Senior Partnerships Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Partnerships Manager

🔹 Company: Earnest

🔹 Location: San Francisco Bay Area (Remote)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

🔹 Category: Financial Services

🔹 Date Posted: April 23, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 4-6+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Remote with monthly office visits)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Overseeing and growing strategic partnerships to drive business goals for the Student Loan Originations product.
• Collaborating cross-functionally with various teams to ensure seamless partner onboarding and retention.
• Driving revenue growth opportunities with existing partners through conversion optimization and marketing collaboration.
• Leading cross-departmental projects aligned with corporate objectives and managing multiple priorities.
• Continuously assessing and improving operational systems and processes.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in partnerships or business development within the financial services industry, with a preference for student loan expertise. Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with senior stakeholders are crucial for success in this position.

📋 Key Responsibilities

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

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

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

✅ Drive revenue growth opportunities with existing partners through conversion optimization and marketing collaboration.

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

✅ Continuously assess and improve operational systems and processes, proactively identifying and implementing process improvements.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of cross-functional collaboration and requires strong project management skills to balance multiple priorities and deliver results.

🎯 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, preferably in lending, 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, with the ability to deliver clear, professional presentations and recommendations to executive-level audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and client relationship management skills, with a proven ability to build trust and maintain credibility with senior stakeholders.
• Advanced problem-solving and adaptability skills, including the ability to analyze complex issues, make sound decisions quickly, and thrive in dynamic, changing environments.
• Willingness to travel to the Oakland office monthly to collaborate with other Earnies!

Preferred Skills:

• Experience implementing marketing automation best practices across email, landing pages, and campaign infrastructure.
• Prior success working cross-functionally with Product, Legal, and Engineering teams to drive partnership initiatives forward.
• Strong presentation development skills with the ability to tailor messaging for executive audiences.
• Background in a high-growth, fast-paced environment within fintech or related industries.

ASSUMPTION: While a Bachelor's degree is preferred, equivalent experience in partnerships or business development may be considered. Relevant industry experience is highly valued for this role.

💰 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, with a hybrid work arrangement (remote with monthly office visits)

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

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Financial Services, specifically focused on student lending and financial empowerment.

Company Size: 201-500 employees (as of 2025)

Founded: 2013

Company Description:

• Earnest empowers past, present, and soon-to-be students to maximize their financial futures through thoughtful guidance and impactful products.
• The company 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.
• Earnest is committed to building an environment where employees feel included, valued, and heard, with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging.

Company Specialties:

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

Company Website: earnest.com

ASSUMPTION: Earnest is a mission-driven company focused on empowering students to take control of their finances. The company's culture values drivers, humility, and a growth mindset, with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, equity, and belonging.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-Senior level, with the potential for career growth within the partnerships team or across the organization.

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Director, Partnerships Marketing.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (remote with monthly office visits to the Oakland office).

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for career advancement within the partnerships team or across the organization as the company continues to grow and expand its offerings.
• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and drive significant business growth.
• Chance to learn from and collaborate with experienced professionals across various teams and disciplines.

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

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (remote with monthly office visits)

Office Location(s): San Francisco Bay Area (with monthly visits to the Oakland office)

Geographic Context:

• The San Francisco Bay Area offers a diverse and vibrant community with numerous cultural, recreational, and professional opportunities.
• The region is known for its mild climate, natural beauty, and strong job market, particularly in the tech and financial sectors.
• Earnest's offices are located in the heart of the Bay Area, providing easy access to public transportation, amenities, and nearby attractions.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with a hybrid work arrangement (remote with monthly office visits)

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers the best of both worlds, allowing employees to enjoy the flexibility of remote work while also benefiting from the in-person collaboration and networking opportunities that come with regular office visits.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• On-site or virtual interview with the hiring team
• Final round interview with senior leadership
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Partnerships and business development experience
• Communication and presentation skills
• Problem-solving and adaptability
• Cultural fit and alignment with Earnest's values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant partnerships and business development experience, as well as any industry-specific expertise you possess.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your experience with strategic partnerships, cross-functional collaboration, and driving business growth.
• Research Earnest's mission, values, and company culture to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the role.

ATS Keywords: Strategic partnerships, business development, user growth strategies, partnership models, communication skills, client relationship management, problem-solving, adaptability, marketing automation, cross-functional collaboration, presentation development, fintech experience

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will likely focus on assessing the candidate's partnerships and business development experience, as well as their communication, problem-solving, and cultural fit skills. Demonstrating a strong understanding of Earnest's mission and values will be crucial for success in the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Marketing automation tools (e.g., Marketo, Pardot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the company's tech stack and the candidate's prior experience. However, strong proficiency in CRM, marketing automation, and project management tools is likely to be essential for success in this role.

👔 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:

• Drivers – satisfied by making things happen, not coming along for the ride
• Humility – humble team players check their egos and consider the team’s needs above their own
• Growth Mindset – people with a growth mindset approach challenges and failures as learning opportunities

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of driving strategic partnerships and business growth in the financial services industry?
• Are you comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and managing multiple priorities?
• Do you possess strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and maintain credibility with senior stakeholders?
• Are you passionate about Earnest's mission and committed to helping students take control of their financial futures?

ASSUMPTION: A strong cultural fit for this role requires a candidate who is passionate about Earnest's mission, values-driven, and committed to driving strategic partnerships and business growth in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple priorities and balancing the needs of various stakeholders, including partners, internal teams, and senior leadership.
• Navigating the complexities of the financial services industry and staying up-to-date with regulatory changes and market trends.
• Adapting to a hybrid work arrangement and balancing the benefits and challenges of remote work and in-person collaboration.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with partners, internal teams, and senior leadership in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

ASSUMPTION: These potential challenges require strong project management, communication, and adaptability skills, as well as a deep understanding of the financial services industry and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role differs from related positions in its focus on strategic partnerships within the student lending and financial empowerment space, rather than more general financial services or consumer lending roles.
• Industry-specific context: The student lending and financial empowerment industry is characterized by a strong focus on social impact, mission-driven values, and a commitment to empowering students to take control of their financial futures.
• Career path comparison: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to advance within the partnerships team or across the organization as the company continues to grow and expand its offerings.

ASSUMPTION: A strong understanding of the industry-specific context and career path comparison is essential for candidates to assess the fit and potential growth opportunities of this role relative to similar positions in the financial services industry.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic partnership plan to drive business growth for the Student Loan Originations product, including setting clear OKRs and measuring progress.
• Collaborating cross-functionally with marketing, product, engineering, legal, and client teams to ensure seamless partner onboarding and retention, with a focus on driving revenue growth opportunities.
• Leading a cross-departmental project to optimize conversion rates and improve the overall customer experience for student loan applicants, resulting in a significant increase in approved loans and satisfied customers.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the key responsibilities and required skills for this role, with a focus on strategic partnerships, cross-functional collaboration, and driving business growth within the student lending and financial empowerment industry.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the current partnership landscape for the Student Loan Originations product, and how this role will contribute to its growth and success?
• How does the partnerships team collaborate with other departments, such as marketing, product, and engineering, to ensure seamless partner onboarding and retention?
• What are the most significant challenges facing the student lending and financial empowerment industry, and how can this role help address them?
• How does Earnest support the professional growth and development of its employees, particularly within the partnerships team?
• What is the company's long-term vision for the Student Loan Originations product, and how does this role fit into that strategy?

ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, industry-specific, and role-relevant questions during the interview process demonstrates a strong interest in the position and a commitment to understanding the company's mission, values, and long-term vision.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant partnerships and business development experience, as well as any industry-specific expertise you possess.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your experience with strategic partnerships, cross-functional collaboration, and driving business growth.
• Research Earnest's mission, values, and company culture to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm for the role.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the position and inquire about the status of your application.

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