Vice President, Partnerships

Description

Axim Collaborative is a nonprofit that transforms education to work pathways by facilitating collaboration and innovations to build an ecosystem of solutions to drive better outcomes for millions of learners. Axim uses catalytic funding to foster partnerships, convene leaders and scale innovations to strengthen pathways for learners. These pathways engage students in their course of study, enable them to persist through their programs and prepare them to excel in their careers. Axim Collaborative is a joint endeavor between Harvard and MIT that evolved from edX, the pioneering online learning platform that launched in 2012.

ABOUT THE VICE PRESIDENT, PARTNERSHIPS ROLE

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Strategy, Operations and Talent, the Vice President, Partnerships is a member of Axim Collaborative’s Senior Leadership Team and is responsible for developing high-level strategic partnerships and collaborations. In this role, you will work with the SVP, Strategy, Operations & Talent and Education Transformation team to identify, foster and manage strategic partnerships in support of our mission. This role requires a proactive and entrepreneurial approach to identifying and shaping new opportunities, coupled with a deep, visionary understanding of how emerging technologies (such as AI) are disrupting and redefining higher education pathways. You must be comfortable with and excited by the appropriate role technology can play in driving student outcomes, and a commitment to developing strong, sustainable relationships that bring that vision to life. We seek an entrepreneurial visionary who thrives on identifying and shaping new, innovative opportunities. As Axim Collaborative's VP of Partnerships, you won't just manage relationships—you will be a catalyst for systemic change, directly shaping an ecosystem of solutions that empowers millions of learners to persist through their programs and excel in their careers. If you are ready to define strategy, secure impactful relationships, and see Axim’s vision through to scaled execution, this is the place for you.

Axim Collaborative embraces a flexible work philosophy that allows for in-person, remote, and hybrid work arrangements based on business needs that may evolve and change from time to time. This role will be hybrid, working in-person in Axim’s Cambridge office 2 days per week at the manager’s discretion and based on business needs that may evolve and change from time to time. Additionally, all staff are required to attend in-person programming three times a year. This role will require approximately 25% travel.

Requirements

Strategic Partnerships

• Curate and manage a portfolio of strategic partner relationships with broad-access institutions, intermediary organizations supporting innovation and digital transformation in the higher education ecosystem, nonprofit digital innovators, and edtech providers, serving as the point person and stewarding the relationship in support of our partner’s work to bolster student success
• Source and structure new innovative partnerships, concepts, and collaborations that connect digital and practice innovation and prepare them for review by the Axim Collaborative board
• Oversee execution of projects and strategic convenings, ensuring strong engagement and outcomes
• Represent Axim Collaborative at external events, including conferences and partner convenings

Serve as a member of Axim's Senior Team

• Build a sense of shared purpose and collective culture within and across departments; cultivate trust across the organization and with partners
• Model the values of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging; foster environments that facilitate more diverse and inclusive spaces and actively encourage a diversity of perspectives on teams
• Participate in annual organizational goal setting and planning to align operations and budgets with the broader mission
• Effectively prepare for and guide the organization through change and transition

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Deep commitment to equity, and experience applying an equity lens in all strategies and work streams
• At least 10 years of professional experience, with demonstrated success developing partnerships in fields such as social enterprise, philanthropy, and higher education and including digital technology innovations 
• At least 8 years of progressive leadership experience, including 3-5 years at the senior level demonstrating success in leading strategic initiatives and collaborating with executive leadership, board members, and diverse external stakeholders
• Robust understanding of educational technology and how it can be leveraged to support students in broad access higher education settings 
• Entrepreneurial and forward-thinking understanding of technology innovation (including AI and data systems), with a proven ability to anticipate market disruption and leverage emerging tech to shape new sectors and create entirely new solutions.
• Leadership experience managing teams and complex tasks
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to connect with and influence external decision-makers with a diverse range of priorities 
• Experience operating in a dynamic, entrepreneurial, fast-paced environment as a creative thinker and problem solver
• Exceptional project management, prioritization, and planning skills, with demonstrated success producing high-quality deliverables on time and within budget
• Experience in both for-profit and non-profit sectors and with projects that leverage digital technology strongly preferred 

Benefits Statement:

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including comprehensive medical and dental insurance, generous paid time off, paid parental leave, life and disability insurance, a competitive 401(k) plan, and a generous employer match.

Axim Collaborative is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is welcomed, valued, and supported. We believe that a diverse workforce is critical to enabling our partners and the learners they serve to realize their educational and career aspirations. Axim is an equal opportunity employer and encourages people from all experiences, abilities, and perspectives to apply. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Idora Sopin-Vilme at HR at Axim.org.

This role is exempt under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.