The Partnership Manager (PM) is a proactive, relationship-focused role dedicated to bridging the gap between education and industry. This position is responsible for cultivating strong, strategic partnerships with local employers and designated school districts across various sectors and aligning work-based learning (WBL) opportunities with students’ capabilities and career goals. By identifying employer needs and collaborating on tailored WBL programs—including classroom speakers, industry tours, paid internships, and apprenticeships—the Partnership Manager ensures valuable, compliant student experiences and meaningful contributions for employers.

In addition to employer outreach, the Partnership Manager leads project and contract management oversight to ensure that engagement activities align with program goals, timelines, and funding requirements. This includes tracking deliverables, managing documentation and agreements, overseeing contract compliance, and reporting progress to both internal teams and external partners. The role also ensures quality assurance across partnerships and supports continuous improvement based on data and feedback.

This position requires effective outreach, networking, cold calling, and relationship-building skills to recruit and maintain employer commitments. Strong organizational, communication, and project management skills are essential to deliver results and scale impact.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

The Partnership Manager (PM) typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

Employer Engagement & Relationship Management

• Proactively identify, initiate, and maintain strategic partnerships with local, regional, and national employers to support student work-based learning (WBL) opportunities.

• Serve as the primary liaison between employers and education partners, ensuring consistent, effective communication and collaboration.

• Utilize outreach, networking, cold calling, and presentations to recruit employers and secure commitments for internships, apprenticeships, job shadows, guest speaking, and site tours.

Project and Contract Management

• Lead the development, execution, and monitoring of partnership projects, including timelines, deliverables, and stakeholder coordination.

• Manage contracts related to education & employer partnerships, internship placements, and work-based learning funded programs, ensuring compliance with all requirements and deliverables.

• May supervise staff and/or consultants assigned to support the contract deliverables.

Program Development & Implementation

• Co-design and coordinate work-based learning programs that align student capabilities with employer workforce needs.

• Deliver pre-designed workforce readiness training workshops, ensuring high student engagement.

• Support the design of scalable, equitable WBL models and resources for school districts, postsecondary institutions, and industry partners.

• Organize and facilitate employer & education-led events, including but not limited to career days, hiring fairs, and speaker series.

Student Opportunity Alignment

• Work with counselors, instructors, and program staff to match students with appropriate employer opportunities based on skills, interests, and readiness.

• Ensure students are prepared for workplace experiences through collaboration with the district, Tomorrow’s Talent internal team, and utilizing the Company platforms.

• Track participation, feedback, success stories, and outcomes for continuous improvement.

Data, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate records with a strong emphasis on case management of employer engagement, partnership outcomes, and student activities and placements.

• Provide data-informed reports to internal leadership and external funders or partners (monthly summaries).

• Monitor adherence to grant requirements, program benchmarks, and funding guidelines.

Cross-Team Collaboration

• Work closely with education leaders, community organizations, workforce boards, and training providers to align partnership efforts.

• Coordinate with internal program managers, outreach specialists, and case managers to ensure quality and consistency across projects.

Continuous Improvement & Innovation

• Stay informed of industry trends, workforce development innovations, and emerging career pathways.

• Recommend improvements to employer engagement strategies and partnership models.

Other Duties as Assigned

ESSENTIAL SKILLS INCLUDE THE ABILITY TO

• Relationship Building & Communication
  Develop and maintain strong, professional working relationships with clients, subcontractors, employers, school staff, and students. Communicate effectively across diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.

• Employer Engagement & Presentation Skills
  Deliver compelling, engaging presentations to employers, education partners, and other stakeholders. Build rapport through relevant, industry-informed anecdotes that resonate with employer audiences.

• Workforce Readiness & Industry Awareness
  Demonstrate familiarity with employability skills and labor market trends to inform partnership development and ensure alignment between student readiness and employer expectations.

• Project & Time Management
  Organize multiple priorities and manage complex projects with attention to detail, deadlines, and deliverables. Demonstrate accountability by consistently showing up early and meeting all assigned responsibilities.

• Independent and Proactive Work Ethic
  Take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision, while contributing to a collaborative team environment.

• Technology Proficiency
  Use a variety of computer software and platforms (e.g., CRM systems, project management tools, presentation software, virtual meeting platforms) to manage data, track partnerships, and deliver reports.

• Professionalism & Public Relations
  Represent the organization in a positive, credible, and professional manner. Maintain positive public relations with internal and external stakeholders.

• Written Communication & Reporting
  Compose clear, well-structured reports, emails, and communications with proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Translate data and program outcomes into actionable insights.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have reliable transportation.

• Five (5) years of minimum experience in any of the related fields: Contract Management, Grant Management, Employer Engagement, Workforce Development, and/or working directly with students at a School District.

• Possession of a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Education, Communications, or a closely related field OR Eight (8) years of experience in the above-listed fields.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in any type of sales, outreach, or networking.

• Bilingual (Spanish)

NECESSARY MATERIALS FOR APPLICATION

• Completed Online Application; (Incomplete application will not be considered. All fields must be filled in);

• Current Resumé;

• Copy of transcripts or degree verifying coursework;

• Applicants must meet minimum qualifications and attach all necessary materials to the online application before the stated deadline to qualify as a candidate.

Licenses, Certifications, Bonding, and/or Testing Required: If required to operate a vehicle during employment, must possess a valid California Driver’s License and insurance, and a Criminal Justice Fingerprint Clearance.

BENEFITS PACKAGE

Tomorrow’s Talent offers a well-rounded and thoughtfully curated benefits package designed to support every aspect of employee well-being—health, financial security, emotional wellness, and work-life balance. The 2025–2026 program includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, multiple tiers of life and disability insurance, tax-advantaged savings accounts, and a broad range of emotional, spiritual, and family support services. With modern tools like Ease and mobile apps for real-time access, the benefits experience is designed to be both user-friendly and deeply supportive.

Tomorrow’s Talent, LLC does not discriminate in its hiring based on actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sex, or sexual orientation.  Complaints alleging noncompliance with this policy of nondiscrimination should be directed to Zachary Hill, zach@tomorrowstalent.org.