DescriptionWe are seeking a
Senior Manager of Affinity Partnerships to support UST Workforce Solutions. This position manages and participates in acquisition, retention and RFQ productivity of affinity partners to promote the net growth of trust membership, which contributes to the long-term success of the program. It is the primary role for interacting and maintaining relationships with executive leadership of UST's top affinity partners and other national leaders that influence the nonprofit sector and for serving as the company's representative to the client as their spokesperson within the company for these groups. In addition, the position is responsible for the development of new affinity accounts by identifying key business development opportunities and managing new business processes from proposal to contract execution. The Senior Manager of Affinity Partnerships is expected to enhance UST's brand and increase market share both directly, through attending and participating in appropriate industry events and conferences and indirectly by directing and assisting the efforts of UST's Affinity Partners and other strategic allies in promoting UST's efforts.
Requirements
New Partner Acquisition- Identify, prospect, and cultivate relationships with new affinity, association, nonprofit, and business partners that align with UST's growth strategy and value proposition.
- Develop and execute strategic business development plans to expand UST's affinity partner network and increase membership growth opportunities.
- Meet with executive-level decision makers, association leaders, and key stakeholders to position UST as a preferred workforce solutions provider for their membership organizations.
- Manage the full partnership lifecycle, including prospecting, discovery, proposal development, negotiation, contracting, onboarding, and implementation.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop customized proposals, presentations, business cases, and responses to Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs).
- Negotiate and execute partnership agreements that align with organizational objectives while delivering value to partners and their members.
- Develop and leverage new channels, referral sources, and industry relationships to generate qualified partnership opportunities.
- Represent UST at local, regional, and national industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to strengthen brand awareness and generate new business opportunities.
Partner Retention & Growth- Serve as the primary relationship manager for UST's portfolio of 60+ affinity partners, ensuring high levels of engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
- Build trusted relationships with executive leadership, boards, association executives, and key stakeholders within partner organizations.
- Develop and implement annual strategic partner success plans focused on membership growth, engagement, retention, and mutual business objectives.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate partner performance and identify opportunities for growth and optimization.
- Analyze partner performance data and present actionable recommendations that support membership acquisition and retention goals.
- Conduct regular business reviews with affinity partners to communicate results, assess opportunities, and strengthen strategic alignment.
- Proactively identify and resolve partner concerns, complaints, and escalations, ensuring timely resolution and positive outcomes.
- Collaborate with partners to identify new programs, campaigns, and initiatives that increase member participation and long-term program success.
Strategic & Operational Leadership- Partner with UST Executive Leadership and senior marketing leaders to develop and execute the strategic framework for affinity partnership growth and engagement.
- Create and maintain dashboards, scorecards, presentations, and executive reports that communicate partnership performance and business impact.
- Provide insights and recommendations based on market trends, partner feedback, competitive intelligence, and industry developments affecting the nonprofit sector.
- Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Client Services teams to ensure alignment of partnership strategies and organizational goals.
- Support account-based marketing initiatives by identifying partner segments, target audiences, and growth opportunities.
- Review and provide input on marketing materials, campaigns, and communications to ensure alignment with affinity partner objectives and brand messaging.
- Maintain strong relationships with executive directors, trustees, service providers, nonprofit leaders, and business stakeholders to enhance UST's industry reputation and business development efforts.
- Balance partner expectations with AGIA and UST business objectives while promoting long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.
- Participate in strategic planning initiatives and contribute to continuous improvement efforts across the affinity partnership function.
- Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Communications, Nonprofit Management, Public Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Seven (7) or more years of progressive experience in partnership development, business development, account management, association management, nonprofit engagement, strategic alliances, or related relationship-focused roles.
- Demonstrated success developing, negotiating, and managing strategic partnerships that deliver measurable business growth and retention outcomes.
- Proven ability to build credibility and influence executive-level stakeholders, including association leaders, nonprofit executives, trustees, boards, and senior business leaders.
- Experience creating and executing growth strategies that align partner objectives with organizational goals.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate performance metrics, identify trends, and translate data into actionable business recommendations.
- Experience developing executive presentations, dashboards, reporting tools, and KPI scorecards.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, CRM platforms, data management systems, and reporting tools.
- Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and negotiation skills.
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholder relationships simultaneously.
- Strong problem-solving, conflict resolution, and decision-making skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams.
- Ability and willingness to travel up to 30%.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience working with nonprofit organizations, associations, membership organizations, affinity groups, or workforce development programs.
- Knowledge of affinity marketing, membership growth strategies, partnership marketing, insurance programs, benefits solutions, or association-based business models.
- Experience responding to RFPs, RFQs, contract negotiations, and partnership implementation processes.
- Experience utilizing Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, HubSpot, Power BI, Tableau, or similar CRM and business intelligence platforms.
- Demonstrated success developing strategic growth plans and partnership engagement programs that drive measurable business results.
Leadership Competencies- Strategic Thinking and Business Acumen
- Relationship Building and Stakeholder Management
- Business Development and Growth Orientation
- Executive Presence and Influencing Skills
- Data-Driven Decision Making
- Collaboration and Cross-Functional Leadership
- Customer and Partner Focus
- Adaptability and Continuous Improvement
- Results Orientation and Accountability
- Innovation and Problem Solving
Travel expected up to 30%
Salary Description
$110,000-$125,00 total compensation
