Manager, State-Wide and Strategic Partnerships (Montana)

Discovery Education is looking for a Manager, State-Wide & Strategic Partnership (SSP). The Statewide and Strategic Partnership (SSP) Manager is an active partner in strategic discussions with the state of Montana. Our ideal candidate is one who has a successful track record developing relationships at all levels and turning those into partnerships by managing the account, driving and leading the partnership, leading the implementation and serving as a liaison between Discovery Education and Montana.

This is a remote role located in Montana.

What You'll Do

Managing the Account:

• Build strategic relationships and become a strategic partner to the Montana Office of Public Instruction.
• Define short- and long-range goals of partnership.
• Establish an implementation plan that outlines, monitors and ensures effective technical integration support and account maintenance.
• Provide trouble shooting support as needed.
• Establish an implementation management plan that identifies key district partnership stakeholders, including the executive cabinet, with corresponding support plan to develop and expand key relationships across the Montana school system.
• Design and implement differentiated usage activation and usage stimulation plans to ensure growth and health of partnership.
• Coordinate with internal and external teams to make sure that all parties are on track with account requirements, deadlines, and schedules.
• Construct detailed internal and external communications plans and communicate regularly about intended and actual outcomes of all activities.
• Establish a management structure with specific individuals assigned to manage partnerships to ensure accountability, provide quality control and monitor alignment with partnership goals.
• Develop tools and best practices for successful account management and execution.
• Maintain accurate/timely records within CRM tools of business development activities and coordinate development reports and outreach and usage dashboards regarding all prospective partner activities.
• Plan, coordinate, develop, schedule and deliver professional learning activities and any relevant meetings with partners.

Leading Educational Partnerships

• Strategize, develop, and activate outreach strategies that will cultivate and nurture relationships with key decision-making individuals responsible for education programming across the district.
• Consistently work with educational leaders to design partnerships of Discovery Education services in a meaningful and solution-oriented way.
• Ensure that all partners share a common vision about the partnership.
• Encourage open dialogue about challenges and solutions.
  
• Develop and nurture champions that will promote our programs.
• Ensure top management is on board and supportive of the partnership.

Leading Implementation

• Develop long-term structural and institutional supports to support the partnership.
• Ensure that partnership activities are integrated into the district culture.
• Provide thought leadership to partners by connecting educators with effective practices.
• Model effective communication, presentation skills, account strategy, and problem solving for the team.

Serving as a Liaison

• Effectively communicate with educational partners regarding current educational topics and trends (i.e., Student Wellness, Family Engagement , Next Generation Science Standards, funding, legislation, technology, etc.).

• Identify resources within DE and others that support the goals of the partnership.

General

• Have an in-person presence throughout Montana districts and schools to build relationships, conduct professional development, attend district professional learning types of events and when appropriate, state and district meetings.
• Travel approximately 60% of time (with seasonal variations) for conferences and company meetings.

Requirements

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in working in the areas of professional learning and curriculum implementation.
• Demonstrated experience working with large school systems.
• Educational leadership experience is required.
• Having served as a district or school leader preferred.
• Detail oriented with strong interpersonal, presentation, organizational and verbal/written communication skills.
• Possess a growth mindset and team-oriented character.
• A proven track record of account or project management and exceptional client relations.
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