Business Development & Partnerships Manager

JOB DESCRIPTION

RESPONSIBILITIES

Partnership Development and Management:

• Identify and cultivate relationships with businesses, industry bodies, associations, educational institutions, and government entities that strategically align with our mission, particularly in learner recruitment and graduate job placement.
• Lead negotiations, clearly articulating roles, responsibilities, and mutual benefits. Formulate partnership agreements that underpin long-term, sustainable collaboration.

Operational Excellence in Business Development & Partnerships:

• Proactively Identify and secure funding opportunities that directly support and strategically expand our training programs.
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with corporations, individual donors, and other relevant entities to facilitate sponsorships, joint ventures, CSR initiatives, and other collaborative projects that contribute to our sustainability and growth.
• Develop and implement strategies to actively engage local and diaspora communities in fundraising and development activities. 
• Work closely with marketing and communications teams to execute co-branded initiatives that effectively leverage partnerships to enhance market reach and elevate the brand
• Regularly monitor and evaluate the success of business development and partnership activities. Use insights gained to refine strategies and improve the effectiveness and ROI of future initiatives.

Strategic Impact and Performance Analysis:

• Develop and manage a monitoring system for business development and partnership activities, continuously tracking key performance indicators such as program enrollment, learner satisfaction, job placement rates, and revenue generation.
• Implement a structured documentation and lifecycle management process across all partnerships, ensuring agreements are regularly reviewed and updated to align with evolving organizational needs and objectives.
• Leverage data to assess business development and partnership outcomes, providing stakeholders with actionable insights to optimize effectiveness and enhance program impact.
• Provide donors and partners with clear, data-driven reports that showcase the tangible outcomes of their contributions and their impact on advancing the organization’s mission.

Market Insight and Brand Amplification:

• Stay informed about industry trends and developments. Leverage insights to identify new partnership opportunities and enhance our market presence through joint marketing and public relations activities.

Government Engagement and Advocacy:

• Develop and maintain relationships with government bodies, building linkages, securing partnerships, and advocating for policies that support tech education, employment, and job creation initiatives.

Continuous Feedback Integration:

• Actively seek and integrate feedback from both partners and internal teams to refine and evolve partnership strategies, ensuring alignment with our organization's dynamic needs.

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

• Professional Experience: A minimum of 8 years experience or equivalent expertise in B2B and/or B2G partnerships management and/or business development. Additional experience in project management, events activation and coordination, and youth engagement is a plus.
• Educational Background: A minimum of bachelor’s degree in any field with an excellent academic track record.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English and Amharic, both verbal and written. Knowledge of other local languages is a plus.
• Communication and Presentation Abilities: Excellent skills in articulating and conveying ideas effectively in verbal, written, and visual forms.
• Relationship Management: A strong focus on customer service and a commitment to always prioritize our customers' needs.
• Partnership and Business Development Expertise: Proven experience in partnership management and business development, with a knack for strategic planning and effective execution.
• Attention to Detail: A meticulous approach to ensure the highest level of customer experience and responsiveness.
• Data Analysis Skills: Experience in using data and metrics to guide decision-making and foster continuous improvement.
• Interpersonal Competence: A collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams.
• Learning and Growth Orientation: A humble attitude with openness to feedback, coupled with an insatiable curiosity and eagerness for personal and professional growth.
• Creativity and Innovativeness: A tendency to bring imaginative and fresh ideas to various situations.