Director of Partnership Growth

Founded in 1986, Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School’s (CBOBS) mission is to change lives through challenge and discovery. Outward Bound is an international educational movement, founded by Kurt Hahn, dedicated to the idea that people are capable of far more than they know. The Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School (CBOBS) is a non-profit, outdoor educational organization with programs that deliver character development and self-discovery in the wilderness, in the city, and in school. CBOBS operates programs in Baltimore City, the District of Columbia, the Appalachian Trail in MD and PA, the Potomac River, the Dolly Sods Wilderness Area in WV, and the Eastern Shore of the Chesapeake Bay.

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Description

The Director of Partnership Growth is a vital member of the leadership team at the Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School (CBOBS), responsible for expanding regional partnerships and driving earned revenue growth toward $1.5M. Over the next five years, the Director will lead efforts to double the number of students served in the region (Baltimore and Washington, DC) in both partnership volume and community partner engagement through 2030. These outcomes will be accomplished by aligning sales strategies with program goals, deepening relationships across educational and community networks, and ensuring exceptional customer service to families and partners.

The ideal candidate brings a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a passion for youth, education, or the outdoors. Strong leadership skills required to manage a team of four direct reports and strong proficiency with Salesforce or another CRM required. This hybrid role requires regular presence in both Baltimore and Washington, DC.

Requirements

The essential functions include but are not limited to the following:

Leadership

• Set and communicate a clear vision for regional partnership growth, aligning team efforts with the organization's mission and long-term strategy.
• Build and sustain high-trust relationships with school system and community leaders, serving as a visible ambassador for CBOBS across the region.
• Lead cross-functional collaboration between Sales, Program, and Development teams to foster integrated planning, shared accountability, and regional impact.
• Champion implementation of sales and scholarship components of the 5-year strategic plan, ensuring alignment with market demand and organizational capacity.
• Mentor and inspire sales staff through regular engagement, coaching, and joint partnership cultivation efforts.
• Represent CBOBS in key community activities, coalitions, and committees that advance the organization's visibility, influence, and mission impact.

Partner & Market Strategy

• Identify and evaluate opportunities for program growth and new market entry.
• Conduct and review market analysis to inform strategic positioning, anticipate client needs, and stay ahead of industry trends.
• Develop and execute annual sales, scholarship, and revenue plans in coordination with the Executive Director.
• Lead pricing, go-to-market, and delivery strategy development to ensure scalability.
• Manage and coach the sales team through planning, performance tracking, and data analysis.
• Negotiate and steward partnerships, including financial agreements, in-kind support, and co-branding opportunities.
• Collaborate with program teams to refine offerings and integrate learnings from implementation.
• Oversee the Open Enrollment calendar and represent CBOBS in national planning efforts.
• Facilitate weekly program planning meetings and track progress toward sales and scholarship goals.

Data Strategy and Management

• Oversees the management of outcomes data collection and analysis throughout the organization.
• Manages the development and implementation of internal processes related to impact and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities)

• Proven track record in partnership development or sales.
• Strong leadership skills, including goal-setting, staff management, coaching, and team building.
• Proficiency with Salesforce and advanced Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook) required.
• Familiarity with regional school systems, nonprofits, and community organizations strongly preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with strong time and project management skills.
• Skilled communicator with excellent interpersonal, written, and presentation abilities.
• Willingness to travel regularly within Baltimore and Washington, DC.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Extended periods at a computer.
• Ability to sit at a desk or computer 90% of the time or greater.
• Ability to carry weights up to 15 pounds.

Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School prohibits discrimination against any student or applicant because of race, color, religion, sex, gender, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability, or any other category which may be protected by applicable state or federal law. Chesapeake Bay Outward Bound School also promotes respect for all people and will not tolerate harassment based on any of these characteristics nor on differences based on gender identity or expression.

Outward Bound has a zero-tolerance policy for incidents of child abuse and neglect and will report any suspected abuse or neglect.