Partnership Officer

Partnership Officer

Voyageur Outward Bound School (VOBS) has changed lives through challenge and discovery since 1964. VOBS is one of nine not-for-profit Outward-Bound Schools nationwide, helping youth and adults discover belonging, strength, and purpose through hands-on wilderness and near-wilderness experiences. Today, VOBS delivers programs at two locations: Homeplace in Ely, MN and Twin Cities Center in Saint Paul, MN.

VOBS is a charter of Outward-Bound USA, the leading provider of experiential and outdoor education for youth and adults. Each year, VOBS delivers life-changing programs for thousands of students in Minnesota and beyond. Our vision is more compassionate and resilient people, for a more compassionate and resilient world.

Voyageur Outward Bound School values compassion, integrity, excellence, inclusion, and safety. VOBS is committed to improving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), and our organization works internally to strengthen DEI in our operations and in our program delivery.

The Partnership Officer reports to the Director of Partnerships and Program Revenue and drives local and regional program sales, especially in independent school and higher education markets to grow partnerships and increase program revenue. Goals of the Partnership Officer:

• Primary: secure local and regional business partnerships to serve students and provide revenue
• Secondary: expand VOBS' presence in target markets through outreach and promotion
• Tertiary: grow local partnerships to support VOBS' Open Enrollment programs

This role requires strong relationship-building and persuasive communication skills to generate leads, conduct sales meetings, deliver presentations, and represent VOBS at conferences and events. The Partnership Officer must identify prospect motivations and tailor messaging accordingly.

Working closely with the Director of Partnerships and Program Revenue and Marketing department, the Partnership Officer will help execute strategic sales initiatives, lead targeted sales campaigns, and support messaging.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Program Business Sales & Partnerships
• In collaboration with the Director of Partnerships and Program Revenue, generate and pursue leads in target markets to grow sales and partnerships.
• Manage a sales calendar; grow to 15 sales meetings per month.
• Develop and deliver compelling sales presentations to potential partners.
• Identify and secure outreach opportunities, representing VOBS at events and conferences.
• Collaborate with the Director of Partnerships and Program Revenue on sales strategies and reporting.
• Leverage artificial intelligence for sales analysis, content creation, and market insights.
• Messaging & Communications
• Collaborate with VOBS marketing, development and admissions teams to coordinate and align VOBS' messaging, calendars, projects and goals.
• Promote VOBS value propositions and partnerships through blogs, articles and social media
• Administration & Client Management
• Create and manage sales records and contracts in Salesforce, and transition clients to the admissions team.
• Conduct follow-ups with returning clients, attend debriefs and external partner meetings.

Requirements:

Knowledge & Abilities:

• Sales persuasive communication, and adaptability in value proposition presentations.
• Entrepreneurial Adapt to ambiguity, seek growth opportunities, and learn through action.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Innovate for success by identifying and developing solutions with limited resources.
• Collaboration & Teamwork Follow leadership guidance, support priorities, share feedback, and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Creativity Innovate for success by identifying and developing solutions with limited resources.
• Outreach - relationship development; research, identify and develop prospects with in person, virtual, and written communications; fearlessly initiate and develop relationships.
• Customer & Personal Service Building authentic business relationships, active listening, and understanding client needs.
• Resilience Take calculated risks, learn from setbacks, and apply lessons to future solutions.
• AI Familiarity & Responsible Use Leverage AI for content enhancement, optimization and research while maintaining accuracy and brand integrity.
• Proactivity Recognize and act on opportunities to solve problems and achieve goals.

Skills:

• Prioritization & Time Management Effective scheduling, prioritization, and deadline-driven work that aligns with goals.
• Marketing & Communications Persuasive writing, storytelling, messaging, social media engagement.
• Graphic & Digital Communication - Experience with Canva, Adobe Suite, Constant Contact, and social media platform experience.
• Administration & Management CRM database management, Microsoft/Google Suite proficiency, goal tracking, and organizational effectiveness.

Other Qualifications:

• Preference for 2+ years of experience in a goal-oriented sales, fundraising or relationship building role.
• A passion for the outdoors and experiential education is preferred.
• Valid Driver's License and ability to travel to/from meetings reliably.

Work Conditions / Location:

• Hybrid role; opportunity to work remotely 2 days per week. Our office is located in St. Paul, MN.
• Work is performed primarily indoors, in an office environment and requires the ability to operate standard office equipment, with occasional need to travel and/or participate in events.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to operate a computer, telephone and keyboard for prolonged periods.
• Reasonable accommodation(s) may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you need any reasonable accommodation to support your participation in the recruitment and selection process, please include this information in your application.

Compensation and Benefits:

• This is a full time, salaried, exempt position. $60,000 - $75,000 per year.
• VOBS offers a competitive benefits package, including employer sponsored health insurance, a dental and vision plan, STD, LTD and a 403(b) retirement plan with 2% match. Paid time off includes vacation, sick time, and holidays.