Partnerships Manager

About UsAt Extern, we’re solving the experience gap. Extern created the remote Externship, a skill-building work experience that is easier for students to access, and easier for companies to run, than an internship. Our mission is to help anyone discover and launch their career through professional experiences available anywhere at any time. Since 2020, we’ve created and powered Externships on behalf of companies from Fortune 500s to startups that have enabled tens of thousands of students to build real experience and open doors to incredible opportunity.

After spending $100K on average for a 4-year degree, graduates find that almost 40% of entry level jobs on Linkedin required 3+ years of work experience. Internships are how many college students get this kind of experience, but the demand for good internships outstrips the supply. Internship programs are difficult to scale, they favor students who already have social capital, and they’re time-consuming for employers to run.

Externships are short, online, project-based work experiences that employers can offer to hundreds of students using less resource and employee time than it would take to support an intern. Extern makes the complex process of running an Externship completely turnkey with software and industry experts which in turn makes professional experience more accessible to more students.

By making work experience more accessible, Extern is driving the rapid mobility and upskilling needed for a new economy. We envision a world where anyone can access work experience as a form of education – no matter their background, experience, or socio-economic status. Come join our movement to reshape work, education, and credentialing for future generations with the Externship.

Backed by Y Combinator, Foundation Capital, Launch Fund, University Ventures, and Learn Capital.

Job Overview

We are seeking a dynamic Partnerships Manager with a strong background in management consulting to develop and nurture our relationships with Fortune 500 companies. This role is ideal for someone who has thrived in client-facing positions and is adept at steering complex projects from conception to completion.

Responsibilities

• Build and Nurture Strategic Partnerships: Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders within Fortune 500 companies. Serve as the primary point of contact, understanding their needs and ensuring alignment with our solutions.
• Consultative Guidance: Provide expert guidance to corporate partners throughout the onboarding process, offering insights on project structuring and alignment with their strategic objectives. Act as a trusted advisor to optimize the success of their engagement with our platform.
• Project Management: Oversee the successful execution of multiple externship projects, ensuring adherence to timelines and delivery of high-quality outcomes. Coordinate with internal teams to address any challenges and ensure smooth project progression.
• Collaborative Planning and Review: Work closely with company contacts to coordinate webinars, assess project progress, and fine-tune project parameters based on feedback and evolving needs. Collaborate cross-functionally to address any issues and drive continuous improvement.
• Expansion of Partnerships: Identify opportunities to expand the scope and impact of client contracts by demonstrating the value proposition of our externship programs. Proactively explore avenues for growth and upsell additional services to existing partners.

Required Skills And Experience

• Strategic Relationship Management: Minimum of 5 years of experience in client-facing roles, preferably in management consulting or within the education sector. Proven track record of building and maintaining senior-level relationships, driving client satisfaction, and managing complex projects.
• Effective Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively. Capable of engaging and influencing both internal stakeholders and external clients.
• Problem-Solving: Demonstrated ability to navigate intricate corporate environments, support contract negotiations, and help growth of accounts. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to address challenges and find innovative solutions.
• Organizational Agility: Exceptional organizational skills with a keen attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and thrive in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
• Team Collaboration: Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve shared goals. Comfortable working in a dynamic, collaborative environment where teamwork is essential for success.

Why Join Us?

• Be a part of a pioneering team dedicated to making a significant impact on the future workforce.
• Engage with industry leaders and contribute to the development of innovative learning solutions.
• Enjoy a creative and dynamic work environment that values diversity, inclusion, and personal growth.