POSITION OVERVIEW

The Partnerships Associate will play a key role in supporting Food for Education’s mission by driving strategic partnerships and positioning the organization as a global thought leader in school feeding and the education-nutrition nexus. Reporting to the External Relations Manager, the role focuses on managing stakeholder engagements, identifying national and international partnerships and engagements, producing high-impact materials, and representing the organization in key forums.

This position requires a proactive, organized individual with exceptional communication skills and a passion for showcasing Food for Education’s innovative model and its community impact. As the primary point of contact for external inquiries and engagement opportunities, the Partnerships Associate will ensure all activities align with the organization’s strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

External Engagement Strategic Prioritization:

• Build a deep understanding of Food for Education’s sector and ecosystem, especially key players and stakeholders within the space.
• Conduct detailed research to identify key national and international opportunities, forums, and partnerships that align with Food for Education’s mission and strategic goals.
• Evaluate and prioritize external engagement requests based on their potential to advance Food for Education’s role as a thought leader in school feeding and the education-nutrition nexus.

Representation and Advocacy:

• Represent Food for Education at national convenings, events, and conferences, ensuring the organization’s impact and model are effectively communicated.
• Serve as a spokesperson to advocate for the importance of school feeding and its connection to education and nutrition.

Development of Strategic Materials:

• Produce high-quality, data-driven reports, presentations, and articles showcasing Food for Education’s success and thought leadership in addressing education and nutrition challenges.
• Collaborate with the communications team to create tailored content for global and local audiences, aligning messaging with strategic goals.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building:

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key national and international stakeholders, NGOs, and private sector partners.
• Act as the first point of contact for external correspondence, ensuring timely and professional responses to inquiries and opportunities.

Database and Opportunity Management:

• Develop and maintain an up-to-date database of relevant national and international events, partnership opportunities, and forums relevant to Food for Education’s mission.

Logistics and Event Coordination:

• Support the planning and execution of Food for Education’s participation in national and international events, ensuring seamless logistics and impactful representation.
• Organize and lead onsite visits for external audiences, showcasing the Food for Education model and its impact on communities.

Strategic Alignment and Reporting:

• Work closely with the External Relations Manager to align engagement efforts with Food for Education’s strategic thought leadership objectives.
• Provide regular updates and reports on external relations activities, highlighting achievements, challenges, and areas for growth.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Partner with internal teams, particularly communications teams to produce visually engaging and compelling materials tailored to external audiences, including presentations, newsletters, and promotional content.

Administrative Support:

• Perform administrative tasks related to external relations, including scheduling, coordination of meetings, and documentation of engagement activities.

Desired Candidate Profile

• 2-3 years of experience in partnerships, external affairs, or a similar outward-facing role, preferably in the education, non-profit, or development sectors.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Communications, Public Relations, International Relations, Development Studies, or other related discipline.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling reports, briefs, and correspondence tailored to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Experience producing high-quality written materials, including reports, presentations, and proposals.
• Familiarity with maintaining databases or tracking tools for managing stakeholder relationships and opportunities.
• A natural relationship builder with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with diverse stakeholders.
• Understanding of the role of partnerships in advancing organizational missions within the non-profit or development space.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and collaboration tools (e.g., Google Workspace).
• Experience representing an organization in external forums, conferences, or convenings, with the ability to communicate key messages effectively.
• Familiarity with global development, education, and nutrition sectors, with an understanding of how partnerships can enhance thought leadership.