Director, Strategic Partnerships

Role Overview

• Own assigned state and ESA territories with a clear perspective on where UnboundEd should—and should not—invest time
• Develop and maintain territory plans that identify:
• Priority states, ESAs, and intermediaries
• Policy, funding, and procurement levers
• Key influencers and decision-makers
• System-level outcomes UnboundEd can credibly support
• Proactively shape opportunities by helping leaders envision GLEAM®-aligned instructional systems, not isolated programs
• Serve as an influential external representative of UnboundEd with:
• State education agency leaders
• ESA executives
• Policy advisors, consultants, and trusted intermediaries
• Build influence early—well before RFPs, procurements, or formal scopes of work exist
• Position UnboundEd as a thought partner and system-level leader, not a vendor
• Identify, qualify, and advance strategic opportunities from early influence through close
• When alignment exists:
• Lead or co-lead partnership conversations
• Shape scopes of work, pricing, and partnership structures
• Bring opportunities to successful close, directly or in collaboration with internal subject matter experts
• Ensure smooth handoffs to delivery and client success teams post-close
• Translate external needs into clear internal direction and decision-making
• Partner closely with program, research, marketing, and partnerships teams to ensure consistency and credibility
• Develop and maintain state/ESA partnership playbooks that clarify who engages, when, and how UnboundEd shows up across complex deals
• Lead monthly strategic deal reviews to surface risks, unblock progress, and drive accountability
• Other related duties and projects as assigned

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree is required (field open); an advanced degree is preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will also be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in strategic partnerships, business development, or system-level education work
• Demonstrated experience working with state education agencies, ESAs, intermediaries, or large-scale education systems
• Proven ability to advance and close complex, multi-stakeholder, long-cycle partnerships
• Experience owning or influencing revenue growth or large-scale funding agreements (specific quota language not required)
• Commitment to UnboundEd’s organizational values
• Learning orientation and commitment toward diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Knowledge of urban school environments
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a virtual, remote environment and build strong relationships with colleagues and partners across geographies and time zones
• Willingness to work alongside a dynamic, highly collaborative, and vision-driven team
• Entrepreneurial spirit and ability to thrive in a fast-paced and changing environment
• Proficient use of Microsoft Office, Google-based applications, and online collaboration tools such as Slack

Benefits

• take-as-you-need vacation time
• group medical, dental, and vision plans
• disability and life insurance plans
• employer-sponsored 401K retirement plan with a 5% employer contribution and no vesting period