JOB DESCRIPTION

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives is a full-time at-will position responsible for designing, securing, and advancing high impact partnerships, revenue generating initiatives, and strategic growth opportunities. This position includes initiative designing, fund development alignment, earned revenue strategy, and cross-functional execution that ensures Oakland Thrive's partnerships translate into measurable impact, sustainable funding, and scalable programing. While working in close coordination with the Fund Development department, Client Engagement & Events department, and Program Teams, this position ensures alignment between partnerships, programming, visibility, and revenue generation.

SEE FULL POSITION DESCRIPTION ON OAKLAND THRIVE'S WEBSITE (oaklandthrive.org), LINKEDIN AND INDEED.

COVER LETTER AND RESUME MUST BE SUBMITTED VIA EMAIL (humanresourcesdepartment@oaklandthrive.org) FOR CONSIDERATION.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION: FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2026

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Partnership & Ecosystem Development

• Lead the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of high value partnerships across corporate, philanthropic, government, and ecosystem stakeholders.
• Develop long term partnership strategies aligned with Oakland Thrive's priorities (LMI/ALICE communities, small business growth, innovation).
• Expand and strengthen Business-to Business (B2B) provider network and strategic alliances.
• Serve as a senior relationship manager for key institutional partners and funders.

2. Strategic Initiatives & Growth

• Design and launch strategic initiatives that generate revenue, expand services, and increase organizational visibility.
• Oversee execution of initiatives (project planning, timelines, budgets, deliverables) through the Manager of Strategic Partnerships.
• Identify and develop new programmatic opportunities, including: fee-based offerings; public-private partnerships; and, sponsored programs and pilots.
• Lead cross-functional initiative planning across programs, partnerships, and operations.

3. Revenue Generation & Fund Development Alignment

• Partner with the Fund Development department to co-create and close funding opportunities, including sponsorships, grants, and institutional investments.
• Develop partnership driven revenue models tied to events in coordination with the Client Engagement & Events department; program sponsorships; and corporate engagement strategies.
• Lead cultivation strategies for key funders and partners, including proposal development and presentations.
• Identify opportunities to monetize services, expertise, and ecosystem access.

4. Cross-Functional Coordination

• Coordinate with the Fund Development department in aligning partnership pipelines with fundraising strategy.
• Work with Client Engagement & Events department in ensuring partner activation, sponsorship fulfillment, and visibility without owning event logistics.
• Join forces with Program Teams (Small Business Consultants, etc.) in ensuring partnerships enhance program delivery and outcomes.
• Serve as a connector across departments to ensure alignment, communication, and execution.

5. Partnership Operations & Performance

• Oversee partnership systems, tracking, and reporting (CRM/Thrive Drive).
• Establish KPIs and dashboards to measure partner engagement, revenue generation, and program impact tied to partnerships.
• Ensure accountability, follow through, and high-quality partner experience.Team Leadership & Management
• Supervise and coach the Manager of Strategic Partnership twenty-five (25) hours a week.
• Provide direction on project execution, partnership management, and strategic priorities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.

6. Thought Leadership & Representation

• Represent Oakland Thrive as assigned in high-level meetings, conferences, convenings, and regional/national forums.
• Position Oakland Thrive as a leader in inclusive economic development and small business ecosystem building.
• Support development of thought leadership content, presentations, and strategic messaging.
• Perform other duties and assume responsibilities as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor's degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field. Master's degree preferred;
2. Proven five (5) to eight (8) years of experience in strategic partnerships, business development/revenue generation, and economic development in the non-profit or related sector;
3. Experience designing and launching new initiatives or programs;
4. Experience in small business ecosystems, entrepreneurship support, or community development preferred;
5. Familiarity with economic development or small business ecosystems preferred;
6. Proven success in securing funding, partnerships, or revenue targets;
7. Familiarity with CRM/database systems and performance tracking;
8. Strong project management and cross-functional leadership experience.
9. Exceptional relationship-building, and written and oral communication skills.
10. Strong organizational skills; and
11. Experience working with and managing diverse and complex stakeholders' environment.

BENEFITS

• Medical
• Vision
• Dental
• PTO
• Paid Holidays
• 401K Plan and more