[Hiring] Senior Manager of Partner Success @Sophia Learning

Role Description

We are seeking a results-driven, growth-oriented Senior Manager of Partner Success to join our expanding Partnerships team at Sophia. This role will manage a team of Partner Success Managers and Associates while also leading the day-to-day of our highest impact partnerships. In this role, the Sr. Manager, Partner Success will be responsible for understanding and offering solutions to partners’ organizational objectives to help them achieve their goals. They will do that by creating and introducing new strategic initiative ideas (including research, conference collaborations, thought leadership activities, marketing campaigns, etc.) and managing the launch process for new partners with both internal and external stakeholders.

The primary goals of this role will be focused on:

• Outreach/communication goals
• Partner retention and growth

A candidate will be successful in this role if they are proactive, an innovative problem solver, and are continuously seeking opportunities to provide value to our partners through data and insights.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop relationships directly with universities to drive engagement.
• Be an effective storyteller, with strong presentation skills, who can successfully articulate Sophia's value proposition, overcome objections, and build trust and credibility to influence decision makers and secure business.
• Partner with leadership teams across client organizations to plan and execute communication strategies and engagement events.
• Lead, coach and own the professional development of a team of Partner Success Managers and Associates.
• Manage complex escalations from partners and internal teams, coordinating with Product, Operations, Academics, Learner Support, and Engineering to drive resolution and prevent recurrence.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to operationalize and scale partner engagement tactics.
• Proactively present growth opportunities that align with the partner’s strategic mission and assist in reaching growth goals.
• Work with marketing, creative, and product teams to support the strategy needs.
• Monitor partner health and utilize data to provide value and drive strategic conversations with accounts.
• Assess client needs and provide feedback to the leadership team.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be a strong communicator to all levels of an organization with an ability to build relationships with clients and peers.
• Must have exceptional presentation skills, and the ability to quickly alter approach based on client response.
• Sell ideas internally and externally: influence internal teams and external clients to drive quality execution.
• Ability to analyze and present data and findings clearly, concisely, and accurately, and be able to draw meaningful conclusions and recommendations for action.
• Ability to work cross-functionally.
• Must be self-motivated and can motivate others.
• Must be detail-oriented and able to manage multiple projects on varying timelines.

Requirements

• 6+ years managing clients (e.g. Client Success OR Partner Success OR Account Management OR Engagement Manager).
• Experience in the Higher Education industry required.
• Previous experience in a startup or fast-paced environment preferred but not required.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Other

• Must be able to travel occasionally should a business need arise. For most roles, travel would not be common. Travel may involve plane, car, or metro.
• Ability to work onsite in Corporate or Campus location (in a typical office environment) may be required based on role.
• If offsite or hybrid role, must have access to work in a setting which enables meeting all requirements of the role (including privacy, reliable internet access, phone, ability to video conference, etc.) at a remote location.
• This role may require lifting; however, reasonable accommodations will be provided in accordance with our ADA policies.
• Must be able to meet critical thinking and problem-solving aspects aligned to job duties, as well as effectively communicating with co-workers.
• Must be able to work more than 40 hours per week when business needs warrant. Accommodations related to schedule may be considered.
• Able to access information using a computer.

Benefits

• Comprehensive package of benefits to employees scheduled 30 hours or more per week.
• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability plans.
• Well-being incentives, parental leave, paid time off, certain paid holidays.
• Tax saving accounts (FSA, HSA).
• 401(k) retirement benefit.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
• Tuition assistance as well as entertainment and retail discounts.
• Non-exempt employees are eligible for overtime pay, if applicable.