E

Senior Partnerships Manager

Earnest
Full-time
Remote
Worldwide
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Senior Partnerships Manager

πŸ”Ή Company: Earnest

πŸ”Ή Location: San Francisco Bay Area (Remote)

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-time, Hybrid

πŸ”Ή Category: Financial Services

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: May 13, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (4-6+ years)

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote with 3 days/month in Oakland office)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Overseeing and growing strategic partnerships to drive business goals
  • Collaborating cross-functionally to ensure seamless partner onboarding and retention
  • Driving revenue growth opportunities with existing partners
  • Leading cross-departmental projects and process improvements
  • Working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment within the financial services industry

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. It is ideal for someone with a background in partnerships or business development, preferably within financial services.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Oversee and grow strategic partnerships to drive key business goals for the Student Loan Originations product

βœ… Define and measure the long-term vision and success of partnerships, including setting clear OKRs and reporting on progress

βœ… Collaborate cross-functionally with Marketing, Product, Engineering, Legal, and Client teams to ensure seamless partner onboarding and retention

βœ… Drive revenue growth opportunities with existing partners through conversion optimization and marketing collaboration

βœ… Lead cross-departmental projects aligned with corporate objectives, managing multiple priorities while delivering high-quality results

βœ… Continuously assess and improve operational systems and processes, proactively identifying and implementing process improvements

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, cross-functional collaboration, and operational excellence. It requires strong project management skills and the ability to work effectively with various teams.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: 4-6+ years of experience in Partnerships or Business Development, ideally within financial services, with a strong preference for student loan expertise

Required Skills:

  • Proven expertise in user growth strategies and partnership models
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong interpersonal and client relationship management skills
  • Advanced problem-solving and adaptability skills
  • Willingness to travel to the Oakland office monthly

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience implementing marketing automation best practices
  • Prior success working cross-functionally with Product, Legal, and Engineering teams
  • Strong presentation development skills
  • Background in a high-growth, fast-paced environment within fintech or related industries

ASSUMPTION: The ideal candidate will have a strong background in partnerships or business development within financial services, with a focus on student loans. They should possess excellent communication skills and be comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $130,000 - $150,000 USD per year (based on location and experience)

Benefits:

  • Health, Dental, & Vision benefits plus savings plans
  • Mac computers + work-from-home stipend to set up your home office
  • Monthly internet and phone reimbursement
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
  • 401(k) plan to help you save for retirement plus a company match
  • Robust tuition reimbursement program
  • $1,000 travel perk on each Earnie-versary to anywhere in the world
  • Competitive days of annual PTO
  • Competitive parental leave

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible remote work and 3 days/month in the Oakland office

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the San Francisco Bay Area. The final offer will be determined based on the candidate's qualifications, internal compensation, and budget.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: Financial Services, specifically focused on student loans and refinancing

Company Size: Medium (201-500 employees)

Founded: 2013

Company Description:

  • Earnest empowers past, present, and soon-to-be students to maximize their financial futures through thoughtful guidance and impactful products
  • Founded on the belief that financially responsible people deserve better options and access to credit
  • Offers private student loans, student loan refinancing, and scholarships to help students reduce the total price tag of their education and get on the right financial track

Company Specialties:

  • Consumer Lending
  • Financial Technology
  • Mission Driven, Value-driven

Company Website: https://www.earnest.com

ASSUMPTION: Earnest is a mission-driven company focused on empowering students to take control of their finances. They offer a range of products and services to help students manage their student loans and reduce the overall cost of their education.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-Senior level (4-6+ years of experience)

Reporting Structure: Reports to the Senior Director, Partnerships Marketing

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (Remote with 3 days/month in the Oakland office)

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to grow into a leadership role within the Partnerships team
  • Opportunities to work on strategic projects that impact the company's bottom line
  • Chance to learn and develop skills in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to take on more responsibility and make a meaningful impact on the company's success.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (Remote with occasional in-office requirements)

Office Location(s): San Francisco Bay Area (Remote), Oakland (3 days/month)

Geographic Context:

  • The San Francisco Bay Area is known for its vibrant tech industry and diverse culture
  • The Oakland office is located in the heart of the city, offering easy access to public transportation and nearby amenities
  • The Bay Area has a mild Mediterranean climate, with cool, wet winters and warm, dry summers

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week) with flexible remote work and 3 days/month in the Oakland office

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a good balance between remote work and in-person collaboration, providing the best of both worlds for employees.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
  • On-site or virtual interview with the team
  • Final interview with the senior leadership team

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Cultural fit and alignment with Earnest's values
  • Technical skills and industry knowledge

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Be prepared to discuss your experience with partnerships and business development, as well as your understanding of the student loan industry
  • Showcase your ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

ATS Keywords: Partnerships, Business Development, Student Loans, Financial Services, Strategic Collaborations, Revenue Growth, Cross-functional Collaboration, Marketing Automation, Presentation Development

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit. Applicants should be prepared to discuss their relevant experience and how they can contribute to the success of the Partnerships team.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
  • CRM software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for most businesses and can be easily learned by candidates with relevant experience.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Earn Happy Customers
  • Better is Better
  • Ph.D. in Moving Fast
  • Passion for Challenges
  • Impact is a Team Sport

Work Style:

  • Dynamic and fast-paced
  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Focused on driving results and making an impact

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment?
  • Are you passionate about challenges and driving results?
  • Do you have strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with various teams?

ASSUMPTION: Earnest values a dynamic, fast-paced work environment where employees are passionate about challenges and driving results. Candidates should be comfortable working in a collaborative, team-oriented setting and possess strong communication skills.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Balancing remote work with occasional in-office requirements
  • Navigating a dynamic, ever-changing industry
  • Working with diverse stakeholders, including partners, internal teams, and clients

ASSUMPTION: This role presents several challenges, including managing multiple priorities, balancing remote work with in-office requirements, and navigating a dynamic industry. Candidates should be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and be able to manage their time effectively.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is similar to a Senior Business Development Manager or Senior Partnerships Manager in other industries
  • However, the focus on student loans and financial services makes this role unique
  • Career progression in this role could lead to a leadership position within the Partnerships team or a broader role within the company

ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other Senior Business Development or Partnerships Manager roles, the focus on student loans and financial services makes it unique. Candidates should have relevant experience in these areas to be successful in this role.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a strategic partnership plan to drive revenue growth for the Student Loan Originations product
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless partner onboarding and retention
  • Identifying and implementing process improvements to enhance operational efficiency

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and operational aspects of the Senior Partnerships Manager role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and how they can apply their skills to drive success in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits into the organization?
  • What are the most pressing challenges facing the Partnerships team, and how can this role help address them?
  • How does Earnest support the professional growth and development of its employees?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
  • How does Earnest foster a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions help candidates understand the team structure, priorities, and culture of Earnest, allowing them to make an informed decision about the role and the company.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through Earnest's careers page
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
  • Prepare for your interviews by researching Earnest's mission, values, and culture
  • Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview to express your interest in the role and ask any remaining questions
  • If selected, complete the background check and onboarding process

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