Communities First, Inc. is a Michigan-based nonprofit 501c3 whose mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing and innovative programming. CFI is focused on providing safe, quality affordable housing, increasing economic opportunities, and improving the quality of life of the populations that the organization serves.

Job Summary:

The Strategic Partnership Manager will play a key role in advancing the mission and goals of Communities First, Inc. by developing and managing strategic partnerships with external stakeholders, including corporations, foundations, government agencies, and other nonprofit organizations. The individual in this role will possess strong relationship-building skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to identify and leverage opportunities for collaboration and resource-sharing.

Essential Functions:

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with corporations, foundations, government agencies, and other organizations that align with the mission and goals of the nonprofit.
• Research and analyze potential partners, assessing their interests and alignment with the organization's strategic priorities.
• Develop partnership proposals, agreements, and memoranda of understanding (MOUs) outlining goals, objectives, roles, and responsibilities for collaboration.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for partners, providing ongoing communication, support, and stewardship to nurture and sustain partnerships.
• Coordinate meetings, site visits, and events to facilitate relationship-building and collaboration between partners and organizational leadership.
• Identify and develop collaborative projects, initiatives, and programs that leverage the strengths and resources of partner organizations to address shared goals and challenges.
• Monitor and track progress on collaborative projects, providing regular updates, reports, and assessments to partners and organizational leadership.
• Work with partners to identify funding opportunities, sponsorships, and in-kind contributions to support joint initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Assist in the development of fundraising proposals, grant applications, and sponsorship packages in collaboration with partners, highlighting the benefits and impact of partnership investments.
• Assist with coordinating fundraising events and campaigns to engage partners and leverage their networks for fundraising support.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree or higher is required

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Training, and Experience:

• Five or more years of experience in partnership development or another related role in the nonprofit sector
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Word) and Adobe Acrobat
• Possess strong work ethic and demonstrates initiative; shows commitment and desire to work in an entrepreneurial, team-based environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport, establish trust, and inspire confidence with donors.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Proven track record of success in building and managing strategic partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including corporations, foundations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities, with the capacity to identify opportunities for collaboration and develop innovative partnership strategies.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate complex ideas and negotiate partnership agreements.
• Familiarity with fundraising principles, grant writing, and sponsorship strategies.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the organization, with a passion for making a positive difference in the community.

Equal Employment Opportunity & ADA Compliance:

Communities First, Inc. provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. To ensure equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with a disability, Communities First, Inc. will make reasonable accommodations for the known disability of an otherwise qualified individual, unless undue hardship on the operation of the organization would result. We support and promote equal employment opportunity, human dignity, and racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity by taking positive steps to eliminate barriers that may exist in hiring and in employment practices. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

This job description does not list all of the duties of the job. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. This job description may be revised at any time. This job description is not a contract for employment and either the employee or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason or no reason.