Director of Partnerships and Engagement

Application Submission Deadline: October 10th, 2025

Anticipated Start Date: November 1st, 2025

Organizational Overview:

Mass Mentoring Partnership (MMP) is a dynamic statewide nonprofit organization committed to ensuring that every young person in MA has access to quality mentoring relationships, regardless of who they are or where they live.

An affiliate of The National Mentoring Partnership (MENTOR), MMP is part of a national effort that helps grassroots organizations foster quality mentoring relationships by producing research for the field, shaping policy change through advocacy, and driving public awareness on the impact of mentoring for young people.

For more than 30 years MMP has served as an intermediary organization, providing the critical link between national evidence-based research and programs across the State. MMP provides the tools, research, training and best practices adults require to truly show up for youth in a caring and consistent way in schools, community, and workplaces.

We are committed to fostering an environment of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging for all. We embrace our differences and celebrate our common humanity by valuing our varied perspectives, experiences, and opinions. Candidates of color, bilingual, and bicultural candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Overview of Position:

The Director of Partnerships and Engagement is a key organizational leader and subject matter expert responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive external engagement strategy to advance the organization's mission of supporting youth mentoring programs across the state. Though not part of the senior leadership team, this role plays a critical leadership function in cultivating partnerships, guiding policy engagement, and expanding organizational visibility.

This is a new position that will temporarily report to the President & CEO during an internal restructuring process. Once complete, the role will transition to report to a designated senior leader. As the inaugural Director, the successful candidate will help shape the future of MMP’s partnership and engagement strategy and will collaborate across departments to ensure all engagement efforts are strategic, impactful, and measurable.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Engagement & Relationship Building

• Lead the design and execution of a multi-tiered engagement strategy at the local, regional, and state level.
• Lead partner relationship management efforts to align with organizational goals and amplify the voice of the mentoring field.
• Serve as the primary contact for mentoring programs in the Eastern region of Massachusetts.

Policy & Advocacy

• Develop and manage MMP’s advocacy strategy, including campaigns for public funding and engagement with state and local agencies, in partnership with the President & CEO.
• Craft and champion a public policy agenda rooted in the priorities of mentoring programs and developmental relationships.
• Build capacity among program partners to participate in advocacy efforts through training, consulting, and development of tools and collateral.
• Serve as a liaison between community partners and the lobbying firm, particularly around initiatives like the Mentor Matching Grant. This may also include other public funding.
• Lead planning and execution of MMP’s annual Mentoring Day at the State House and other advocacy events.
• Represent MMP at MENTOR National’s annual advocacy day in Washington, D.C., supporting national mentoring policy priorities and elevating the voice of local programs on the federal stage.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of public official engagement and legislative activity.

Grant Program Oversight

• Oversee the state-funded Mentor Matching Grant program, including partner outreach, performance monitoring, data tracking, and reporting.
• Partner with the program team to provide tailored technical assistance to grantees.

Team Leadership & Internal Collaboration

• Manage a team of 1-2 regional engagement professionals, providing leadership, coaching, and accountability.
• Set measurable goals and monitor outcomes to evaluate impact and return on investment.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Programs, Development, Communications, and Operations to support outreach and partner engagement across initiatives.
• Support Development team in cultivating relationships with funders aligned to policy and public engagement work.
• Develop and manage the annual operational plan and budget for the engagement unit in alignment with strategic goals.

Visibility, Promotion & Resource Utilization

• Represent MMP as a key member of the external “sales team,” promoting services, tools, and resources to stakeholders.
• Implement engagement plans that build MMP’s visibility and deepen relationships with funders, partners, and public officials.
• Identify and participate in strategic external opportunities—such as task forces, coalitions, and committees—that align with MMP’s mission.
• Attend community events and external meetings as needed to fulfill job responsibilities and represent the organization.

Core Competencies and Qualifications

• Minimum of 8-10 years’ professional experience in community organizing, advocacy, public policy, or related fields.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree or equivalent experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; skilled in public speaking and relationship cultivation.
• Proven success in designing and executing engagement and advocacy strategies.
• Self-starter with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment and manage multiple priorities.
• Experience managing high-performing teams with a focus on outcomes and accountability.
• Demonstrated project management and event planning expertise.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or similar client management systems.
• Knowledge of the mentoring or youth development sector preferred.
• Commitment to equity and a passion for building systems that better serve youth and communities.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel within the state; occasional evening and weekend availability required.

Benefits:

• Salary $80,000-85,000/year - paid biweekly (commensurate with experience)
• Health & Dental insurance with employer premium contribution of 70% of monthly premium
• Paid time off including 13 paid holidays (plus 4 floating holiday)
• 401k with employer match (up to 4%)
• Life and STD/LTD insurance premiums 100% employer funded
• Pre-Tax Commuter Benefit
• Section 125 Flexible Benefit Plan
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Professional Development funds available
• Hybrid work environment (3 set days a week in-person per week)

Next Steps:

Please email a resume and cover letter (or link to video cover letter) that outlines how your skills and experiences meet the qualifications of the position, stating how you heard about this opportunity to Cynthia K. Orellana, President & CEO at humanresources@massmentors.org with the subject line Director of Partnerships and Engagement. Applications accepted on a rolling basis (applications without a cover letter will not be considered). Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond to each applicant individually.

Mass Mentoring Partnership provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. Mass Mentoring Partnership is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, MMP will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact humanresources@massmentors.org.