Overview
SENIOR DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC ALLIANCES First Book has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy (medical and religious exemptions permitted). This is not a 100% fully remote position; in-office presence is mandatory on Tuesday & Wednesday. First Book is a leading organization in philanthropic and public-private partnerships, dedicated to removing barriers to education for children in need. The Senior Director, Strategic Alliances provides senior leadership for the strategy, management, and growth of First Book’s corporate partnerships portfolio, including complex, multi-year, high-value relationships across a wide range of industries. The role sets partnership strategy, leads and develops a high-performing team, and secures and steward corporate funding to advance First Book’s mission. Core responsibilities include developing a partnership strategy, managing relationships, driving revenue, overseeing programs, coordinating cross-functionally, budgeting, performance management, and partnership marketing. Successful candidates will bring extensive experience in cause marketing, corporate partnership development, fundraising, and/or private-sector consulting, along with leadership, strong business writing and presentation skills, sound judgment, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed environment. This role collaborates closely with colleagues across the Strategic Alliances team and works cross-functionally with departments throughout the organization to ensure corporate partnerships align with organizational needs and priorities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide senior leadership for the strategy, stewardship, renewal, and growth of First Book’s corporate partnerships portfolio, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, financial objectives, and mission impact. Collaborate with Strategic Alliances leadership and cross-functional teams to support departmental vision, planning, staffing, professional development, and performance management, using key performance indicators (KPIs) and results frameworks to evaluate effectiveness and progress. Lead, coach, and support a team responsible for managing complex corporate partnerships, setting clear expectations, fostering accountability, and supporting sustainable team performance. Develop, present, and advance corporate partnership concepts, proposals, and pitch materials for institutional partners, including multinational corporations and Fortune 500 companies, in support of partnership growth and revenue objectives. Oversee the renewal and expansion of existing corporate partnerships by identifying opportunities for growth, negotiating scope and deliverables, and ensuring partnership activity is accurately documented in Salesforce or comparable CRM systems. Guide the design, implementation, and oversight of large-scale cause-marketing and corporate-funded programs, ensuring delivery within approved budgets, timelines, and documented scopes of work. Partner with internal stakeholders to develop, monitor, and refine partnership performance metrics, portfolio health indicators, and operational dashboards used to inform decision-making and resource allocation. Maintain accurate, timely, and complete records of partner engagement, pipeline activity, financial projections, and impact outcomes using CRM and reporting tools. Lead the preparation of data-driven partner impact reports, executive summaries, and internal updates using standardized templates and validated data sources. Coordinate cross-functional deliverables across departments to ensure partnership commitments are met, proactively identifying risks, dependencies, and opportunities and escalating as appropriate. Monitor and assess trends in corporate philanthropy, CSR, ESG, and cause marketing, translating insights into actionable recommendations that inform partnership strategy and innovation. Represent First Book professionally in external meetings, presentations, and partner engagements, exercising sound judgment, discretion, and alignment with organizational values. Perform additional duties as assigned, consistent with business needs and the scope of the role. Education
Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in business administration, nonprofit management, communications, marketing, public relations, social impact, or a related field required. Master’s degree (MBA or MA) in a related field preferred. SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Extensive professional experience (typically 10+ years) in corporate partnership development, fundraising, account management, consulting, or related client-facing roles, with increasing responsibility for partnership strategy, revenue support, and organizational impact. Demonstrated success managing, stewarding, and growing large-scale corporate partnerships or comparable initiatives, including responsibility for portfolio strategy, renewal, and long-term partner value. Proven leadership experience, including supervising, coaching, and developing teams; setting priorities; providing performance feedback; and supporting team effectiveness in collaborative, mission-driven environments. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute partnership strategies aligned with organizational goals, donor priorities, and social impact objectives, while working across departments and managing competing priorities. Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, including experience preparing proposals, pitches, reports, and executive-level materials for internal and external stakeholders. Experience leading or overseeing cross-functional initiatives or programs, with accountability for timelines, deliverables, and budget considerations, and the ability to identify and escalate risks appropriately. Proficiency using Salesforce or comparable CRM systems to manage partner pipelines, track engagement activity, support reporting, and maintain accurate records; working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Ability to analyze trends in CSR, ESG, and cause marketing, and translate insights into practical recommendations that support partnership growth and innovation. Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and adapt to changing business needs. Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality when handling sensitive information and partner relationships. Willingness and ability to travel periodically (up to approximately 40%) in support of partnership development and activation, with reasonable accommodation available. Benefits
All full-time employees are eligible for benefits including medical and dental insurance, life Insurance and AD&D, paid vacation and sick leave, up to twelve paid holidays annually, 401(k) employer matching contributions, and an employer-provided parking stipend. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
First Book is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, District of Columbia, or local law. ADA / REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT
First Book is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants requiring accommodations during the application or interview process should contact Tasha McNeill at (771) 243-2314 or tmcneill@firstbook.org. EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Location and Work Presence Requirement This position requires the ability to maintain a regular in-office presence at First Book’s Washington, DC office to support collaboration with internal teams and participation in partnership-related activities. The role is structured as a hybrid position with required in-office days. Reasonable accommodation will be considered in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Relocation Assistance
Relocation assistance is not provided for this position. Candidates must be able to meet the role’s in-office presence requirements independently. Compensation Transparency
In compliance with the District of Columbia Wage Transparency Act, First Book will provide the pay range for this position to applicants upon request or as part of the job posting. APPLICATION SUBMISSION NOTICE
Only applications submitted through First Book’s approved application platforms will be considered. Applications submitted through external or unapproved sites will not be reviewed. First Book does not accept unsolicited recruiter submissions and does not pay fees for resumes submitted outside of a formal written agreement. TO APPLY
Candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter detailing their interest in the position to: First Book Careers page at https://firstbook.bamboohr.com/careers
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SENIOR DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC ALLIANCES First Book has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy (medical and religious exemptions permitted). This is not a 100% fully remote position; in-office presence is mandatory on Tuesday & Wednesday. First Book is a leading organization in philanthropic and public-private partnerships, dedicated to removing barriers to education for children in need. The Senior Director, Strategic Alliances provides senior leadership for the strategy, management, and growth of First Book’s corporate partnerships portfolio, including complex, multi-year, high-value relationships across a wide range of industries. The role sets partnership strategy, leads and develops a high-performing team, and secures and steward corporate funding to advance First Book’s mission. Core responsibilities include developing a partnership strategy, managing relationships, driving revenue, overseeing programs, coordinating cross-functionally, budgeting, performance management, and partnership marketing. Successful candidates will bring extensive experience in cause marketing, corporate partnership development, fundraising, and/or private-sector consulting, along with leadership, strong business writing and presentation skills, sound judgment, and the ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, matrixed environment. This role collaborates closely with colleagues across the Strategic Alliances team and works cross-functionally with departments throughout the organization to ensure corporate partnerships align with organizational needs and priorities. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide senior leadership for the strategy, stewardship, renewal, and growth of First Book’s corporate partnerships portfolio, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, financial objectives, and mission impact. Collaborate with Strategic Alliances leadership and cross-functional teams to support departmental vision, planning, staffing, professional development, and performance management, using key performance indicators (KPIs) and results frameworks to evaluate effectiveness and progress. Lead, coach, and support a team responsible for managing complex corporate partnerships, setting clear expectations, fostering accountability, and supporting sustainable team performance. Develop, present, and advance corporate partnership concepts, proposals, and pitch materials for institutional partners, including multinational corporations and Fortune 500 companies, in support of partnership growth and revenue objectives. Oversee the renewal and expansion of existing corporate partnerships by identifying opportunities for growth, negotiating scope and deliverables, and ensuring partnership activity is accurately documented in Salesforce or comparable CRM systems. Guide the design, implementation, and oversight of large-scale cause-marketing and corporate-funded programs, ensuring delivery within approved budgets, timelines, and documented scopes of work. Partner with internal stakeholders to develop, monitor, and refine partnership performance metrics, portfolio health indicators, and operational dashboards used to inform decision-making and resource allocation. Maintain accurate, timely, and complete records of partner engagement, pipeline activity, financial projections, and impact outcomes using CRM and reporting tools. Lead the preparation of data-driven partner impact reports, executive summaries, and internal updates using standardized templates and validated data sources. Coordinate cross-functional deliverables across departments to ensure partnership commitments are met, proactively identifying risks, dependencies, and opportunities and escalating as appropriate. Monitor and assess trends in corporate philanthropy, CSR, ESG, and cause marketing, translating insights into actionable recommendations that inform partnership strategy and innovation. Represent First Book professionally in external meetings, presentations, and partner engagements, exercising sound judgment, discretion, and alignment with organizational values. Perform additional duties as assigned, consistent with business needs and the scope of the role. Education
Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) in business administration, nonprofit management, communications, marketing, public relations, social impact, or a related field required. Master’s degree (MBA or MA) in a related field preferred. SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Extensive professional experience (typically 10+ years) in corporate partnership development, fundraising, account management, consulting, or related client-facing roles, with increasing responsibility for partnership strategy, revenue support, and organizational impact. Demonstrated success managing, stewarding, and growing large-scale corporate partnerships or comparable initiatives, including responsibility for portfolio strategy, renewal, and long-term partner value. Proven leadership experience, including supervising, coaching, and developing teams; setting priorities; providing performance feedback; and supporting team effectiveness in collaborative, mission-driven environments. Demonstrated ability to develop and execute partnership strategies aligned with organizational goals, donor priorities, and social impact objectives, while working across departments and managing competing priorities. Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills, including experience preparing proposals, pitches, reports, and executive-level materials for internal and external stakeholders. Experience leading or overseeing cross-functional initiatives or programs, with accountability for timelines, deliverables, and budget considerations, and the ability to identify and escalate risks appropriately. Proficiency using Salesforce or comparable CRM systems to manage partner pipelines, track engagement activity, support reporting, and maintain accurate records; working knowledge of Microsoft Office tools, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Ability to analyze trends in CSR, ESG, and cause marketing, and translate insights into practical recommendations that support partnership growth and innovation. Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and adapt to changing business needs. Demonstrated professionalism, sound judgment, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality when handling sensitive information and partner relationships. Willingness and ability to travel periodically (up to approximately 40%) in support of partnership development and activation, with reasonable accommodation available. Benefits
All full-time employees are eligible for benefits including medical and dental insurance, life Insurance and AD&D, paid vacation and sick leave, up to twelve paid holidays annually, 401(k) employer matching contributions, and an employer-provided parking stipend. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
First Book is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, District of Columbia, or local law. ADA / REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION STATEMENT
First Book is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and for sincerely held religious beliefs, in accordance with applicable law. Applicants requiring accommodations during the application or interview process should contact Tasha McNeill at (771) 243-2314 or tmcneill@firstbook.org. EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS
Location and Work Presence Requirement This position requires the ability to maintain a regular in-office presence at First Book’s Washington, DC office to support collaboration with internal teams and participation in partnership-related activities. The role is structured as a hybrid position with required in-office days. Reasonable accommodation will be considered in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Relocation Assistance
Relocation assistance is not provided for this position. Candidates must be able to meet the role’s in-office presence requirements independently. Compensation Transparency
In compliance with the District of Columbia Wage Transparency Act, First Book will provide the pay range for this position to applicants upon request or as part of the job posting. APPLICATION SUBMISSION NOTICE
Only applications submitted through First Book’s approved application platforms will be considered. Applications submitted through external or unapproved sites will not be reviewed. First Book does not accept unsolicited recruiter submissions and does not pay fees for resumes submitted outside of a formal written agreement. TO APPLY
Candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter detailing their interest in the position to: First Book Careers page at https://firstbook.bamboohr.com/careers
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