Academic ConnectWe are seeking a resourceful and globally minded Business Development & Partnerships Manager to lead and manage strategic partnerships for HBS Foundry. Reporting to the Senior Director, this role will focus on partnership outreach, coordination, and relationship management. The ideal candidate will possess a strategic view of business development, a strong ability to navigate U.S.-based and global environments, identify potential partners, and lead relationships that align with HBS Foundry’s mission to empower entrepreneurs worldwide.
Job-Specific Responsibilities:
- Strategic Partnership Leadership: Drive the execution of HBS Foundry’s partnership strategy by owning outreach plans, managing high-level communications, and leading follow-through with prospective and current partners.
- Outreach Strategy & Execution: Spearhead proactive outreach initiatives by identifying and engaging with potential partners across key markets. Collaborate with faculty, alumni, and senior executive stakeholders to shape strategic engagement approaches.
- Executive Relationship Management: Own and nurture senior-level partner relationships, ensuring consistent communication, seamless meeting coordination, and delivery of high-impact partnership outcomes.
- Team Oversight & Process Leadership: Guide and support business development coordinators and relationship managers by leading partnership protocols and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Collaborate with the Senior Director to continuously optimize team workflows and partner engagement practices.
- Event and Stakeholder Alignment: Lead partnership efforts related to event sponsorships, affiliate organizations, and external collaborators. Ensure all external engagements align with HBS Foundry’s brand and strategic objectives.
- Performance Tracking & Strategic Reporting: Oversee partnership performance tracking, ensuring regular reporting on engagement levels and outcomes. Synthesize insights into strategic reports for internal leadership to inform decision-making.
- Market Intelligence & Opportunity Scouting: Lead market research and competitive landscape analyses to uncover emerging partnership opportunities, particularly in high-growth global markets.
- Cross-Functional Integration: Serve as a key liaison across internal teams, including content, product, and marketing, to integrate partnerships into platform strategy, communications, and user experiences.
Time Allocation Breakdown:
- Partnership Leadership and outreach: 40%
- Lead, Support and Maintain Partnerships: 30%
- Support Senior Director in overseeing relationship managers: 15%
- Tracking & Reporting: 10%
- Market Research: 5%
This role is responsible for other duties as assigned.