"Business Development & Partnerships Coordinator"

Company Description

About Harvard Business School (HBS) Foundry: HBS Foundry is a new innovative digital learning platform designed to empower entrepreneurs globally by providing access to world-class resources, tools, and knowledge. Our mission is to democratize entrepreneurship education, enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds to launch and scale impactful ventures. Through adaptive learning pathways, AI tools, and a supportive community, HBS Foundry equips entrepreneurs with the skills they need to succeed.

Why Join HBS Foundry?

• Impactful Work: Play a pivotal role in shaping the future of global entrepreneurship education. Your contributions will directly empower entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds to launch and scale impactful ventures, driving real-world change.
• Innovative Environment: Be part of a forward-thinking team working with cutting-edge technologies such as AI and interactive simulations to design transformative learning experiences that push the boundaries of digital education.
• Professional Growth: Engage in continuous learning, with opportunities for professional development and career advancement in a mission-driven organization committed to innovation and excellence.
• Collaborative Culture: Thrive in a supportive, inclusive team environment where your ideas and creativity are valued and essential in driving our shared vision forward.

Job Description

We 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. This role is pivotal in expanding HBS Foundry’s global network and ensuring long-term, valuable collaborations.

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Partnership Coordination: Support the execution of partnership strategies by coordinating outreach efforts, managing communications, and tracking follow-ups with potential and existing partners to ensure timely and professional engagement.
• Partnership Outreach Support: Conduct research to help identify potential partners in diverse markets and assist in outreach via email, phone, and other communication channels.
• Partner Relationship Support: Maintain regular communication with current partners, schedule and prepare for meetings, and help ensure the successful and timely delivery of partnership commitments and materials.
• Event and Affiliate Partnerships: Manage logistics and coordination for partner-related events, sponsorships, and affiliate collaborations as part of HBS Foundry’s broader business development efforts. Ensure strong follow-through on planning, communications, and execution in alignment with partnership goals.
• Tracking & Reporting: Monitor partnership activity and engagement, maintain organized records, and assist in preparing reports and summaries for internal stakeholders to evaluate partnership effectiveness.
• Market Research Support: Conduct desktop research and gather information on potential partners, markets, and relevant organizations. Help compile and organize findings to support the business development team’s outreach and partnership planning.
• Cross-Functional Support: Collaborate closely with internal teams (content, product, marketing) to ensure seamless integration of partnership initiatives into the platform’s offerings and promotional strategies.

Time Allocation Breakdown:

• Partnership Coordination & Outreach – 40%: Support outreach and communication with potential and current partners, including scheduling, follow-ups, and basic documentation.
• Partnership Maintenance & Communication – 30%: Assist in managing ongoing relationships, supporting partner engagement, and ensuring the delivery of partnership benefits in line with strategic objectives.
• Tracking, Reporting, & Analysis – 20%: Monitor partnership activities and track key performance metrics. Assist in preparing detailed reports for internal stakeholders to evaluate the effectiveness of partnerships.
• Market Research & Support – 10%: Conduct basic research and provide administrative support to identify and document partnership opportunities, particularly in emerging markets.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent is required.
• 5+ years of experience in business development, partnerships, or a similar role is required. Education beyond high school may count toward experience.
• Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) experience is a must.
• Proficiency in CRM tools (e.g., Airtable, Salesforce, HubSpot) for managing partner relationships and tracking activities.

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Experience within the education, entrepreneurship, or technology sectors is preferred.
• Experience supporting or managing global partnerships is highly desirable.
• Communication & Organizational Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong organizational abilities to manage multiple relationships, projects, and deadlines effectively.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product, and content teams, and coordinate tasks in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Strong problem-solving skills with a proactive and adaptable approach to overcoming challenges and seizing new opportunities in partnership development.