Partnership Specialist
Department: Administration
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Reports To: Operations Manager
Description of Company:
Chinook Enterprises is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1980. We are a non-profit designed to operate as a business, but with a social mission: supporting full participation in community life for people with disabilities or other barriers. Full participation must start with successful employment.
About the Position:
The Partnership Specialist represents, coordinates, and helps Chinook Enterprises grow by generating new revenue which may include private and public sector contracts, grants, and/or donations.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Other duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
- Represent Chinook to the local business, government, and private/public marketplace to build brand awareness, brand image, credibility and obtain new business to expand employment and community opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- Develop marketing strategy, assist in strategic planning, and perform market research to identify new opportunities. Engage with Operations Manager to establish sales strategies for pursuing those new opportunities, reporting back on progress.
- Establish and sustain successful business relationships that maximize the sales and revenue of Grounds Maintenance, Production (Manufacturing & Assembly) and mission-related work, in conjunction with Finance and Production Departments.
- Confer with leadership team and Board of Directors to evaluate new business opportunities, assessment of potential markets, and coordinate marketing initiatives, alongside CEO and Operations Manager.
- Develop business plans, design, and implement processes to support business growth with Chinook’s mission as the guiding principle.
- Facilitate business growth by working together with public and private partnerships (suppliers, subcontractors, partners, funders, customers, stakeholders, providers, etc.).
- Actively participate in connections to community business organizations to impact the mission.
- Responsible for supporting Leadership to submit RFI’s/RFP’s/RFQ’s, bids, and proposals.
- Reaching out to major donors and prospects for gift cultivations, as needed.
- Build and maintain high-level contacts with current and prospective customers and other business and project partners.
- Writes and submits proposals and reports on a timely basis; maintains a portfolio of business-related submissions/contacts per month.
- Maintains clear and accurate written and electronic records of proposals and reports, including RFQ log sales activity tracking in shared drives and databases.
- Ensures efficient and timely process for all tasks, communication and reports related to the business outreach process, including letters of inquiry, proposals, reports, and stewardship activities.
- Use sales forecasting and strategic planning to ensure the sale and profitability of product lines and services.
- Drive prospects through contract award (including identifying new customers and markets, developing approaches to the market, identifying prospects, proposal preparation, etc.).
- Evaluate the financial aspects of product development, such as budgets, expenditures, research and development appropriations, or return-on-investment and profit-loss projections alongside Finance Manager.
- Other duties as assigned.
Essential Skills and Abilities:
To perform this job successfully, an individual should have/be…
- Knowledge of sales and marketing principles and practices.
- Demonstrated understanding of latest sales mediums, including social media, to strengthen company brand and reach.
- High aptitude for networking across industries and channels.
- Think strategically, courteously and respond swiftly to customer requests.
- Skilled at creating partnerships and have a talent for consultative selling.
- A fast learner and creative problem solver that thrives in performance-oriented team environments.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with co-workers on projects requiring specific expertise or input
- Ability to adhere to corporate policies as detailed in the Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, mobile applications, and CRM systems or related software with the ability to learn to utilize new technologies.
Position Requirements:
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing or related field.
- Two or more years sales or business/account development experience with demonstrated results.
- Experience with data analysis and market research and converting results into actionable goals.
- A combination of experience and education may be substituted for these requirements.
Certificates
- Required Washington State Driver’s license, basic vehicle liability insurance and be insurable.
- Required to submit and pass a Washington State Patrol background check as well as a DSHS background check.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move 20-30 pounds. The employee is regularly required to sit at a desk and work on a computer for prolonged periods of time. The employee must be able to access and navigate each business offsite. Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, squat or crouch.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is routinely indoors in an office type setting. The employee regularly meets with current and prospective customers and other business and project partners in the office and in the community. The position requires occasional evening or weekend work, meetings and/or travel. The employee is occasionally exposed to work near moving mechanical parts or outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is generally low.
TO APPLY
- We are committed to adding voices to our team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We encourage black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), military veterans and spouses, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQ+ identifying individuals, and those with work gaps to apply and help us in our vision to realize a community that celebrates inclusion and diversity through innovative leadership and partnerships.
- To learn more about us, the position and to apply, please visit https://chinookenterprises.org/careers-at-chinook
- Download our application and submit it with your Cover Letter and Resume through our website. Or apply in person at: Chinook Enterprises, 2026 LaVenture Rd. Mt Vernon, WA 98273
SALARY & BENEFITS
Starting Wage: $33.33 – 39.85 per hour DOE
Benefits: We offer an excellent benefits package, including full coverage on medical, dental, long-term disability, life insurance, 401(k) matching retirement, 10 paid holidays, 160 hours of paid vacation, paid sick leave, an optional vision benefit that is available at a low cost, voluntary life insurance, dependent care FSA, tuition reimbursement program, quarterly incorporate massage and company provided mental fitness app Nivati. We have a great culture, flexibility, and offer training and development opportunities
Job Announcement: https://chinookenterprises.org/position-opening-partnership-specialist/
