Programs Partnership Lead

Job Description: Program Partnership LeadCareer Media & Entertainment Circle (CME)

Position Title: Program Partnership Lead
Department: Partnerships & Talent Development
Reports To: Director of Programs / Executive Leadership Team
Location: Flexible / Hybrid

About CME

Career Media & Entertainment Circle (CME) is dedicated to helping aspiring and emerging talent successfully transition into careers across the entertainment, media, music, and sports industries. Through exclusive programs, memberships, mentorship opportunities, and industry access, CME connects students with professionals, agencies, and career-building experiences that accelerate long-term success.

Position Summary

The Program Partnership Lead is responsible for building, managing, and expanding CME's strategic relationships across the acting, music, media, and sports industries. This individual will leverage an established network of actors, talent agencies, managers, casting professionals, musicians, sports professionals, and industry leaders to recruit high-caliber students and create meaningful opportunities for CME members.

A primary responsibility of this role is ensuring the successful enrollment of up to 24 qualified, high-value students annually into CME's flagship programs while maintaining exceptional partner relationships and program standards. The Program Partnership Lead will serve as a key liaison between industry partners, students, and internal teams, helping to strengthen CME's reputation and industry presence.

This role also works closely with the Marketing and PR teams to identify promotional opportunities, secure industry participation, and enhance CME's visibility within the entertainment community.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Partnerships & Industry Relations

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with talent agencies, managers, casting directors, production companies, music industry professionals, sports organizations, and entertainment executives.
• Identify and secure partnership opportunities that support CME's programs, memberships, and career transition initiatives.
• Act as the primary relationship manager for key industry partners and ambassadors.
• Expand CME's network through strategic outreach, industry events, conferences, showcases, and networking opportunities.

Student Recruitment & Program Enrollment

• Source, identify, and recruit highly qualified students and emerging talent for CME programs.
• Maintain a pipeline capable of filling up to 24 student placements annually within flagship programs.
• Evaluate prospective students against program qualifications and career readiness standards.
• Guide applicants through the enrollment and onboarding process.
• Ensure all participants align with CME's program expectations and professional standards.

Career Transition & Membership Development

• Support CME's Career Transition Department by introducing industry professionals and opportunities within acting, music, media, and sports.
• Promote and grow CME membership offerings through strategic partner referrals and industry engagement.
• Connect members with relevant educational, networking, mentorship, and career development opportunities.
• Collaborate on initiatives that enhance member retention and engagement.

Program Oversight & Quality Assurance

• Monitor student progress and partner satisfaction throughout program participation.
• Maintain program qualification standards and ensure consistent participant quality.
• Oversee partner feedback processes and identify areas for program improvement.
• Ensure compliance with program guidelines, expectations, and organizational objectives.

Marketing, PR & Brand Collaboration

• Partner with Marketing and Public Relations teams to develop promotional campaigns and industry-focused initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for media exposure, guest speakers, workshops, events, and strategic collaborations.
• Provide industry insights to support content development, brand positioning, and outreach strategies.
• Assist with securing high-profile talent, industry experts, and strategic partners for CME events and programming.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in entertainment, talent management, agency representation, partnerships, business development, casting, music industry relations, sports management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated network of industry professionals within acting, music, entertainment, and/or sports sectors.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain high-value professional relationships.
• Experience recruiting talent, managing partnerships, or developing educational/program initiatives.
• Strong understanding of entertainment industry career pathways and talent development.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across departments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing relationships with talent agencies, managers, casting professionals, music executives, sports organizations, or athlete representation groups.
• Experience working with educational programs, mentorship initiatives, memberships, or career development organizations.
• Background in public relations, marketing collaboration, talent development, or business partnerships.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Successful enrollment of up to 24 qualified students annually.
• Growth and retention of strategic industry partnerships.
• Expansion of CME's network within acting, music, media, and sports sectors.
• Membership growth and engagement through partner referrals.
• Partner satisfaction and program participation rates.
• Contribution to PR, marketing, and brand awareness initiatives.
• Student success outcomes and program completion rates.

Core Competencies

• Relationship Building
• Strategic Partnerships
• Talent Development
• Business Development
• Industry Networking
• Program Management
• Student Assessment & Qualification
• Communication & Negotiation
• Marketing & PR Collaboration
• Leadership & Initiative

Ideal Candidate Profile:
A highly connected entertainment industry professional with deep relationships across acting, music, media, and sports. This individual is passionate about helping emerging talent succeed, excels at building strategic partnerships, and has a proven ability to identify and recruit exceptional candidates while elevating the reputation and impact of CME programs.

Pay: $58,722.15 - $70,719.15 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Los Angeles, CA 90012

Salary : $58,722 - $70,719