Vice President Growth and Partnerships

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Vice President Growth and Partnerships

🔹 Company: Ruffalo Noel Levitz

🔹 Location: Remote (Anywhere, US)

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Higher Education, Business Development

🔹 Date Posted: 2025-04-22

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)

🔹 Remote Status: Remote (Solely)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Strategic business development and partnership cultivation
• Executive-level outreach and sales development
• University procurement engagement and contract negotiation
• Event sponsorship and corporate engagement management
• Market research and industry analysis for growth opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Serve as a strategic business development partner, working closely with the sales team to drive growth and expand RNL's reach

✅ Identify and develop new business opportunities, secure event sponsorships, and cultivate key partnerships with institutions and corporate stakeholders

✅ Conduct executive-level outreach to secure introductory sales meetings and facilitate future business potential through phone and email

✅ Develop and execute a strategic approach to securing preferred buyer agreements with university systems, consortia, and third-party funders

✅ Engage and negotiate with procurement departments, consortia, and state systems to establish formal agreements and oversee contract execution processes

✅ Identify, prospect, and cultivate relationships with potential corporate sponsors for RNL events and support the SVP of Partnerships with management of reseller and referral partner relationships

✅ Conduct in-depth market research and industry analysis to identify emerging trends and sales/partnership growth opportunities and collaborate with marketing and subject matter experts to update and enhance sales enablement strategies and tools

✅ Partner with RNL Corporate Marketing to coordinate events, focusing on performance metrics, resource allocation, and staffing

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, relationship-building, and operational tasks to drive growth and partnerships.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in business, marketing, communications, or a related field; master's degree preferred

Experience: 4+ years of experience in event sponsorships, partnerships, sales development, or marketing, with a focus on higher education

Required Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a customer-centric and relationship-building approach
• Demonstrated ability and comfort with cold-calling and initiating peer-to-peer conversations
• Excellent organizational, multitasking, and prioritization skills, with the ability to work effectively under pressure
• Motivated to work collaboratively in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment
• Hard working and tenacious, with a demonstrated commitment to achieving performance goals both individually and within a team
• Ability to meet deadlines and maintain a detail-oriented, self-motivated, and independent work style with minimal supervision
• Proficiency in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and Microsoft Office Suite

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with procurement processes or working within higher education
• Ability to work in a remote/virtual environment with a reliable network connection

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong background in sales development, partnerships, or a related field, with a focus on higher education and proven success in building relationships and driving growth.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Estimated, based on industry standards for a mid-senior level role in higher education)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Employee assistance program
• Tuition reimbursement

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week), with occasional travel (5%)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a mid-senior level role in higher education, with a focus on business development and partnerships. Actual compensation may vary based on experience and performance.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education, specifically focused on enrollment management, student success, and fundraising solutions

Company Size: Medium (501-1,000 employees), offering a structured yet agile work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration

Founded: 1981, with a rich history and extensive experience in the higher education sector

Company Description:

• RNL is the leading provider of higher education enrollment management, student success, and fundraising solutions
• For over 40 years, colleges and nonprofit organizations have turned to Ruffalo Noel Levitz to enroll the students they want, help more students graduate and succeed, and build lifelong relationships with donors
• The company's mission is to make colleges, universities, and nonprofits successful and vibrant with inspired and relevant engagement

Company Specialties:

• Enrollment Management
• Fundraising Management
• Student Success
• Retention
• Planned Giving
• Marketing
• Financial Aid Services
• Software
• Engagement
• Telefundraising
• Remote Engagement
• Online Program Management (OPM)
• Online Program Enablement (OPE)
• Adult student lifecycle

Company Website: http://www.RuffaloNL.com

ASSUMPTION: Ruffalo Noel Levitz is a well-established company in the higher education sector, with a strong focus on enrollment management, student success, and fundraising solutions. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic and collaborative environment, driving growth and partnerships within the industry.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-Senior level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the company

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Senior Vice President of Partnerships and works closely with the sales team to drive growth and expand RNL's reach

Work Arrangement: Remote (Solely), with occasional travel (5%) required for events and client meetings

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement within the partnerships and business development team
• Expansion into other areas of the company, such as enrollment management or student success
• Leadership and mentoring opportunities as the team grows and evolves

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic planning, relationship-building, and operational tasks, providing ample opportunities for growth and development within the company.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote (Solely), with no physical office location required

Office Location(s): N/A (Remote work environment)

Geographic Context:

• This role can be performed from any location within the United States, offering flexibility and convenience for the right candidate
• The company's headquarters are located in Cedar Rapids, IA, with additional offices in Raleigh, NC, and Schaumburg, IL
• The higher education industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector, with opportunities for growth and innovation

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with occasional travel (5%) required for events and client meetings

ASSUMPTION: The remote work environment offers flexibility and convenience for the right candidate, while also providing the opportunity to work with a diverse and collaborative team across the United States.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through the provided link
• Phone or video screening with the HR department to assess qualifications and fit
• In-depth phone or video interview with the hiring manager to discuss the role, responsibilities, and cultural fit
• Final interview with key stakeholders, including the Senior Vice President of Partnerships
• Background check and offer extension for the successful candidate

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and business development skills
• Relationship-building and communication abilities
• Experience with higher education and procurement processes
• Adaptability and comfort working in a remote environment

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of the higher education industry and Ruffalo Noel Levitz's mission and values
• Prepare examples of your successful business development and partnership cultivation efforts
• Research the company and industry to show your enthusiasm and commitment to the role

ATS Keywords: Business Development, Partnerships, Higher Education, Sales Development, Event Sponsorships, Market Research, Negotiation, Communication, Relationship Building, Organizational Skills, CRM Proficiency, Cold Calling, Team Collaboration, Detail Oriented, Self Motivated, Multitasking, Customer Centric

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their qualifications, experience, and fit for the position through a thorough interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• CRM system (e.g., Salesforce)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in CRM systems and Microsoft Office Suite, with additional tools and technologies used to support collaboration and project management within the remote work environment.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Customer-centric approach
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Innovation and continuous improvement
• Integrity and accountability
• Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Work Style:

• Remote and flexible work environment
• Agile and adaptable to change
• Focused on results and outcomes
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Customer-centric and relationship-building mindset

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders in a remote work environment?
• Can you provide an example of a successful business development or partnership cultivation effort in a higher education setting?
• How do you stay organized and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced and ever-changing work environment?
• How do you approach cold-calling and initiating peer-to-peer conversations with senior-level executives?
• How do you balance the strategic planning and relationship-building aspects of this role with the operational tasks required to drive growth and partnerships?

ASSUMPTION: Ruffalo Noel Levitz values a customer-centric approach, collaboration, and innovation, with a strong focus on results and outcomes in a remote and flexible work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working remotely may present challenges in maintaining a healthy work-life balance and staying connected with colleagues
• The fast-paced and ever-changing nature of the role may require adaptability and flexibility
• Occasional travel (5%) may be required for events and client meetings, which could disrupt personal schedules and plans
• The competitive nature of the higher education industry may present challenges in securing partnerships and driving growth

ASSUMPTION: While this role offers many benefits and opportunities for growth, it also presents potential challenges that candidates should be prepared to navigate in a dynamic and ever-evolving work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is unique in its focus on strategic business development and partnership cultivation within the higher education sector
• Similar roles in other industries may focus on different aspects of business development, such as sales or marketing, or may not involve the same level of strategic planning and relationship-building
• Career paths in this role may lead to advancement within the partnerships and business development team, or expansion into other areas of the company, such as enrollment management or student success

ASSUMPTION: This role is unique in its focus on strategic business development and partnership cultivation within the higher education sector, offering a unique blend of strategic planning, relationship-building, and operational tasks to drive growth and partnerships.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a strategic approach to securing preferred buyer agreements with university systems, consortia, and third-party funders
• Identifying, prospecting, and cultivating relationships with potential corporate sponsors for RNL events, and managing reseller and referral partner relationships
• Conducting in-depth market research and industry analysis to identify emerging trends and sales/partnership growth opportunities, and collaborating with marketing and subject matter experts to update and enhance sales enablement strategies and tools

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic planning, relationship-building, and operational aspects of this role, highlighting the unique blend of skills and experiences required to drive growth and partnerships within the higher education sector.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into the overall strategy and growth plans for Ruffalo Noel Levitz?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
• How does the company support the professional development and growth of its employees in this role?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working in a remote environment for this role, and how does the company address them?
• How does the company measure the success of this role, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are used to track progress?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions help candidates better understand the role, its fit within the company, and the expectations for success in driving growth and partnerships within the higher education sector.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the provided link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on business development, partnerships, and higher education
• Prepare examples of your successful business development and partnership cultivation efforts to demonstrate your qualifications and fit for the position
• Research the company and industry to show your enthusiasm and commitment to the role
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and 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.