Senior Partner Support Specialist

Company Description

Walden

More than 50 years ago, Walden University was founded to support adult learners in achieving their academic goals and making a greater impact in their professions and communities. Students from across the U.S. and more than 115 countries are pursuing a certificate, bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree online at Walden.

We offer more than 100 online degrees and certificate programs. Walden University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org). Visit WaldenU.edu for more information, and follow Walden on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

We operate on a hybrid schedule with four in-office days per week (Monday–Thursday). This approach enhances creativity, innovation, communication, and relationship-building, fostering a dynamic and collaborative work environment.
 

Job Description

Opportunity at a Glance

The Partner Support Specialist plays a vital role in cultivating and advancing Covista's partnerships. Leveraging a consultative approach, this role is responsible for fostering. growing, and deepening relationships with employer and professional organizations that leverage Walden University to advance workforce development within their organizations. The Partner Support Specialist serves as a relationship steward and internal advocate, ensuring that partner needs are met while aligning with strategic goals of Covista and its institutions. 

Success in this role requires a strategic relationship builder who can balance the needs of partner organizations with institutional priorities, identify opportunities for account growth, and serve as a trusted, consultative point of contact throughout the life of the partnership.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary relationship owner and consultative point of contact for an assigned portfolio of employer and professional association partners, building trust with key decision makers and stakeholders, and driving consistent performance and growth.

• Develop and execute comprehensive account plans that align partner goals with Covista, Walden, and Chamberlain strategic priorities, identifying opportunities to deepen and expand each relationship.

• Proactively identify and pursue opportunities to grow partnership scope, engagement, and utilization, including new departments, cohorts, or workforce development initiatives within partner organizations.

• Identify and execute enterprise expansion opportunities across assigned partner portfolio, including proactively identifying new communication channels to promote partnership, engaging in on-site events at partners, and seeking incremental communication opportunities to promote education pathways within the partnership. You are also responsible for engaging in and expanding partnership opportunities in large matrix organizations and associations.

• Conduct regular check-ins, business reviews, and strategic planning conversations with partner contacts to assess satisfaction, surface needs, and reinforce partnership value.

• Serve as the internal advocate for partner needs, working cross-functionally to resolve issues, remove barriers, and ensure timely, effective responses to partner requests.

• Maintain a deep, current understanding of each partner's organizational structure, workforce development goals, and the specific terms and benefits of their partnership agreement.

• Anticipate partner needs and proactively communicate relevant program updates, policy changes, or new opportunities that may affect the partnership.

• Source, schedule, and strategically plan onsite and virtual engagement opportunities at partner organizations in close coordination with the Workforce Engagement Specialist, ensuring activity aligns with account goals and calendar commitments.

• Partner with the Workforce Engagement Specialist to set appointments with new decision makers and stakeholders within large enterprise accounts, supporting efforts to grow and expand the partnership.

• Share account context, partner priorities, and relationship history with the Workforce Engagement Specialist to ensure consistent, informed messaging at student-facing events.

• Collaborate on post-event debriefs and follow-up strategy to ensure prospect inquiries and p