virtual, and written communications; fearlessly initiate and develop relationships.
• Customer & Personal Service - Building authentic business relationships, active listening, and understanding client needs.
• Communications & Media - Public speaking, persuasive writing, storytelling, and social media engagement.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving - Innovate for success by identifying and developing solutions with limited resources.
• Collaboration & Teamwork - Follow leadership guidance, support priorities, share feedback, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• AI Familiarity & Responsible Use - Leverage AI for content enhancement and optimization while maintaining accuracy and brand integrity.

SKILLS

• Coordination -collaborate with stakeholders to share or provide information.
• Project Management -scope, service and complete projects from start to finish on time.
• Prioritization & Time Management -Effective scheduling, prioritization, and deadline-driven work that aligns with goals.
• Writing and Editing - professional communication, content creation, and copy refinement.
• Graphic & Digital Communication - Experience with Canva, Adobe Suite, Constant Contact, and social media platform experience.
• Administration & Management - CRM database management, Microsoft/Google Suite proficiency, goal tracking, and organizational effectiveness.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Preference for 2+ years of experience in a goal oriented sales, fundraising or relationship building role.
• Valid Driver's License and ability to travel to/from meetings reliably.
• The skills and/or experience to build a pipeline of qualified prospects and cultivate portfolio.

WORK CONDITIONS / LOCATION

• Hybrid role; opportunity to work remotely 2 days per week. Our office is located in St. Paul, MN.
• Work is performed in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment.
• Work is primarily indoors, with occasional need to travel and/or participate in events.
• Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Events may have excessive noise and /or require working in close proximity to others.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand, sit, kneel, operate a computer, telephone and keyboard for prolonged periods.
• Must occasionally be able to lift or carry 15 pounds.
• Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication
• Ability to communicate and exchange ideas with others accurately and concisely.
• Sufficient visual acuity to operate a computer, assess and design content, and evaluate content for accuracy, effectiveness, and impact.
• Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This is a full time, salaried, exempt position. $60,000 - $70,000 per year.

VOBS offers a competitive benefits package, including employer sponsored health insurance, a dental and vision plan, STD, LTD and a 403(b) retirement plan with 2% match. Paid time off including, vacation, sick, holidays.

In the interest of transparency and pay equity across our team, a candidate with the minimum experience can expect to be offered in the lower half of the range .

Salary Description

$60,000 - $70,000 per year.