Manager of Partner Relations

About Cradles to Crayons:

Cradles to Crayons (C2C) was founded in 2002, with the mission of providing children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive - at home, at school and at play. C2C is at the cutting edge of volunteer management, and through its “Giving Factory” provides unique, hands-on opportunities for people to help other people. Headquartered in Boston, MA, C2C opened in Philadelphia in 2007 and in Chicago in 2016.

How Our Model Works:  Cradles to Crayons collects new and nearly new children's items through grassroots community drives and corporate donations. Donations are then processed and packaged by volunteers and are distributed to disadvantaged children through a collaborative network of social service agencies and school partners. C2C supplies these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities that have with communities that need.

Cradles to Crayons meets a critical need as many children 12 years old and younger live in low-income and/or homeless situations. These living conditions can have negative effects on self-esteem as poverty can lead to increased social and emotional behavioral challenges; it impacts early education since half of children living in poverty start 1st grade up to 2 years developmentally behind their peers; and safety may be compromised as children living in poverty have increased risk of injury.

While meeting the immediate needs of low-income children, Cradles to Crayons also sets a foundation for lasting change by providing meaningful, tangible volunteer opportunities to thousands of individuals and families and hundreds of corporations each year by organizing clothing collections, hosting fundraisers, or working in the "Giving Factory" warehouse.

Cradles to Crayons earned the highest possible rating from Charity Navigator for several consecutive years. Only 2% of charities rated have received this distinction, differentiating C2C from its peers, exemplifying the high standard of service at C2C, and indicating that C2C outperforms most other charities in America.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Manager of Partner Relations (the Manager) is responsible for managing external partnerships with our partner agencies as well as overseeing growth and strategy for the market. This position ensures that the network partner philosophy and standards are defined and executed in accordance with Cradles to Crayon’s mission and strategic plan, that strategies exist to increase distribution through our partners, and that high-quality services are effective and extend our reach beyond.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Model and lead a positive “One Cradles” culture, underpinned by Cradles’ Cultural Values and related behaviors.
• Responsible for strategic direction and management of Network Programs and Network Services through the direct supervision and leadership of the department staff.
• Ensure the successful development and implementation of all services to partners and the overall satisfaction and enhancement of these services per customer needs and requirements.
• Oversee an annual Service Partner portfolio audit process to ensure effective allocation of C2C resources.
• Strategically grow our network of partnerships. Develop and grow the Partner Advisory Council.  Conduct outreach to prospective service partners.
• Build strategies around partnership engagement and utilization, including the Purple Partnership pilot/ program. Execute and manage pilots and oversee long-term strategy around deepened partnership engagement.
• Ensure that all guidelines and contract standards are executed; ensure that all paperwork and contracts are current and effectively managed.
• Manage the market’s Service Partner relationships; represent Cradles to Crayons externally at related collaborative events and opportunities.
• Execute current and future special programming, including the Mobile Clothing Program, Summer KidPack Program, and HUB
• Partner with development, community engagement, volunteer engagement to develop and implement strategic partnership opportunities with partner network for growth and scale (ie. speaker opportunities, community relations, etc.). Oversee sunshine acquisition for market.
• Develop sustainable statewide service partnerships to support market engagement, the recycle model strategy, and development initiatives.
• Support decision making around product procurement priorities and product quality standards.
• Actively participate in budgeting processes and follow up.
• Support cross-market teams for overall strategy and effectiveness, serve as a resource and mentor, and strengthen/ standardize cross-market communication.
• Build comprehensive department guidelines, toolkits, and trainings for partner relations core functions.
• Lead special distribution events; examples include Backpack distributions and bulk or Specialty Items distribution days.
• Manage and execute the annual Winter KidPack bulk coats initiative.
• Manage team interns; determine team needs and develop job descriptions.
• Support development of IT systems and tools to support department work and resources for Service Partners, including working with consultants to advise/address issues related to online ordering system.
• Participate in Cradles to Crayons’ special events/initiatives and manage all aspects related to network of service partner involvement.
• Work cooperatively with staff, volunteers, and interns to support the mission of Cradles to Crayons to both meet and sustain its goals.

PERFORMANCE MEASURES

• Successful completion of annual goals relative to C2C’s annual priorities as determined with supervisor in Performance Evaluation Process.

Required Experience/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 3+ years of superior customer service required; management experience preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Solid analytical skills, considerable judgment, and initiative to establish work procedures.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite (excellent Excel skills).
• Work independently, under supervision, and in a team-based and goal-oriented environment.
• Work some evening and weekend hours.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a clear driving record.

DIVERSITY IS OUR STRENGTH:

Diversity and Inclusiveness are core values at Cradles to Crayons, and we continuously strive to be a team where everyone feels welcome and supported. It is the policy of Cradles to Crayons to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information and/or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. Individuals from underrepresented groups are especially encouraged to apply.

Working Conditions:

This is a warehouse environment and normal changes in temperature are to be expected while working inside the warehouse or outside, on or around the loading dock. There are no hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions.

Accommodation:

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, it is possible that requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made by Cradles to Crayons which may pose serious health or safety risks to the employee or others, or which impose undue hardships on the organization.