Partnership & Strategic Initiatives Lead

Quest Corporation of America, Inc. (Quest) seeks a proven, experienced Partnership & Strategic Initiatives Lead. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic organization and possess strong project management skills. Candidates must be willing to work five days a week in an office in Tallahassee. DESCRIPTION As Partnership & Strategic Initiatives Lead, you will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and strengthening strategic partnerships that advance organizational and programmatic goals. This role serves as the primary liaison for coalitions, partner organizations, public agencies, community stakeholders, and strategic initiatives, ensuring effective collaboration, communication, and alignment across multiple projects and programs. The Partnership & Strategic Initiatives Lead coordinates partnership activities, supports coalition operations, facilitates stakeholder engagement, and manages special initiatives designed to expand impact, strengthen networks, and support organizational priorities. The ideal person will have a strong background in partnership development and management and strategic initiatives support for public and private organizations. This position requires the ability to use storytelling to connect with and engage stakeholders through strategic communications. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with coalition members, community organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, employers, and other strategic partners. Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned coalitions, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives. Facilitate communication, coordination, and engagement among partners to support shared goals and objectives. Identify opportunities to expand partnerships and strengthen stakeholder participation. Coordinate activities, meetings, events, and communications for assigned coalitions and partner networks. Develop meeting agendas, materials, presentations, and follow‑up documentation. Track coalition activities, action items, deliverables, and member engagement. Support coalition planning efforts, strategic discussions, and implementation of collaborative initiatives. Ensure coalition operations align with program goals, funding requirements, and organizational priorities. Lead and support special projects and strategic initiatives that advance organizational objectives and community impact. Coordinate cross‑functional efforts among internal teams and external stakeholders. Monitor initiative progress, timelines, deliverables, and performance measures. Identify risks, barriers, and opportunities and recommend solutions to support successful implementation. Develop and maintain communication strategies that support partner engagement and collaboration. Prepare reports, presentations, briefing materials, and stakeholder updates. Represent the organization at meetings, conferences, community events, and partner forums. Support outreach efforts that promote partnership opportunities, coalition activities, and organizational initiatives. Collect, track, and analyze partnership and coalition activity data. Prepare reports, summaries, and documentation related to partnership outcomes, stakeholder engagement, and strategic initiatives. Maintain records of partner interactions, coalition activities, and project milestones. Support grant, contract, and program reporting requirements as applicable. Work closely with leadership, program staff, and external partners to align activities and priorities. Identify opportunities to improve partnership effectiveness, stakeholder engagement, and coalition performance. Develop and maintain tools, resources, and processes that support efficient partnership management. Support organizational planning efforts and other strategic priorities as assigned. The candidate must have a bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline, preferably in public administration, business administration, communications, political science, education, social sciences, and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in partnership management, stakeholder engagement, program management, community relations, or a related field. PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, communications, political science, education, social sciences, and other relevant fields preferred, but the experience will be considered; state agency experience is a plus. A minimum of 5 years of experience in partnership management, stakeholder engagement, programming, community relations, or a related field. Experience working with government agencies, community organizations, educational institutions, or multi‑sector partnerships. Strong facilitation, relationship‑building, and stakeholder management skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing reports and presentations. Strong project management and organizational abilities with demonstrated success coordinating multiple initiatives simultaneously. Experience working with transportation, safety, public health, workforce development, education, nonprofit, or public‑sector initiatives. Experience supporting regional or statewide coalitions, advisory groups, or collaborative networks. Knowledge of grant‑funded programs and partnership‑based initiatives. Familiarity with stakeholder engagement strategies, collective impact models, and community collaboration frameworks. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and other third‑party platforms such as Monday.com software/applications. Ability to produce results independently, as well as collaboratively. Meticulous attention to detail and overall commitment to quality. Well‑developed communication skills, including the ability to articulate creative concepts and rationale to other team members and clients. Ability to see other people's points of view and collaboratively discuss solutions. Able to give and receive constructive criticism and collaborate professionally in a fast‑paced and continually evolving environment. Prepared to lead from the trenches, actively participating “hands‑on” while also managing the deliverables from other divisions on behalf of clients. Commitment to excellence — working nonstandard hours when necessary, anticipating issues and communicating with diplomacy, identifying emerging platforms and trends to drive innovation. Strong facilitation, relationship‑building, and stakeholder management skills. Quest Corporation of America, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, age, disability, pregnancy status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, marital status, or other status protected by law. #J-18808-Ljbffr