Partnership Development Manager Jobs in Madison, WI

Who You Are

You're an accomplished leader who is passionate about the power of education and developing high-performing teams. With 5+ years of success in business development, consultative sales, account management, or higher education outreach-including experience leading and coaching teams-you have a proven track record of driving results through others.

You excel at building strategy, fostering partnerships, developing talent, and creating a culture of accountability. You are motivated by helping your team achieve ambitious goals while supporting prospective students on their educational journey.

Now is the time to bring your leadership expertise to Grand Canyon Education, where you'll play a critical role in leading a team of University Development Counselors responsible for guiding prospective Grand Canyon University students from inquiry through enrollment and early student success. As a University Development Manager, you will drive territory growth, mentor team members, and ensure operational excellence across your region.

As a University Development Manager, a Typical Week Might Include the Following:

1. Territory Leadership and Strategic Execution

Lead the development and execution of territory strategies designed to increase awareness, engagement, and inquiry generation for Grand Canyon University's online academic programs. Analyze market trends, evaluate performance metrics, identify growth opportunities, and implement action plans that drive sustainable enrollment results. Oversee territory event planning and partnership development while ensuring team resources are aligned to achieve organizational objectives.

2. Team Leadership, Coaching, and Performance Management

Recruit, develop, coach, and lead a team of University Development Counselors to achieve individual and team performance goals. Conduct regular performance reviews, provide ongoing coaching and mentorship, and foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Support professional development initiatives while ensuring the team delivers an exceptional prospective student experience.

3. Relationship and Partnership Management

Serve as the senior representative for your territory, cultivating and strengthening relationships with community organizations, employers, educational institutions, healthcare systems and other strategic partners. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to enhance territory effectiveness and ensure alignment with broader enrollment and organizational goals.

4. Operational Excellence and Results Delivery

Monitor territory performance through reporting, forecasting, and data analysis. Leverage insights to optimize team activities, improve conversion outcomes and drive operational efficiencies. Ensure compliance with university and regulatory standards while maintaining a high level of service and engagement throughout the student enrollment process.

5. Leadership in a Remote Environment

Lead a geographically dispersed team while balancing strategic planning, employee development, and business growth. Create an environment that encourages innovation, accountability and strong communication while successfully managing priorities across a dynamic territory.

The Role Might Be Right for You If You Have:

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5+ years of experience in business development, consultative sales, account management, enrollment management, or a related field.
• Previous people leadership experience with demonstrated success coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
• Strong strategic planning and territory management skills with the ability to align resources and initiatives to organizational objectives.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven ability to analyze performance metrics, make data-driven decisions, and execute improvement strategies.
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills, including managing multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment.
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to lead diverse teams and foster productive partnerships.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel extensively throughout the assigned territory.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, CRM platforms, and reporting tools.

Bonus Points If You Have:

• Higher education enrollment, admissions, or university outreach leadership experience.
• Experience leading remote or geographically dispersed teams.
• Experience managing partnerships, territory planning, and business development strategies.
• CRM and enrollment management platform experience.
• Master's degree preferred.

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