First Book maintains a COVID-19 vaccination policy in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Medical and religious accommodations are considered through an interactive process, as required by law.
ABOUT THE POSITION:
(This position is not 100% fully remote. MANDATORY IN OFFICE requirement on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at First Book’s Washington, DC office, subject to reasonable accommodation as required by law.
The Nonprofit Partnership Development Manager identifies, develops, supports, and executes projects with education and nonprofit leaders that address barriers to education for children in under-resourced communities. Partnership managers work closely with the Director of Nonprofit Partnerships and various other teams throughout the organization. Partnership managers must be creative thinkers with strong attention to detail and thrive in highly interactive environments. The successful candidate will quickly get up to speed on how First Book can support other organizations’ missions and actively listen for partnership opportunities. Successful managers nurture existing relationships while generating new collaborations with organizations serving kids in need. This position requires a highly motivated, independent individual who is committed to First Book’s mission and works with a sense of urgency. You’ll excel in this role if you embrace a collaborative mindset, enjoy mission-driven conversations, and have a knack for detailed project management.
The Manager’s key responsibilities include identifying prospective nonprofit partners, representing First Book in external discussions, supporting and leading program design, writing strong concept briefs and proposals, assisting with ongoing partnership development, and flawlessly project-managing partner initiatives. A high degree of critical thinking is essential at all times.
The Nonprofit Partnership Team supports First Book’s mission by developing organizational strategies to grow the First Book Network, nurture and manage relationships with nonprofit and education leaders nationwide, create initiatives that lead to resources distributed in communities of need, and generate revenue that contributes to the organization’s goal of self-sustainability. The team also represents First Book externally through conference presentations, webinars, and in meetings with other education equity leaders. Executive-level communication and presentation skills are hallmarks of this team.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Identify strategic opportunities for both existing partnerships and new opportunities to maximize collaborative potential.
- Generate new relationships with mission-aligned nonprofit organizations through proactive outreach and networking.
- Work closely with the Director of Nonprofit Partnerships to develop and execute nonprofit relationships in collaboration with First Book's Senior Leadership.
- Serve as day-to-day lead for partnerships, acting as primary contact for external partners, ensuring all communications and meetings are handled with utmost professionalism and engagement
- Remain current on trends and issues related to education and educational equity.
- Conceptualize, develop, and present partnership concepts and pitches to leading nonprofit organizations.
- Develop formal business and project proposals and concept briefs to generate funded partnership initiatives, and contribute to proposals and applications in response to philanthropic RFPs.
- Create presentations and represent First Book at webinars, partner convenings, conferences, and other events.
- Effectively project manage non-profit partner initiatives, including creating project plans utilizing Monday, project management software
- Collaborate cross-functionally to create and implement value-added, integrated programs that advance organizational goals, including activating new First Book members and generating revenue
- Respond to and undertake executive requests and special projects that advance the department or organization, as requested.
- Maintain current and accurate records in Salesforce to track prospects, opportunities, partner account activity, and more.
EDUCATION
- Bachelor’s degree required, or equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Ability to perform all essential duties effectively and consistently.
- Demonstrated creativity, curiosity, and initiative in developing and improving work processes.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a track record of building and maintaining professional relationships.
- Ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and persuasively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Executive‑level business writing and presentation skills with strong attention to detail
Proven project management skills, including planning, execution, and follow‑through
- Ability to work effectively both independently and within a collaborative team environment
- Ability to operate at both the strategic level (data‑informed planning, idea generation) and the tactical level (project execution, problem‑solving, impact analysis)
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
- Strong organizational and time‑management skills with the ability to meet deadlines
- Ability to learn new concepts quickly and apply them effectively
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and work efficiently in a fast‑paced environment
- Demonstrated use of a solution‑oriented approach to addressing challenges
- Ability to travel up to 20% during peak periods, unless restricted by safety or public health considerations
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
- Demonstrated track record in client relations and account management, with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in external client management
- Experience creating lead generation plans
- Experience writing grant proposals and responding to philanthropic RFPs preferred
- Experience writing successful project proposals
- Experience with customer relationship management systems such as Salesforce
- Experience with project management software, such as Monday, preferred
- Proficiency with MS Office products, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS AND ELIGIBILITY
All full-time employees are eligible for the following benefits:
- Eligibility for medical and dental insurance coverage, in accordance with plan terms.
- Paid vacation leave is accrued in accordance with organizational policy.
- Paid sick leave is provided in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
- Up to twelve (12) paid holidays annually, subject to organizational schedule and business needs.
- Eligibility to participate in the organization’s 401(k) retirement plan, including employer matching contributions, in accordance with plan documents.
TO APPLY:
Candidates are invited to submit a resume and a cover letter detailing their interest in the position via https://firstbook.bamboohr.com/careers. If you need assistance with the application process, please contact Tasha McNeill at (771) 243-2314 or tmcneill@firstbook.org.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION NOTICE
- Only applications submitted through First Book’s approved application platforms will be considered.
- Applications submitted through external or unapproved sites, including Idealist, will not be reviewed.
- First Book does not accept unsolicited recruiter submissions and does not pay fees for resumes submitted outside of a formal written agreement.
EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Location and Work Presence Requirement
- This position requires the ability to maintain a regular in-office presence at First Book’s Washington, DC office.
- The role is structured as a hybrid position with required in-office days.
Relocation Assistance
- Relocation assistance is not provided for this position. Candidates must be able to meet the role’s in-office presence requirements independently.
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