Partnership Development Manager

The successful Partnership Development Manager is responsible for contributing to various actions and activities with the goal of generating enrollment leads for Cornerstone University’s online learning platforms. This full-time role develops effective corporate, non-profit, and military partnerships within the west Michigan community and beyond. Approximately 80% of the role will be spent outside the office environment cold calling decision makers, networking, involvement in professional associations and consortiums, career fairs, and educational events. The core of Cornerstone University is defined and driven by its Christ-centered mission and Biblical confession (www.cornerstone.edu).

Reports To: Executive Director of Enrollment Innovations

Location: Grand Rapids, MI (Onsite with local travel anticipated)

Primary Accountabilities

• Develop and maintain an extensive and relevant ‘decision maker’ list of community, corporate, and non-profit contacts at the VP, GM, and director level.

• Attend networking and business events to develop community contacts (ex: Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce)

• Create and maintain a strategic 30, 60, 90-day plan for achieving lead generation goals

• In a high activity environment, strategically connect with organizational decision makers to ‘always be developing’ new relationships and generating a flow of quality student leads

• Conduct group information sessions via seminars, webinars, and lunch & learns to disseminate program offerings

• Assist in the development of partner agreements and discounts

• Consistently enter and track all lead activity and events within CRM

• Build and sustain positive working relationships with enrollment representatives and management to ensure leads are being contacted

Note: Candidates will be asked if they are eligible to work in the US without sponsorship

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• Bachelor's degree required

• Knowledge of adult higher education market, or candidate earned degree as a working professional

• Minimum 5 years outside sales, business development, or account management experience

• Strong ability to influence decision makers and gain commitment

• Computer literate and ability to learn student-tracking database.

• Self-motivated, with a passionate belief in the power of education along with the desire to help adults achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals.

• Ability to understand working adults and their motivations for seeking a degree

• Willingness to consistently go ‘above and beyond’ to achieve goals

• Must possess a high level of interpersonal and communication skills to accurately convey degree information

• Demonstrate professional presentation skills to groups both large and small.

• Reliable transportation for travel within a regional area to organizations, meetings, and events.

Salary Range: $55,000-$59,000

Essential Qualifications

A personal relationship with Jesus Christ and an active Christian commitment.

A theology that supports the values and mission of Cornerstone University core commitments evidenced by an ability to affirm and sign the university’s doctrinal statement, “The Cornerstone Confession.”

Four other foundational pillars, along with the university’s mission and confession, form Cornerstone’s Core Commitments.

• The Cornerstone Christian World View

• The Cornerstone Academic Vision

• The Cornerstone Beautiful Christian Community

• The Marriage and Human Sexuality Position Statement

These core commitments convey who we are, what we believe and how we live and work together in community. Employees are expected to faithfully attend an evangelical and biblical church whose core beliefs and practices are consistent with Cornerstone’s confession and core commitments.

Review of candidates will begin immediately. Please apply online if you are interested in this position.