Strategic Manager Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

POSITION OVERVIEW

Elevate Management Company LLC (Elevate) is an association management company that specializes in training/educational programming and event management. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Strategic Partnerships Manager to reach out to Industry/Academia partners for the development, collaboration and implementation of our education and training programs within the electronics manufacturing industry. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the electronics manufacturing Industry and/or the Education Industry, along with a passion for fostering employee growth and development.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the electronics manufacturing industry by developing a skilled workforce through strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts. The ideal candidate will be a dynamic leader with a strong technical and/or sales background, excellent program management capabilities, and a passion for fostering innovation and growth. The Strategic Partnerships Manager will conduct outreach and collaborate with multiple stakeholders (Industry, Academia, Government, Workforce) to build and enhance employee skills and knowledge, foster professional growth, and drive overall individual and organizational success. This role involves researching training needs, along with connecting and facilitating a team to develop educational content and materials that align with the goals and project metrics. This position works closely with Industry leaders, local governments, career service providers, along with instructors and administrators in academia in order to develop a robust and skilled workforce for the electronics manufacturing sector.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Partner Identification and Outreach:
  • Conduct research and initiate engagement to identify potential partners across academia, industry, government, and career services.
  • Develop and implement outreach strategies to engage and onboard partners.
  • Maintain a database of potential and current partners, tracking engagement and progress.
  • Report on Partner Identification and Outreach on a regular basis.
• Relationship Building:
  • Establish and nurture relationships with key stakeholders to ensure collaborative efforts.
  • Function as the primary liaison between stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment of goals.
  • Coordinate and facilitate regular meetings and discussions to foster collaboration and share updates. Including and not limited to scheduling meeting, running/moderating the meeting, and taking minutes.
• Team Formation and Development:
  • Assemble regional teams comprising of representatives from academia, industry, government, and career services.
  • Develop team building environments to ensure cohesive and effective collaboration.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to achieve program goals.
  • Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, fostering strong working relationships to achieve shared goals and drive successful outcomes.
• Program Management:
  • Develop and manage project plans, timelines, and budgets to ensure program milestones and metrics are met.
  • Coordinate activities across multiple regions to ensure consistency and alignment with overall objectives.
  • Monitor and report on program progress, adjusting as necessary to stay on track.
  • Drive the program initiatives through all stages.
  • Adapt and develop strategic solutions for programs and opportunities based on industry needs and per region
• Opportunity Identification:
  • Use creativity and strategic thinking to identify new opportunities for collaboration and program enhancement.
  • Research, propose and develop new initiatives to support the creation of a robust workforce pipeline.
  • Stay informed about industry trends and best practices to continuously improve program effectiveness.
• Specific Items Related to the Role and Project(s):
  • Become proficient on innovative learning techniques, online learning, virtual training, and related support systems.
  • Learn and understand the roles of local government agencies and how they partner with industry/academic programs, initiatives, and consortiums.
  • Understand and communicate curriculum development and course design during outreach and other related activities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience: Technical experience in the electronics manufacturing field is preferred. 3–5 years in business development, program management, or a related role, with a proven ability to secure and maintain successful partnerships. A proven track record and the ability to prioritize tasks under limited supervision.
• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present ideas persuasively and negotiate effectively.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to identify high-impact partnership opportunities and align them with organizational goals.
• Relationship-Building Skills: Strong interpersonal skills with a talent for building trust and rapport with multiple stakeholders.
• Organizational Skills: Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Tech Savvy: Proficiency in CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and partnership management platforms. Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Comfortable running both in-person meetings and virtual meetings from Teams, Zoom, and Google Meets.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Engineering, or a related field (preferred).

Please note: This job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENT:

• High level of travel (estimate 12-16 trips annually) with occasional nights/weekends, as needed.

POSITION RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to the Director of Training and Education
• Works closely with:
  • President and Vice President
  • Lead Program Coordinator, team members and staff
  • Board of Directors, Committee Chairs, Chapter Officers, and volunteers
  • High-level technical professionals from current and prospective member companies, other industry professionals, academia, and government agencies

Compensation is based on qualifications.