Strategic Partnerships Director

Summary

Join Zearn's team as the Strategic Partnerships Director and play a pivotal role in strengthening relationships with state and district organizations to expand the impact of Zearn's educational platform. You will work closely with senior leadership to influence high-level strategies, cultivate relationships with strategic partners, stay informed on education policy and market trends, and ensure Zearn's solutions meet the needs of various educational entities. This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of critical initiatives, deepen meaningful partnerships, and drive positive change in education. The position is remote and offers a competitive salary and benefits package. You will be responsible for developing and executing strategic plans to drive partner engagement and business growth, while also identifying and pursuing new strategic partnership opportunities. Success in this role requires strong strategic, collaborative, and communication skills.

Requirements

• Possess a strong foundation in strategic and results-oriented skills, consistently driving projects to completion and delivering measurable success
• Thrive in cross-functional environments, working closely with senior leadership and teams to drive alignment and achieve shared goals
• Be a pro at building and nurturing strong, long-term relationships with both external partners and internal stakeholders
• Have a skill for distilling complex policy and market information into clear, engaging materials that resonate with diverse audiences
• Bachelor’s degree in business, education, public policy, or a related field
• 7+ years of professional experience, including 5+ years in a strategic, business development, or strategic partnership role
• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans that drive partner engagement and business growth
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with a demonstrated ability to build relationships with senior-level executives
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of deep, trust-based connections with key state and district stakeholders, engaging regularly with senior decision-makers to align on goals and drive sustainable impact
• Act as a thought partner to shape strategic goals while ensuring Zearn’s solutions are integral to strategic partnership success
• Develop high-touch, tailored presentations, proposals, and initiatives that speak directly to the specific needs of each partner, ensuring that Zearn is positioned as an indispensable partner in advancing their educational priorities
• Lead the charge in understanding and preparing for state-level policies, educational trends, and legislation. Leverage these insights to craft partnership strategies and keep Zearn’s offerings at the forefront of educational transformation
• Work alongside Zearn’s Partner Success Directors to closely monitor outcomes, proactively identify risks, and ensure the flawless execution of collaborative initiatives that maximize impact and Partner satisfaction
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align resources, ensuring that partnerships are supported from inception through to renewal with operational excellence
• Harness deep market knowledge and an understanding of educational trends to proactively identify and seize high-potential strategic partnership opportunities
• Lead efforts to build and maintain a robust pipeline of strategic partners, working closely with the executive team to set ambitious strategic partnership growth goals

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree

Benefits

• Competitive benefits package, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
• Short- and long-term disability
• Life insurance
• 401K matching
• Parental leave
• Generous Holiday policy
• Flexible PTO policy
• Collegial and passionate culture
• Potential to positively impact the lives of millions of children