Associate Director, Strategic Projects and External Partnerships

The Clubhouse Network

Job Description

Position Overview

The Associate Director, Strategic Projects & External Partnerships is a key member of The Clubhouse Network's leadership team, responsible for advancing the organization's global mission to empower youth through innovation, learning, and creative expression.

This role blends strategic operations, partnership development, organizational communications, and cross-functional leadership-functioning as both Chief of Staff and Director of Strategic Partnerships. The Associate Director ensures organizational alignment, drives high-impact initiatives, strengthens visibility, and represents the CEO with funders, partners, and international stakeholders.

The ideal candidate brings extensive leadership experience in either the nonprofit or corporate sectors, with expertise in partnership strategy, event management, global communications, and systems integration to support The Clubhouse Network's growth and long-term mission impact.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Alignment

• Partner with the CEO to define annual goals, strategic priorities, and operational frameworks that advance organizational impact.
• Ensure cross-departmental compliance and alignment across programs, partnerships, marketing, and event operations.
• Collaborate with the Associate Director of People & Culture to strengthen systems for project management, performance tracking, and reporting across teams.
• Lead organizational integration and change management initiatives that improve communication, efficiency, and program delivery.

Partnerships & External Relations

• Lead the design and execution of a global partnerships strategy to expand collaboration with corporations, foundations, government agencies, and educational institutions.
• Cultivate and steward high-impact relationships with corporate sponsors, technology partners, and philanthropic leaders.
• Negotiate and manage complex partnership agreements, ensuring compliance and measurable outcomes.
• Research and cultivate new development and programming resources to support emerging initiatives.

Event Compliance & Global Engagement

• Oversee the planning and execution of major global and regional events, including Teen Summit, Annual Conferences, Program Manager convenings, and Open Houses.
• Partner with marketing leadership and external communications firms to ensure consistent global messaging and brand representation.
• Manage communications related to partnerships, corporate collaborations, and donor relations.
• Lead storytelling and digital media strategies that elevate TCN's global presence in annual reports, impact stories, and donor communications.

Fund Development & Resource Stewardship

• Collaborate with the development team to build and steward funder, donor, and partner relationships.
• Support proposal development, grant writing, and impact reporting aligned with strategic goals.
• Identify co-investment opportunities in digital learning, youth innovation, and workforce readiness initiatives.
• Oversee partner recognition through events, publications, and media engagement.

Executive & Operational Management

• Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic partner to the CEO, managing executive initiatives and communications.
• Oversee special projects including Board convenings, partner fundraisers, and organizational communications.
• Direct and mentor cross-functional teams, cultivating accountability, collaboration, and alignment.
• Act as liaison for the CEO with staff, partners, Board members, and funders.
• Serve as a thought partner and collaborative leader across the organization.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of leadership experience in marketing, events management, corporate or nonprofit administration, or partnership development.
• Demonstrated expertise in partnership strategy, global communications, and event management.
• Experience overseeing marketing, communications, or program integration across multi-country or global environments.
• Proven success developing strategic alliances and managing complex stakeholder relationships.
• Strong supervisory skills with experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Excellent project management, budgeting, analytical, written, verbal, and intercultural communication skills.
• Commitment to youth empowerment, digital equity, and inclusive innovation.

Preferred

• Experience supporting IT systems integration or enterprise software transitions.
• Experience in a mission-driven, youth-development, STEAM, or education-focused environment.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a global mindset and strong operational discipline.
• Diplomatic, relationship-centered leader with integrity and vision.
• Adaptable and innovative, with the ability to lead in a dynamic, evolving environment.
• Passionate about empowering youth to imagine and create a better future through technology.
• Trusted advisor and thought partner who champions organizational priorities and coherence.

Compensation & Classification

This position is classified internally as an Associate Director in The Clubhouse Network's salary structure. For Fiscal Year 2026, the salary range for this classification is $105,000 to $120,000 annually. This range reflects the amount The Clubhouse Network reasonably and in good faith expects to pay for this role at the time of posting, in alignment with the Massachusetts Wage Transparency Act.
The advertised pay range is not a guarantee of a specific wage. The final salary offered will depend on a candidate's experience, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational budget.
Employees may be eligible for performance-based bonuses, which reflect both organizational achievements and individual contributions.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Clubhouse Network celebrates diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.