DIRECTOR, NEW BUSINESS & PARTNERSHIPS

LOCATION: New York, NY

POSITION TYPE: Permanent, Full Time

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 4/15/ 21

REPORT TO:  CEO

COMPENSATION: $90-100K annual salary + performance-based bonus of up 20%; comprehensive benefits package, including generous vacation policy, 401K plan, flexible work opportunities, professional development opportunities, and stipend, and more.


The OpEd Project is operating remotely during the COVID-19 Pandemic. This position will be virtual until in-person operations resume, and may continue to be virtual indefinitely (as mutually agreed).  Applicants can be based anywhere in the U.S.

ABOUT THE OpEd PROJECT

The OpEd Project is a social venture and leadership organization, founded to change who writes history. We are a community of journalists, thought leaders, and change agents who actively share knowledge, resources, and connections across color, creed, class, sexuality, gender, age, ability, and beyond. Through our nationally-recognized curriculum, our team of journalist mentors, and through a portfolio of programs in partnership with leading institutions across the nation and the globe, we accelerate the ideas and impact of underrepresented voices, including women of all backgrounds. We have been covered by most major media. We have stunning results. 

 

WE BELIEVE:

  • The story we tell becomes the world we live in.

  • The world becomes more intelligent when it is more inclusive.

  • The best ideas, regardless of where they come from, should have a chance to be heard and to change the world.


ABOUT THE ROLE

The OpEd Project is seeking a visionary, can-do, experienced team leader with a track record of successfully driving business growth. The ideal candidate will have powerful communication skills (both verbal and written), an aptitude for business development and sales operations, a successful track record managing and growing a small and mighty team, and a demonstrated ability to oversee and grow a significant portfolio of programs currently valued at $1.8 million. This is an extraordinary opportunity for a powerful leader who knows how to drive growth, offering the potential to make enormous historical impact and to change peoples’ lives.  


Reporting to the CEO, and in partnership with the CEO, the mission of the Director of Business and Partnerships is to bring in high-quality new business that advances our mission, delivers on our promise of high-quality experience and results, and renews (to the maximum extent possible).  Specifically, the Director is entrusted with expanding our current new business pipeline from $1.3M in 2020 (a low year, due to COVID) to $1.8M in 2021.  As a member of our Senior Leadership Team, the Director develops new business strategies and partnerships that allow us to expand our community in the spirit of our mission; onramps new business to win, in partnership with CEO, Director of Fellowships, and Business Manager; and establishes seamless processes that maximize the value of our ongoing partnerships and renewal.  The Director of Biz develops and improves our internal biz and handshake processes, and creates improved chances for renewal. The Director develops a (growing) team of business managers that is productive, powerful, and badass. 


RESPONSIBILITIES

VISION & STRATEGY

  • In partnership with CEO and senior team, help set and strategize to meet organizational goals to build our team, grow our business, and fulfill our mission.

  • In partnership with CEO, identify new opportunities for growth and propose paths  

  • In partnership with CEO and directors, launch new ventures that will be handed off eventually to someone else to manage.  Ex: Membership.


BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT 

  • Bring in “big deals” (contracts of $200K+) in partnership with CEO

  • Bring in new Public Voices Fellowships clients, in partnership with Director of Fellowships and CEO

  • Work with Director of Fellowships to renew existing fellowship business

  • Bring in private workshop business + create paths for this portfolio to renew

  • Bring in sponsorships to public workshops, in partnership with Business Manager and team 

  • Ensures excellence and quality of all business under Director’s management (whether managed directly or by direct reports), in keeping with spirit of our mission


TEAM DEVELOPMENT  

  • As part of the team of directors, develop and build out our team, contributing to overall hiring and development strategy and decisions, and cultivating a culture of excellence, hope and community, and impact; and a company where everyone loves to work

  • As Director, build out a kickass business team that reports to you: potential next hires: contract zoom producers, program and experience manager, and potentially a second business manager. 

  • Supervise a team that manages the growth, sustainability and quality of the public program portfolio (ticket sales, sponsorship, outreach), in keeping with spirit of mission


QUALIFICATIONS

  • Deep alignment with The OpEd Project mission and vision

  • 8-10 years of relevant work experience in a mission-driven leadership role, with a minimum of three years in a team management role (building successful teams)

  • Demonstrated ability to develop and grow a significant portfolio that involves managing many moving parts, people, and processes, and driving them toward successful outcomes through your direct leadership. Ideally with 3-5 years in sales or business development, with responsibility over a P/L.

  • Experience working with a variety of stakeholders across an organization, and successfully managing team members across a wide range of professional and organizational experience (“managing up and down”)

  • Proven ability to manage high-profile relationships tied to revenue

  • A keen eye for spotting and implementing opportunities for improvement

  • Proficient in technology as a management reporting tool; experience working with Salesforce or NeonCRM is strongly preferred

  • Social media savvy, with an ability to connect and communicate about the value and impact of the Fellowship Programs online in a powerful, authentic, and ongoing way (Facebook & Twitter will be key)

  • Experience in (or desire to work in) a lean, fast, inventive, entrepreneurial environment that follows the apprenticeship model in which you learn by doing, often with no training manual

  • Superb communication skills (written, verbal, and more) – the person in this role will be a compelling storyteller of social impact

  • Familiarity with OpEd Project programs and curriculum, ideally having participated in one of the organization’s core programs

  • A commitment to run programs from the bottom up, taking ownership of all aspects of the program and willing to do all kinds of tasks

  • Warm authentic and deeply collaborative communication style


 

TO APPLY

We invite you to submit a resume and a short letter telling us why our work resonates with you and why you think you would rock this job.


People of color, people with disabilities, veterans and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The OpEd Project is committed to a diverse workplace, and to supporting our staff with ongoing career development opportunities. The OpEd Project is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its employment decisions, in accordance with state and federal law.





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