Partnership Manager Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation

• Pulaski County, Arkansas Reports to:

President & CEO Schedule:

Full-Time, Salaried

ABOUT THE ACADEMIES OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS FOUNDATION

The Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation is a nonprofit organization that serves as the coordinating entity for the regional implementation of the nationally recognized Academies model across Pulaski County school districts. The Foundation partners with business, civic, and education leaders to ensure students in Central Arkansas have access to career-connected learning and real-world experiences that prepare them for college, career, and life.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Partnership Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing the Academies of Central Arkansas mission by building and maintaining strong, mutually beneficial relationships between high schools and business partners. This position is responsible for coordinating all aspects of business engagement across a portfolio of schools, working closely with district personnel, business leaders, and community stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a skilled relationship manager, project leader, and communicator with a passion for supporting students and educators. This position directly contributes to increasing student access to mentorships, internships, industry exposure, and hands-on learning opportunities that align with high-demand career pathways.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Business Partnership Management Serve as the primary account manager for business partnerships, ensuring a seamless and strategic engagement process across assigned schools. Coordinate school tours, onboarding processes, and engagement plans tailored to each business partner's capacity and goals. Implement and manage systems for regular check-ins with partners to assess engagement success, track impact, and support continuous improvement. Partner Recruitment & Engagement Identify, recruit, and cultivate new business partners through referrals, industry groups, Chamber networks, and proactive outreach. Collaborate with school and district leaders to identify needs and ensure a balanced distribution of partnerships. Advance existing partnerships along the Employer Engagement continuum, deepening their commitment and involvement. Collaboration & Communication Build and maintain productive relationships with school administrators, academy coaches, and teachers. Organize and lead regular learning sessions for business partners to share best practices and build community. Coordinate with district communication teams to ensure partner recognition and visibility. Support documentation of events and activities, including capturing photos and stories for internal and external use. Data & Reporting Track all partnership activities using the designated CRM system, ensuring timely, complete, and accurate documentation. Collaborate with the Academies Leadership Team to monitor goals and report on progress to the Foundation's Board of Directors. Strategic Contribution Participate in strategic planning sessions, identify promising practices, and contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the Academies model. Represent the Foundation at events, meetings, and Board presentations as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Business, Communications, Education, or related field. Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience, ideally in customer relations, education, community engagement, fundraising, or account management. Proven ability to manage multiple projects and relationships simultaneously. Proficiency in MS Office, Google Workspace, Canva, video conferencing tools, and familiarity with CRMs. Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and current auto liability insurance. Core Competencies Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills Exceptional organizational and time management abilities High emotional intelligence with the ability to work across diverse stakeholder groups Self-starter with a collaborative, solution-oriented mindset Commitment to excellence and continuous improvement Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced, evolving work environment Entrepreneurial spirit and enthusiasm for shaping a new role

WORK CONDITIONS & BENEFITS

Full-time position with flexible hybrid work arrangements; regular in-person meetings with school and business partners required. Competitive salary, commensurate with experience Health, dental, vision, and life insurance 401(k) plan with employer match Paid time off and holidays

Job Type:

Full-time Benefits:

401(k) matching Dental insurance Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person