Partnership Manager, Southern California

About Study Smart
Study Smart collaborates with partners to promote educational equity, access, and success by providing a diverse range of tools for students, families, and educators. Our mission is grounded in closing opportunity gaps and empowering communities through high-quality, culturally responsive academic support.

About Study Smart
Study Smart collaborates with partners to promote educational equity, access, and success by providing a diverse range of tools for students, families, and educators. Our mission is grounded in closing opportunity gaps and empowering communities through high-quality, culturally responsive academic support. Our vision is a world where every student—regardless of background, zip code, or life circumstance—has the opportunity to succeed academically, thrive personally, and realize their full potential. We envision an educational landscape transformed by equitable access, where historically underserved students are empowered through high-quality academic support, strong community partnerships, and inclusive learning environments. Study Smart seeks to be a national leader in educational equity by bridging opportunity gaps and supporting students holistically. We aim to expand the definition of academic success to include resilience, self-confidence, and community engagement. By fostering collaborative relationships with families, educators, and institutions, we strive to create a future where learning is a shared responsibility and success is within reach for all. Position: Partnership Manager, Southern California The Southern California Partnership Manager is a position based in Southern California that supports Study Smart’s efforts in growing its services to schools, non-profits, and college access programs. The position will be responsible for researching federal and state grants to generate and maintain a new list of potential partners, direct outreach to new and returning clients, and attending virtual and in- person events and conferences. This dual role will focus on generating new business opportunities while managing and nurturing existing partner relationships. The ideal candidate will be a self-starter with a passion for sales and client success. The Southern California Partnership Manager will use email and phone communication to establish and build relationships with potential partners. The Southern California Partnership Manager will report directly to the Associate Director of California Partnerships.

Job Responsibilities

Build relationships with current and new clients

Provide outstanding relationship management to both internal and external stakeholders

When feasible, travel approximately 30% of the time to facilitate planning meetings, renewal conversations, and support student/staff/family programming

Attend local and regional trade shows and conferences to meet with partners, present on relevant topics and engage with potential partners.

Develop additional sales channels

Assist with the renewal cycle and retain clients across a portfolio of regional clients including libraries, school districts, colleges, and non-profit programs

Increase footprint and business with existing clients

Duties Include But Are Not Limited To
Business Development (80%)

Conduct outreach via cold and warm calls, emails, and in-person meetings to present our products/services and make tailored product recommendations

Outreach to key decision makers to create pathways for new partnerships

Create a professional and engaging first impression with our prospects and customers

Accurately enter, update, and maintain lead and partner information in Salesforce

Proactively seek new business opportunities with leads and outbound sales development activities

Develop lists of schools, non profits, and grant-funded programs in target market

Collaborate with the marketing team to align on campaigns and initiatives that drive lead generation.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry trends, competitor offerings, and market conditions.

Account Management (15%)

Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned partners during the initial discovery phase, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.

Build and maintain strong relationships with partners to understand their needs and business goals.

Conduct regular check-ins and business reviews with partners to discuss progress, challenges, and opportunities.

Collaborate with internal teams to ensure successful delivery of products/services and resolution of any issues.

Identify upselling and cross-selling opportunities to enhance partner engagement, additional partner needs and revenue growth.

Other Duties (5%)

Contribute to overall team effort by accomplishing related tasks as needed

Day to day tasks Include

Pre-call research, discovery and planning

Cold and warm calling, emailing, and in person meetings

Follow-up with previous partners

Update CRM (Salesforce) records on a daily basis

Work closely with sales and marketing team to develop strategies, and messaging to drive opportunities for new business

Qualifications

2 Years in similar sales or development role

Experience in education programming or sales

Bachelor’s Degree

Desire to increase access to higher education for underrepresented students

Ability to quickly develop relationships and establish credibility through consultative needs-based conversations

Ability to think on your feet to creatively solve our customer business needs

Exceptional and persuasive communication skills, both verbal and written

Proficiency in Google Workspace, Google Drive, and Salesforce software

Ability to visit clients in region on as-needed basis

Willingness to take direction and execute tasks independently

Salary And Benefits

Full-time + benefits

Flexible to work in hybrid

Salary ranging from $70,400 - $78,000 with uncapped commission and a target total compensation of $120,000.

Compensation is based on experience and includes performance-based incentives.

Commission is earned from the start of employment and paid out after a 90-day period.

Full-time Benefits:

401(k)

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Medical insurance

Flexible Paid Time Off

Referral program

Tuition reimbursement

First Stop Health

Study Smart is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its hiring of employees on the basis of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

#J-18808-Ljbffr