Senior Manager of Affinity Partnerships

New Partner Acquisition

• Identify, prospect, and cultivate relationships with new affinity, association, nonprofit, and business partners that align with UST's growth strategy and value proposition.
• Develop and execute strategic business development plans to expand UST's affinity partner network and increase membership growth opportunities.
• Meet with executive-level decision makers, association leaders, and key stakeholders to position UST as a preferred workforce solutions provider for their membership organizations.
• Manage the full partnership lifecycle, including prospecting, discovery, proposal development, negotiation, contracting, onboarding, and implementation.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop customized proposals, presentations, business cases, and responses to Requests for Proposal (RFPs) and Requests for Qualifications (RFQs).
• Negotiate and execute partnership agreements that align with organizational objectives while delivering value to partners and their members.
• Develop and leverage new channels, referral sources, and industry relationships to generate qualified partnership opportunities.
• Represent UST at local, regional, and national industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities to strengthen brand awareness and generate new business opportunities.

Partner Retention & Growth

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for UST's portfolio of 60+ affinity partners, ensuring high levels of engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
• Build trusted relationships with executive leadership, boards, association executives, and key stakeholders within partner organizations.
• Develop and implement annual strategic partner success plans focused on membership growth, engagement, retention, and mutual business objectives.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate partner performance and identify opportunities for growth and optimization.
• Analyze partner performance data and present actionable recommendations that support membership acquisition and retention goals.
• Conduct regular business reviews with affinity partners to communicate results, assess opportunities, and strengthen strategic alignment.
• Proactively identify and resolve partner concerns, complaints, and escalations, ensuring timely resolution and positive outcomes.
• Collaborate with partners to identify new programs, campaigns, and initiatives that increase member participation and long-term program success.

Strategic & Operational Leadership

• Partner with UST Executive Leadership and senior marketing leaders to develop and execute the strategic framework for affinity partnership growth and engagement.
• Create and maintain dashboards, scorecards, presentations, and executive reports that communicate partnership performance and business impact.
• Provide insights and recommendations based on market trends, partner feedback, competitive intelligence, and industry developments affecting the nonprofit sector.
• Collaborate with Marketing, Sales, Operations, and Client Services teams to ensure alignment of partnership strategies and organizational goals.
• Support account-based marketing initiatives by identifying partner segments, target audiences, and growth opportunities.
• Review and provide input on marketing materials, campaigns, and communications to ensure alignment with affinity partner objectives and brand messaging.
• Maintain strong relationships with executive directors, trustees, service providers, nonprofit leaders, and business stakeholders to enhance UST's industry reputation and business development efforts.
• Balance partner expectations with AGIA and UST business objectives while promoting long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.