📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: K-12 Engagement & Partnerships Manager
🔹 Company: PBK
🔹 Location: Houston, Texas
🔹 Job Type: Part-Time
🔹 Category: Architecture and Planning
🔹 Date Posted: July 28, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Advancing PBK's mission and strategic objectives through strategic partnerships, targeted advocacy activities, impactful storytelling, and effective engagement strategies.
- Cultivating relationships with key stakeholders to promote PBK's thought leadership and enhance its reputation as a trusted industry leader and community partner.
- Focusing on long-range planning, bond planning, and bond communications to improve brand share and increase project acquisition.
- Serving as a spokesperson and subject matter expert in public forums, media interviews, and industry events.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with various stakeholders.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Increase PBK’s visibility and understanding of the firm’s impact among key K-12 national audiences through proactive, integrated communication planning and strategies, thought leadership, content development, and active, ongoing traditional and non-traditional media engagement.
✅ Serve as a spokesperson and subject matter expert in public forums, media interviews, and industry events, articulating the firm’s position and vision with clarity and conviction.
✅ Support the firm’s broader engagement and marketing strategy in partnership with peers and colleagues working in local markets across the country.
✅ Secure and facilitate district-planned stakeholder meetings to educate and reach consensus on capital needs.
✅ Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with industry associations, non-profits, government agencies, and other relevant K-12-related organizations.
✅ Collaborate with internal teams to leverage partnership opportunities that support business development, project opportunities, public relations efforts, and community engagement initiatives.
✅ Negotiate partnership agreements and oversee implementation to ensure mutual benefit and alignment with the firm's goals and values.
✅ Drive and facilitate strategic initiatives to promote PBK's K-12 expertise, thought leadership, and value proposition through telling the firm's story while demonstrating its commitment to stakeholders and critical issues.
✅ Engage with policymakers, community leaders, and media outlets to advocate for policies and initiatives that align with the firm's priorities.
✅ Foster positive relationships with clients, partners, employees, and the broader community through effective communication and engagement initiatives.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the K-12 education sector, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with various teams and stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field. A Master's degree would be an asset.
Experience: 5-10 years of experience in strategic partnerships, advocacy, or a related role within the K-12 education sector.
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in strategic partnerships and advocacy within the K-12 education sector.
- Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong project management and organizational skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with various teams and stakeholders.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in the architecture, engineering, or consulting industry.
- Familiarity with the Houston metropolitan area and its educational landscape.
- Bilingual or multilingual skills (Spanish/English).
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in strategic partnerships and advocacy within the K-12 education sector are strongly encouraged to apply. Familiarity with the Houston metropolitan area and its educational landscape would be an asset but is not required.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $75,000 - $95,000 per year (based on industry standards for a part-time role with 5-10 years of experience in Houston, TX)
Benefits:
- Additional PTO between Christmas and New Year's
- Your birthday off
- Community involvement through recreation and service
- Hybrid schedule and remote work options
- Flexible "dress for your day" policy
- Paid parental leave for birth or adoption
- Firm covers employee healthcare premiums
- 401(k) program
- Costco / Sam's Club membership
- $4,000 license bonus
- Dynamic company with quick advancement
- Online professional licensure exam prep library
- Opportunities to work on a variety of project types
- Weekly continuing education lunch & learn sessions
Working Hours: 20 hours per week (with flexibility for specific events and projects)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a part-time role with 5-10 years of experience in Houston, TX. The benefits listed are based on the information provided in the job listing and may be subject to change.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Architecture and Planning
Company Size: 1,001-5,000 employees
Founded: 1981
Company Description:
- PBK is an award-winning architecture, engineering, and consulting practice that has been a leader in design solutions for education, healthcare, corporate, government, and sports/events market sectors since 1981.
- The company's reputation and popularity have been attributed to its "unconventional" level of responsiveness and ability to exceed expectations for client service.
- PBK has won numerous architectural awards for planning and design innovations.
Company Specialties:
- Architecture
- Master Planning
- Engineering
- Technology Consulting
- Interior Design
- Environmental Design
- and Education
Company Website: pbk.com
ASSUMPTION: PBK is a well-established company with a strong reputation in the architecture and planning industry. Its focus on client service and innovative design solutions makes it an attractive employer for professionals in the field.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to Senior
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the PBK Planning Principal
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (20 hours per week, with flexibility for specific events and projects)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential for career advancement within the company
- Opportunities to work on a variety of project types and gain experience in different aspects of the business
- Chance to develop and refine skills in strategic partnerships, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the company. Candidates should be proactive in seeking out new challenges and learning opportunities.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid (on-site and remote work)
Office Location(s): 11 Greenway Plaza, 22nd FL, Houston, TX 77046, US
Geographic Context:
- Houston is the fourth most populous city in the United States and the most populous city in Texas.
- The city is known for its diverse economy, with strengths in energy, manufacturing, aeronautics, and healthcare.
- Houston has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers.
Work Schedule: 20 hours per week (with flexibility for specific events and projects)
ASSUMPTION: Houston offers a diverse and dynamic work environment, with a strong economy and a humid subtropical climate. The hybrid work arrangement provides flexibility for employees while maintaining a strong on-site presence.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-person or video interview with the hiring manager (PBK Planning Principal)
- Final interview with key stakeholders
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication and presentation skills
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Understanding of the K-12 education sector and relevant trends
- Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic partnerships, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement within the K-12 education sector.
- Prepare examples of your successful partnerships, advocacy initiatives, and stakeholder engagement strategies to discuss during the interview.
- Research PBK's company culture and values to ensure a good fit and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
ATS Keywords: Strategic partnerships, advocacy, K-12 education, stakeholder engagement, thought leadership, communication, negotiation, project acquisition, long-range planning, bond planning, bond communications
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is likely to be competitive, and candidates should tailor their application materials to highlight their relevant experience and skills. Preparation for the interview should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of the K-12 education sector and relevant trends, as well as a strategic approach to partnerships, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
- Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
- Design software (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, SketchUp) - not required but may be useful for understanding project context
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and project management software is essential for this role. Other tools and technologies may be useful depending on the specific projects and initiatives the candidate works on.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Responsiveness
- Exceeding expectations
- Collaboration
- Innovation
- Integrity
Work Style:
- Strategic and proactive
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Adaptable and flexible
- Results-driven and accountable
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have experience in strategic partnerships and advocacy within the K-12 education sector?
- Are you comfortable working collaboratively with various teams and stakeholders to achieve common goals?
- Do you have strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills?
- Are you proactive and strategic in your approach to problem-solving and decision-making?
- Are you adaptable and flexible in your work style, able to adjust to changing priorities and demands?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their fit with PBK's company values and work style to ensure a good cultural fit. Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, as well as a strategic and proactive approach to work, are essential for success in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Balancing the demands of a part-time role with the need to be available for specific events and projects
- Managing relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry associations, non-profits, government agencies, and K-12-related organizations
- Navigating the complex and ever-changing landscape of the K-12 education sector
- Adapting to the unique culture and dynamics of a large, established architecture and planning firm
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to manage the demands of a part-time role with flexibility for specific events and projects. Strong relationship management, strategic thinking, and adaptability will be essential for success in this role.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on strategic partnerships, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement within the K-12 education sector for an architecture and planning firm.
- Similar roles may be found in other architecture, engineering, or consulting firms, as well as in educational organizations, non-profits, and government agencies.
- Career progression in this role may lead to senior leadership positions within the firm or related organizations.
ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on strategic partnerships, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement within the K-12 education sector for an architecture and planning firm. Candidates should research similar roles in related industries to gain a better understanding of the unique aspects of this position.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a strategic partnership with a national K-12 education association to promote PBK's thought leadership and expertise in the field.
- Facilitating a stakeholder meeting with district leaders, community members, and PBK project team members to educate and reach consensus on capital needs for a new school facility.
- Negotiating a partnership agreement with a local non-profit organization to provide pro bono design services for a community-based education initiative.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and proactive nature of the K-12 Engagement & Partnerships Manager role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and skills in relation to these project examples.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workload and time commitment for this part-time role?
- How does this role fit into the broader engagement and marketing strategy for the firm?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does PBK support the professional development and growth of its employees in this role?
- What is the company culture like, and how does this role contribute to the firm's mission and values?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should prepare thoughtful and insightful questions to demonstrate their interest in the role and their understanding of the company and its mission. These questions should focus on the specific aspects of the role that are most important to the candidate.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic partnerships, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement within the K-12 education sector.
- Prepare examples of your successful partnerships, advocacy initiatives, and stakeholder engagement strategies to discuss during the interview.
- Research PBK's company culture and values to ensure a good fit and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role.
- Follow up with the hiring manager (PBK Planning Principal) one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
