Director Strategic Partnership Development (Project Management)

We Impact Lives Through Purpose-Driven Work in A People First Culture 

Ascend Learning is the connection between a powerful portfolio of brands serving students, educators, and employers with outcomes-based, data driven solutions across the lifecycle of learning. 

Our values-driven culture unifies our teams and inspires a mindset of action, innovation, and collaboration, with a relentless focus on customers. 

We're always looking for talented, passionate professionals to join us in our mission to help change lives. If this sounds like an environment where you'd thrive, read on to learn more. 

Ascend Learning leads the way in innovation and solution creation to improve outcomes and deliver results for students, educators, and healthcare workers in the ever-changing field of healthcare. We offer advanced resources that drive nursing success, empower front-line certified allied health workers, help physicians pass boards and stay current, and provide education management tools for medical education programs. 

For over 35 years, National Academy of Sports Medicine® (NASM®) has set the standard in fitness education with best-in-class evidence-based programs. We have educated over 1.4 million fitness professionals in over 100 countries, creating a global space for optimal well-being and fitness. From personal training to nutrition coaching, wellness to sports performance, NASM trainers and specialists work at every level to help all clients set and reach their own unique goals. 

WHAT YOU'LL DO  

The Director of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development, for NASM, plays a critical role in driving growth by forging and nurturing strategic partnerships and business development initiatives.  The position is responsible for identifying new business opportunities, negotiating partnerships, and developing innovative business strategies to drive revenue growth.  The Director of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development ensures alignment with the organization's overall business objectives and maximizes opportunities for sustainable growth and success.

WHERE YOU'LL WORK  

This position will work a hybrid schedule from our Gilbert, AZ office location preferred. Remote candidates will be considered within the United States. 

HOW YOU'LL SPEND YOUR TIME 

• Identify, evaluate and secure strategic partners that align with the NASM's mission, vision and strategic goals.  

• Negotiate and structure partnership and business development agreements that are mutually beneficial and clearly define roles, responsibilities, and outcomes.  

• Manage and nurture existing partnerships, ensuring they are productive and in line with the company's strategy.  

• Lead business development initiatives to strategically identify and capitalize on new growth opportunities for the company, including market expansion and the formation of strategic alliances. 

• Establish and manage operational procedures and policies required for the successful execution and management of partnerships and business development initiatives. 

• Ensure that all partnership and business development activities comply with legal and regulatory requirements. 

• Track, report and present on the performance of partnerships and business development initiatives. 

• Play a key role in the strategic evaluation and execution of potential mergers and acquisitions. 

• Represent the company at industry events and meetings, building relationships and identifying new partnership opportunities.  

• Stay informed about industry trends, competitor activities, and emerging opportunities for strategic partnerships and business development.  

WHAT YOU'LL NEED 

• Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, or a related field or MBA preferred.  High School diploma or GED required. 

• 8+ years of experience in progressive business development and strategic partnerships. 

• Demonstrated success in revenue growth and market expansion through partnerships and business development. 

• Strong leadership skills to motivate and inspire teams. 

• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills. 

• Strategic thinker with a data-driven decision-making approach. 

• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. 

• Strong ability to identify, evaluate, and secure strategic partnerships. 

• Proficient in negotiation and execution of partnerships and business development agreements. 

• Excellent presentation and verbal and written communication skills. 

• Strong track record of forming relationships which have resulted in long-term productive partnerships, alliances and business relationships. 

• Strong networking skills and ability to cultivate new and existing relationships. 

• Strong collaborative approach to business and ability to work cross functionally to accomplish organizational objectives. 

• Ability to manage multiple projects and resources simultaneously. 

• Strong business acumen. 

• Excellent organizational, time management, and problem-solving skills. 

• Frequent travel is required up to 20%. 

BENEFITS 

• Flexible and generous paid time off  

• Competitive medical, dental, vision and life insurance  

• 401(k) employer matching program 

• Parental leave 

• Wellness resources 

• Charitable matching program 

• Hybrid work  

• On-site workout facilities (Leawood, Gilbert, Burlington) 

• Community outreach groups 

• Tuition reimbursement 

Fostering A Sense of Belonging 

We seek out and celebrate all people and perspectives and cultivate an inclusive culture where everyone can thrive, feel valued and be their authentic selves. Our culture is firmly rooted in the belief that by embracing our differences and drawing on diverse perspectives, we are a stronger, more innovative, and more successful organization where employees experience a sense of belonging.  

About Ascend Learning 

As a tech-enabled services company, Ascend Learning is a national leader in developing and delivering data-driven online educational content, software, assessments, analytics, and simulations serving institutions, students and employers across healthcare, fitness and wellness, public and workplace safety, skilled trades, insurance, financial services, cybersecurity, and higher education. We're committed to accelerating the learning pathways that can move people into careers where they have the knowledge and skills to have an impact and help change lives in the communities they serve. Headquartered in Burlington, MA with additional office locations and hybrid and remote workers in cities across the U.S., Ascend Learning was recognized by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of America's 2023 Greatest Workplaces for Diversity. 

Ascend Learning, LLC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer (M/F/Vets/Disabled). No agency or search firm submissions will be accepted. Applications for U.S. based positions with Ascend Learning, LLC must be legally authorized to work in the United States and verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. 

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Equal Opportunity Employer
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