Manager, School Partnerships

OUR ORGANIZATION:
Youth Solutions, Inc. is a part of the Kinexus Group family of organizations. Kinexus Group, recognized as one of Nonprofit Times 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 Best Nonprofits to Work For, is a cutting-edge community development organization with growing initiatives to create an economically thriving Michigan. We are change agents who create solutions for business, workforce, and community challenges to promote economic vitality.

THE TEAM:
Youth Solutions is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing Michigan's youth with the support, experiences, and resources that prepare them for success in education, careers, and life. Through a range of targeted programs, services, and strategic partnerships, we support the delivery of high-quality, career-focused education to help every youth achieve their potential.

We offer remote flexibility, exceptional benefits, and a collaborative statewide team culture focused on innovation, impact, and connection. While this role offers flexibility in work location, it includes regular engagement with partners and team members and requires occasional travel as part of our collective work to serve communities and youth.

JOB SUMMARY:
The Manager of School Partnerships plays a key leadership role in supporting the implementation, expansion, and ongoing quality of Youth Solutions' school-based career development services. Reporting to the Senior Manager of School Partnerships, this position provides coaching, partnership support, and implementation guidance to schools and ISD/RESA partners as they adopt and strengthen career development systems.

The Manager serves as a primary liaison for assigned school partners, ensuring strong communication, partner engagement, and coordinated implementation. This role also contributes directly to the delivery of school-based services, such as facilitating trainings, meetings, and planning sessions, while supporting partners in building sustainable, high-quality practices.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Service Implementation & Partner Support

• Support the successful implementation of Youth Solutions' school-based career development services across assigned schools and districts.
• Provide direct coaching, technical assistance, and implementation support to school-based teams and ISD/RESA partners.
• Directly deliver school-based services, modeling strong facilitation and supporting high-priority partners.
• Guide partners in understanding and using Youth Solutions' tools, processes, and implementation expectations.
• Monitor partner progress, identify barriers, and support solutions that promote high-quality implementation.
• Maintain regular communication with school leadership and staff to reinforce alignment and ensure coordinated efforts.

Training, Facilitation & Capacity Building

• Facilitate meetings, professional learning sessions, and planning workshops for educators, school leadership, and partner teams.
• Support partners in developing and strengthening school-based career development systems.
• Collaborate with the Senior Manager and Director to refine tools, resources, and training aligned to field needs.
• Model strong facilitation practices and contribute to building internal capacity for high-quality delivery.

Collaboration, Coordination & Communication

• Maintain strong working relationships with partners across schools, ISDs/RESAs, and community organizations.
• Collaborate closely with Youth Solutions colleagues across all departments to support consistent, coordinated implementation.
• Participate in internal planning, problem-solving, and improvement cycles that strengthen overall service delivery.
• Ensure timely, clear communication about partner needs, progress, and challenges to the Senior Manager and Director.

Implementation Monitoring & Continuous Improvement

• Support data collection processes, ensuring accurate and timely completion of required reporting.
• Use partner feedback, data insights, and observations to contribute to continuous improvement efforts.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen tools, resources, and supports to better meet school and district needs.
• Elevate field insights to inform organizational planning and service enhancements.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree in Education, Mathematics Education, School Counseling, Curriculum & Instruction, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in education, workforce development, youth development, or nonprofit program management.
• Experience teaching mathematics, supporting math instruction, or leading math-related school improvement efforts is strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of career development, school improvement, work-based learning, or related youth-serving initiatives.
• Demonstrated success managing complex or multifaceted projects, including implementing programs or services across multiple sites or partners.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to make formal presentations and build strong relationships across diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to provide coaching, guidance, and support to educators, specialists, or cross-functional teams.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and respond to changing partner needs.
• Ability to use data and feedback to inform decision-making and support continuous improvement, including comfort working with student achievement and perception data.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace and virtual collaboration tools.
• Personal qualities of excellence, leadership, initiative, and a solutions-focused, collaborative approach aligned with Youth Solutions' mission.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Hybrid/Remote: Flexibility to work from home with required travel for meetings, trainings, and school visits.
• Travel: Some statewide travel, including occasional overnight stays, is required.
• Compensation: Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Growth: Strong opportunities for professional development and career growth within the organization.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

• Robust onboarding experience to integrate you into our team.
• "Team of Teams" training in support of the organizational strategies.
• Job training and development to ensure you are established and growing in your role.
• Cross operational meetings with your peers.
• Be a part of transformational change in Southwest Michigan and beyond.

We have a unique culture that requires us to be BOLD, INSPIRATIONAL, ENTREPRENEURIAL and INCLUSIVE. We spend more waking hours with each other than we do with family or friends, so finding someone that adds to our culture is extremely important. It is our goal to inspire positive economic change one person, one business and one community at a time.
Kinexus Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids, reasonable accommodations and or services are available upon request for individuals with disabilities. Michigan Relay Center: 711 Voice and TDD. Kinexus is a partner of American Job Centers.