Description

AIFS Professional Pathways (J-1 Intern & Trainee Programs)

Business Partner Manager 

JOB DESCRIPTION

AIFS Professional Pathways is a new division amongst AIFS, Inc.’s brand of globally renowned programs, supporting international interns and trainees coming to the United States for temporary professional experiences. You will serve as a key strategist for the business development and retention of multi-sector U.S. companies and related third parties who will 1) commit to AIFS as the J-1 visa sponsor for their visiting interns/ trainees, 2) accommodate recurring internship placements, and 3) eventually support a global fellowship program.
Delivering business/ sales goals will require market research, strong strategic communications, CRM and budget monitoring, and most importantly, creatively identifying and engaging with new and existing clients (most often corporate global mobility teams, HR representatives, talent recruiters and trainers, business associations, immigration law firms, and more). The candidate will become intimately familiar with the Department of State’s J-1 BridgeUSA program, stakeholders, and visa requirements. This position reports to, and works in close partnership with, the ­­­­­Vice President, AIFS Professional Pathways.

Essential Functions

50% U.S. Business Development

1. Develop and execute an informed, creative and scalable business development strategy to build a client base amongst multi-sector stakeholders in the United States in need of J-1 visa sponsorship for their foreign interns and trainees.
2. Establish CRM, communication standard, and reporting processes to effectively monitor and nurture leads.
3. Manage responses to client leads.
4. Represent the AIFS Intern & Trainee program publicly, comfortably presenting program mission and services at client meetings, webinars, conferences, and events.
5. Oversee the recruitment of U.S. companies for approx. 50 annual internship placements (companies willing to host international interns vetted by AIFS).
6. Proactively and continuously monitor the industry/ market to identify opportunities and potential challenges; take the initiative to propose a pivot to strategy accordingly.
7. Draft e-mail campaigns, social media posts, and tailored pitch decks.
8. Coordinate efforts and requests with the Marketing department, along with identifying opportunities for business development alignment across divisions.
9. Report opportunities and business forecasts to the VP.
10. On-board new clients by conducting vetting research and meetings to educate them about the program and service offerings.
11. Collaborate with the VP and Marketing teams to continuously hone effective messaging for brand and program awareness.

25% Partner Retention

1. Serve as lead point of contact for on-boarded/ existing relationships (U.S. Host Companies and Immigration Law Firms primarily, some universities), providing superior customer service.
2. Initiate and lead existing partner webinars and meetings for continued engagement and retention.
3. Evaluate company eligibility for J-1 program applications and provide advisement, including problem-solving complex immigration cases and extensive support developing compliant training plans (Form DS-7002).

15% Partnership Development for Participant Recruitment

1. Support the strategy development for and execution of program profile-raising and recruitment amongst global universities and organizations.
2. Based on U.S. industry and opportunity knowledge, propose target regions and fields for recruitment.
3. Periodically lead program and service presentations to university administrators and students.

10% Misc. Program application & support services

1. As this business division launches, you may support the review of sponsorship applications, program invoicing, communications and may serve as an ARO, certified to issue visa sponsorship documents. As the team grows, these responsibilities will diminish.

Qualifications

Competencies

1. Proven sales strategy development and demonstrated ability to meet targets
2. Strong written and verbal communication with diverse audiences
3. Relationship building and management skills
4. Impeccable customer service
5. Flexibility and eagerness to build something new
6. Creative problem-solving and ability to tackle complex matters
7. Ability to work independently and take initiative
8. Collaborative within a small team and across teams
9. Willingness and ability to travel
10. Organized project planning and execution
11. Dependability in executing tasks and delivering committed products
12. Sensitivity to compliance and in turn, demonstrated attention to detail
13. A global mindset with passion for international exchange, talent development, or travel
14. Supervision or mentorship experience
15. Knowledge of J-1 or other U.S. visa programs a plus
16. Relevant CRM and marketing experience a plus
17. Corporate sales and relationship management or services a plus

Travel Requirement:15-20% (primarily domestic, international possible)

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role does not currently serve as a supervisor, however, as the team grows and your skills are demonstrated, it is anticipated that 1-2 direct reports will be acquired. As such, this individual will oversee training, provide on-going guidance and mentorship, effective delegation of tasks, and will conduct performance reviews. 

Work Environment & Expectations

This job operates in a hybrid environment. Primarily remote, with the expectation of two days per week in a professional office environment (Stamford, Connecticut – free shuttle service from Metro North). Meetings with clients and partners will periodically require in-person attendance at the client sites, primarily in major U.S. cities.

AIFS offers a 35-hour work week during the business hours of 9 AM- 5 PM, Monday-Friday. Program staff are expected to periodically attend events and travel outside of standard office hours and may be expected to support a 24-hour emergency line for participants.

Education & Experience Requirements

1. Minimum of 5-7 years of relevant experience in business development, sales and customer service.
2. Undergraduate degree required; Graduate degree (or commensurate experience) preferred in business, marketing, communications, international relations or related.
3. Experience working in international exchange, travel, immigration, or similar a plus!

Salary: 

Base salary of $75,000, plus commissions upon delivering specific business targets throughout the year. AIFS staff also receive a generous benefits and vacation package. Salary and benefits are competitive within the international exchange industry.

EEO Statement

AIFS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

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