Manager, Strategic Alliances (New Business)

ABOUT FIRST BOOK:

First Book is a leading nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to removing barriers to quality education for children in need. Through innovative publicprivate partnerships and a national network of more than 600000 educators program leaders and community organizations First Book has distributed over 250 million books and educational resources to under-resourced communities. Our work spans e-commerce (First Book Marketplace) research and insights (First Book R&I) and tailored program development (First Book Accelerator) all designed to elevate the voices and needs of educators serving children in low-income communities.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

The Manager Strategic Alliances (New Business) is responsible for identifying cultivating and securing new corporate partnerships and cause-based marketing campaigns that advance First Books mission of removing barriers to quality education for children in need. This role sits within the Strategic Alliances team and reports to the Senior Director Strategic Alliances (New Business).

The Manager leads corporate partner research outreach and relationship development and plays a central role in structuring proposals budgets and brand marketing strategies that align partner objectives with First Books social impact goals. The role requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams across the organization to ensure new partnerships are executed effectively and deliver measurable value to both First Book and its corporate partners.

The ideal candidate brings expertise in corporate social responsibility cause-based marketing or private-sector consulting along with strong business writing presentation and critical-thinking skills and a demonstrated interest in mission-driven fundraising.

WHAT YOULL OWN:

New Business Development

• Identify research and prioritize prospective corporate partners aligned with First Books mission and strategic goals.
• Lead outreach and cultivation strategies to secure new corporate and foundation funding.
• Develop and pitch dynamic data-informed funding proposals to prospective partners.

Partnership Strategy & Execution

• Design cause-based marketing campaigns and partnership structures that meet both partner objectives and organizational priorities.
• Manage the proposal-to-activation lifecycle including budgeting timelines and deliverables.
• Lead and contribute to internal ideation sessions to generate new partnership concepts.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Liaise with cross-functional First Book teams including programs marketing and finance to align partnership commitments with organizational capacity.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support long-term partnership success.

Reporting & Coordination

• Track and report on new business pipeline activity partnership performance and revenue progress.
• Perform additional duties as assigned consistent with the scope of the role.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelors degree required; MBA or equivalent preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience considered.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of experience in corporate fundraising business development or a related field.
• Demonstrated track record of leadership innovation and creativity in securing private-sector partnerships.
• Strong business writing presentation and verbal communication skills including experience developing and delivering pitches.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced dynamic environment while managing multiple priorities independently.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools; prior experience with Salesforce or an equivalent CRM system preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 40% during peak partnership activation periods.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS:

Salary Range: $77000 annually (non-negotiable).

All full-time employees are eligible for the following:

• Medical and dental insurance coverage
• Life insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• 12 paid holidays annually
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching contributions
• Employer-provided parking stipend (Washington DC)

TO APPLY:

• Submit a resume and a cover letter detailing your interest in this position.
• Only applications submitted through First Books approved platform 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.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

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.

WORK PRESENCE & EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS:

• This position is structured as a hybrid role and requires regular in-office presence at First Books Washington DC office on designated days to support collaboration and partnership activities.
• Reasonable accommodation will be considered in accordance with applicable federal state and local laws.
• Relocation assistance is not provided.

Required Experience:

Manager