Partnerships Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Partnerships Manager

🔹 Company: OpenFn

🔹 Location: Kigali, Rwanda (Remote)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Software Development

🔹 Date Posted: July 3, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Level (2-5 years)

🔹 Remote Status: Remote OK

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Managing OpenFn's Partner Program to onboard local implementing partners and help them become effective Affiliates and Partners.
• Generating recurring revenue through strategic partnerships and empowering partners to build sustainable SaaS revenue streams.
• Proactively identifying, engaging, and qualifying potential partners in target markets, initially focusing on Rwanda.
• Providing ongoing support and guidance to onboarded partners, helping them understand how to leverage OpenFn's platform and its capabilities.
• Building and nurturing strong, long-term relationships with key contacts within partner organizations.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong blend of communication, technical, and relationship-building skills, with a passion for driving social impact through technology.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Partner Identification & Outreach: Proactively identify, engage, and qualify potential Affiliate and Partner organizations and individuals in target markets.

✅ Platform and Program Onboarding: Guide prospective partners through the OpenFn Platform and Partner Program, explaining the benefits, requirements, and value proposition.

✅ Partner Enablement & Support: Provide ongoing support and guidance to onboarded partners, helping them understand how to leverage OpenFn's platform and its capabilities.

✅ Revenue Generation & Tracking: Work closely with partners to help them identify opportunities to bring in new SaaS revenue for OpenFn, help them close sales, and track their progress.

✅ Relationship Management: Build and nurture strong, long-term relationships with key contacts within partner organizations.

✅ Build and curate the partner network: Actively drive forward the schedule of partner events, content development, and opportunity pipeline to help partners succeed and bring feedback into OpenFn.

✅ Feedback & Program Improvement: Gather feedback from partners on the program's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement, relaying insights to the OpenFn leadership team.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong organizational skills to manage multiple partner relationships and projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field. Relevant work experience may substitute for formal education.

Experience: Proven experience (2-5 years) in SaaS sales, partnerships, channel sales, business development, or account management, preferably within a technology-focused organization.

Required Skills:

• Excellent communication, negotiation, interpersonal, and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly and persuasively.
• Strong understanding of partnership ecosystems and incentive structures.
• Technical understanding of software tools, particularly those used in system integration and workflow automation.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a remote team in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working within the social impact sector or with organizations in various industries (e.g., financial services, logistics, education, public health).
• Previous experience in a startup environment.
• Familiarity with the technology landscape in Rwanda, Kenya, or other Sub-Saharan African countries.
• Understanding of digital public goods or open-source software.
• Experience working at a software implementation organization or consultancy.
• A generalist!

ASSUMPTION: While specific industry experience is not required, a strong understanding of the social impact sector and its challenges would be beneficial for success in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The base pay will be in line with OpenFn’s “Equal Pay for Equal Work” initiative and will be additionally incentivized based on performance within the Partner Program. The estimated salary range for this role is $40,000 - $60,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Flexible working schedule.
• Exposure to hot industry and technology trends and attendance at key industry events as part of the role.
• Opportunity for leadership and professional progress. You will be a key contributor to our company’s strategic growth.

Working Hours: Full-time position with a flexible working schedule, allowing for a healthy work-life balance.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the region. Actual compensation may vary based on individual qualifications and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: OpenFn operates in the software development industry, specializing in integration, automation, and interoperability solutions for public health and humanitarian interventions.

Company Size: OpenFn is a small to medium-sized company with 11-50 employees, providing a collaborative and agile work environment.

Founded: OpenFn was founded in 2014 and has since grown to become a trusted provider of integration solutions for governments and NGOs worldwide.

Company Description:

• OpenFn helps scale public health and humanitarian interventions via data integration, automation, and interoperability.
• The company provides a wide array of pre-built connections (adaptors) for working with the most commonly used and mission-critical software in various sectors.
• OpenFn is an open-source Digital Public Good (DPG) used primarily in the impact sector, with a mission to expand access to impactful technology.

Company Specialties:

• Integration
• ICT4D
• APIs
• Automation
• Interoperability
• DHIS2
• CommCare
• ODK
• Kobo Toolbox
• Salesforce
• Databases
• Elixir
• DPG
• and Global Good

Company Website: openfn.org

ASSUMPTION: OpenFn's focus on social impact and open-source technology makes it an attractive option for candidates interested in making a positive difference through their work.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is suitable for mid-level professionals with 2-5 years of experience in relevant fields, looking to grow their career in partnership management or business development.

Reporting Structure: The Partnerships Manager will report directly to the OpenFn leadership team and collaborate closely with various departments, including sales, marketing, and product development.

Work Arrangement: This is a remote-friendly role, with a flexible working schedule that allows for a healthy work-life balance.

Growth Opportunities:

• As OpenFn continues to grow, there will be opportunities for the Partnerships Manager to take on more responsibilities and advance their career within the company.
• This role provides exposure to various aspects of the business, enabling the incumbent to develop a broad skill set and gain valuable experience.
• The Partnerships Manager will have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of partners and clients, expanding their professional network and industry knowledge.

ASSUMPTION: Success in this role may lead to opportunities for career progression within OpenFn, such as taking on a leadership role or expanding into other areas of the business.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: OpenFn operates a remote-friendly work environment, with team members located across various time zones.

Office Location(s): OpenFn has offices in London, New York, Riga, Cape Town, and Dakar, but this role can be performed remotely from Kigali, Rwanda.

Geographic Context:

• Kigali, Rwanda, is the capital and largest city of Rwanda, with a population of over 1 million people.
• The city is known for its cleanliness, safety, and vibrant culture, offering a high quality of life for expats and locals alike.
• Kigali has a tropical highland climate, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 29°C (64°F to 84°F) throughout the year.

Work Schedule: The flexible working schedule allows for a healthy work-life balance, with core hours between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM (Rwanda time).

ASSUMPTION: While this role is remote-friendly, candidates should be prepared to work with team members and partners across various time zones and adapt their schedule accordingly.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through the provided link.
• Phone or video screening to assess communication skills and cultural fit.
• Technical interview to evaluate understanding of software tools and partnership ecosystems.
• Final interview with the OpenFn leadership team to discuss the role and company fit.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication and interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of partnership ecosystems and incentive structures.
• Technical knowledge of software tools and integration processes.
• Cultural fit with OpenFn's mission and values.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role.
• Demonstrate your understanding of OpenFn's mission and how your background aligns with the company's goals.
• Prepare for the technical interview by brushing up on your knowledge of software tools and integration processes.
• Show enthusiasm for OpenFn's work in the social impact sector and your desire to make a positive difference.

ATS Keywords: Partnerships, SaaS sales, business development, account management, communication skills, negotiation skills, interpersonal skills, presentation skills, technical understanding, system integration, workflow automation, relationship management, revenue generation, partner enablement, feedback gathering, program improvement, remote work, flexible schedule, social impact sector, open-source technology, Digital Public Good (DPG).

ASSUMPTION: OpenFn's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the company and the individual.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• OpenFn Platform
• CRM software (e.g., Salesforce)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Communication and collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)
• Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools is not required but may be beneficial for success in this role. OpenFn will provide training and support to help the Partnerships Manager become proficient in using these tools.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Impact-driven: OpenFn is committed to making a positive difference in the world through its work.
• Collaborative: OpenFn values teamwork and fosters a collaborative environment where everyone's ideas are heard and valued.
• Inclusive: OpenFn is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where diversity is celebrated and respected.
• Adaptable: OpenFn embraces change and encourages continuous learning and growth.

Work Style:

• Remote-friendly: OpenFn offers flexible work arrangements, allowing team members to work from anywhere with a reliable internet connection.
• Results-driven: OpenFn focuses on outcomes and expects team members to take initiative and be accountable for their work.
• Transparent: OpenFn values open communication and encourages team members to share their thoughts and ideas freely.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you share OpenFn's passion for making a positive impact through technology?
• Are you comfortable working remotely and collaborating with team members across various time zones?
• Do you thrive in a results-driven, adaptable work environment where your ideas and input are valued?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with OpenFn's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company's mission.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple partner relationships and projects simultaneously may require strong organizational skills and time management.
• Working with partners across various time zones and cultures may present communication and collaboration challenges.
• Balancing the need to generate revenue with the desire to maintain strong, long-term relationships with partners may require a delicate touch.
• Keeping up with the latest trends and developments in the software development industry may require continuous learning and adaptation.

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong communication, organizational, and time management skills, as well as a commitment to continuous learning and growth.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional sales or business development roles, this role focuses on strategic partnerships and empowering partners to generate their own revenue streams, rather than direct sales.
• OpenFn's focus on the social impact sector sets it apart from other software development companies, offering candidates the opportunity to make a positive difference through their work.
• This role provides a unique opportunity to work with a diverse range of partners and clients, expanding the Partnerships Manager's professional network and industry knowledge.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates interested in traditional sales or business development roles may find this role less appealing, while those drawn to OpenFn's mission and focus on social impact may find it an attractive opportunity.

📝 Sample Projects

• Onboarding a local software implementation organization as an OpenFn Affiliate, providing them with the training and resources they need to become effective partners.
• Collaborating with a regional NGO to identify opportunities for OpenFn integration and automation, helping them improve their operations and expand their impact.
• Working with a government agency to develop a custom integration solution, enabling them to connect their systems and automate critical workflows more efficiently.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of opportunities available to the Partnerships Manager, highlighting the role's potential for impact and growth.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical profile of an OpenFn partner and how this role will contribute to their success?
• How does OpenFn support its partners in generating their own revenue streams, and what resources are available to help them succeed?
• What opportunities exist for growth and professional development within OpenFn, and how does the company support its employees' career advancement?
• How does OpenFn measure the success of its Partner Program, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) will I be responsible for tracking?
• What is the company's approach to work-life balance, and how does it support employees' well-being and personal growth?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into OpenFn's culture, values, and approach to partnership management.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the OpenFn careers page.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, emphasizing your passion for OpenFn's mission and your fit with the company's values.
• Prepare for the technical interview by brushing up on your knowledge of software tools and integration processes, and familiarizing yourself with OpenFn's platform and partner program.
• Follow up with OpenFn after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role.
• If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your relevant experience, skills, and cultural fit with OpenFn.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.