The Skills Initiative is now hiring a Manager of Partnerships.
University City District (UCD) is a non-profit, special services district that leverages a unique partnership of universities, health systems, large and small businesses, and community groups to invest in public spaces, address public maintenance and public safety issues, bring life to commercial corridors, promote job growth and innovation, and connect residents to career opportunities; by way of the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative (WPSI/Skills Initiative).
The Skills Initiative is a nationally recognized workforce intermediary. We implement custom talent solutions focused on connecting the City’s talent to opportunities within prestigious companies, organizations, and institutions. Through partnerships with local organizations and anchor organizations, the Skills Initiative creates pathways to employment and fosters economic mobility.
The Manager of Partnerships is responsible for managing and growing relationships with employer partners, supporting program execution, and enhancing career pathway opportunities for participants. The role involves end-to-end employer relationship management, strategic program development, and the creation and management of tools and processes to communicate effectively with partners. The Manager of Partnerships will work closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure the successful alignment of Skills Initiative programs with employer needs, contributing to the long-term success of both participants and employer partners. The Manager of Partnerships reports to the Director of Strategic Partnerships.
Employer Engagement Activities:
- Serve as the primary liaison between the Skills Initiative and employer partners during program execution; managing timelines, expectations, and next steps in partnership with the Director of Strategic Partnerships.
- Support the discovery and lead the management of employer relationships for Skills Initiative Signature Programs and alumni career growth programs, ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals.
- Utilize the Skills Initiative’s proprietary tools, including the Job Quality Scorecard and Job and Onboarding Fact Sheet, to evaluate employer partner job openings and career path opportunities, informing decision-making and program design.
- Collaborate with the Director of Economic Mobility and Director of Strategic Partnerships to leverage labor market data for strategic decision-making and to provide employer partners with meaningful context.
- Develop and maintain relationships with employers across various industries to create job opportunities for program graduates; identifying job opportunities and skill requirements. Partner with Career Specialist to ensure all Skills Initiative graduates are connected to opportunities.
- Work with the workforce programming team to ensure that the curriculum meets the current and future needs of employers; support the identification of external training needs to supplement Skills Initiative programming.
- Provide ongoing support to both employers and graduates during the onboarding process.
Employer Communications:
- Strengthen relationships with existing employer partners through consistent communication, data updates, ROI calculations, public appearances, and collaborative storytelling.
- Develop and implement communication tools such as recruitment flyers, one-pagers, e-blasts, and slide decks to highlight the ROI and impact of WPSI partnerships.
- Lead the development of a predictable, step-by-step communication process with employers during participant cohorts, creating associated materials in partnership with the Communications team.
- Collaborate with the Director of Strategic Partnerships to design and write Program Success Reports to be delivered prior to employer debrief meetings.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Recruitment Team Support
- Collaborate with the Recruitment Team to design and execute customized recruitment strategies that address specific employer needs.
- Attend the Participant Agreement Meeting with the recruitment and programming team, ensuring clear communication of expectations and responsibilities.
- Lead information sessions with potential participants to provide an overview of opportunities and expectations.
- Provide support in completing application reviews and conducting interviews with prospective participants as needed.
Workforce Programming Team Support
- Provide hands-on support for Skills Initiative training programs, including participating in orientation activities, training support, mock interviewing, and onboarding support for hired participants.
- Collaborate with the Senior Director of Workforce Programs to prepare participants for interviews by analyzing employer partner processes and needs.
Partnership Management:
- Work closely with the Director of Strategic Partnerships on business development initiatives, including Pay for Success projects, ensuring operational and contractual milestones are met.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
- Proven experience in partnership management, business development, or a related field.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence a wide range of stakeholders.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and independently when needed.
- Familiarity with employer engagement best practices.
Technology Competencies:
- Microsoft Office Suite including Teams and Project
- Salesforce experience strongly preferred
Although the above competencies are preferred, training and support on all systems will be provided.
Salary for this role is $80,000.
Interested applicants should send their resume to Erica Jorden, Director of Human Resources, ejorden@universitycity.org using the subject line: Manager of Partnerships
University City District provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
