Manager, Strategic Partnerships

POSITION LOCATION: Chicago (Hybrid) or Remote

ABOUT SWE:

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) for more than seven decades has given women engineers a unique place and voice within the engineering industry. Our non-profit organization is centered around a passion for our members’ success and continues to evolve with the challenges and opportunities reflected in today’s exciting engineering and technology specialties.

OUR VALUES:

Integrity | Inclusive Environment | Mutual Support | Professional Excellence | Trust

Our values shape our culture, drive our decisions, and define who we are. These values serve as the compass for our actions, encouraging a shared sense of purpose among our staff and sets the standard for how we conduct business.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

We are seeking a Manager, Strategic Partnerships, who embodies the values, principles, and priorities that guide our initiatives as we continue to make a lasting impact on the future.

The Manager, Strategic Partnerships, reports to the Associate Director, Strategic Partnerships and is a key contributor to achieving the organization’s revenue goals. This sales-driven role is responsible for identifying, securing, and growing strategic partnerships that support SWE’s mission and financial sustainability.

The ideal candidate is goal-oriented with a proven track record in business development, relationship management, and meeting or exceeding sales targets. As a member of a high-performing team, this individual will manage a portfolio of corporate and organizational partners, driving renewals and upselling opportunities while cultivating new prospects.

In addition to providing excellent customer service and ensuring partner satisfaction, the Manager will actively track and report on sales pipelines, revenue forecasts, and progress toward partnership goals. The role requires strong collaboration with internal teams to align partner engagement with SWE’s programs, events, and strategic priorities.

By leveraging a deep understanding of SWE’s offerings and the needs of current and potential partners, the Manager serves as a knowledgeable ambassador for the organization, expanding its reach and impact globally.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:

WE Local Conference Partnerships (45%)

Leads all sales and business development activities for SWE’s seven WE Local conferences (3 in the U.S., 2 in India, 1 in Europe, and 1 in Brazil).

1. 1. Owns the full partnership sales cycle—from prospecting and pitching through closing, invoicing, and post-event follow-up—with a strong focus on meeting and exceeding revenue goals.
   2. Develops and nurtures relationships with new and existing partners, delivering prompt, accurate, and high-quality support.
   3. Collaborates with events and global markets teams to identify growth opportunities and implement innovative sponsor engagement strategies.
   4. Oversees development and ongoing refinement of the sponsorship prospectus, manages inventory, and ensures accurate tracking of commitments.
   5. Maintains clear and frequent reporting on sales pipeline and revenue progress; proactively removes obstacles to drive revenue generation and optimize outcomes.

Business Development & Program Management – Media & Advertising (45%)

Manages SWE’s advertising and branding portfolio as outlined in the organization’s media kit, with a primary focus on sales growth, revenue delivery, and execution excellence.

1. 1. Leads business development and implementation for print and digital offerings including SWE Magazine, bundled packages, podcasts, banner ads, blogs, webinars, and custom opportunities.
   2. Coordinates closely with editorial, marketing, and content teams to ensure accurate, timely delivery of partner assets.
   3. Tracks deliverables and campaign performance; provides partners with post-campaign analytics and impact reports as requested.
   4. Drives innovation by developing new revenue-generating advertising and branding offerings and leads the annual review and refresh of the media kit to align with partner needs and market trends.

Collaboration and Communication (10%)

Partners across departments—including executive leadership, partnerships, marketing, events, and learning—to ensure partner offerings align with SWE’s strategic goals and deliver mutual value.

1. 1. Supports the Annual Conference team as needed, contributing to a safe, well-coordinated, and impactful experience for members and partners.
   2. Performs other duties as assigned in alignment with organizational priorities.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

This position currently has no direct reports, but this may change over time.

TRAVEL & SCHEDULE:

• This position works 40 hours a week, Monday–Friday, with occasional evenings and/or weekend hours. Travel is required 4

6 times annually.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 3 years of business development/sales experience preferred.
• Proven record of success in account management and developing partnerships that result in exceeding revenue targets.
• Knowledge of product marketing/sales concepts.
• Outcome driven with ability to respond to changing circumstances and priorities.
• Excellent oral and written communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.
• Strong market, community, and constituent perspective.
• Proficiency in computer-based information systems, experience with Salesforce and DocuSign preferred.