Job Location

Lifsey Building - Career Solutions

Job Summary:

The Business Partnerships Coordinator will serve as a crucial link between Goodwill of Middle Tennessee and various business entities, including employers, industry associations, chambers of commerce, and other related organizations. This role is designed to foster strong partnerships that align with the workforce development goals of Goodwill, particularly through its Career and Technical Academy. The coordinator will engage with industry stakeholders to understand their hiring needs, skills requirements, industry trends, and potential collaboration opportunities for both employment of our graduates and funding of occupational training programs.

The Business Partnerships Coordinator will promote a positive work environment that celebrates our vision, mission and core values of Teamwork, Respect, Uprightness and Empowerment in every action and interaction with team members, donors, customers, management and persons served.

Job Description

Essential Functions

• Develops and maintains robust relationships with businesses, industry associations, and chambers of commerce to understand and support their workforce needs.
• Organizes and leads business advisory groups for each of the occupational training areas offered by Goodwill, including construction, clean technology, information technology, welding, and call center operations.
• Collaborates with these groups to gather insights on industry trends, skill gaps, and potential employer requirements to continuously align Goodwill’s training programs with market needs.
• Liaises with existing or forming business or industry coalitions, consortiums, and forums to enhance collaborative opportunities and leverage synergies in workforce development.
• Facilitates connections between industry partners and graduates of Goodwill training programs, enhancing job placement opportunities.
• Identifies and engages potential funding partners to support the expansion and sustainability of occupational training programs.
• Provides data to the curriculum development teams to ensure training relevance and responsiveness to industry demands.
• Coordinates events, meetings, and other networking opportunities that promote Goodwill’s mission and training capabilities to potential employers and partners.
• Prepares and presents regular reports on partnership activities, outcomes, and strategic recommendations to Goodwill management and stakeholders.
• Other duties as assigned by management.

Minimum Qualifications

Required Skills

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field is required.

Experience

• At least 3-5 years of experience in business development, outreach, or partnership roles, preferably within a nonprofit, educational environment, or business association.

Knowledge / Skills

• Strong understanding of the workforce development landscape and key industry sectors such as construction, clean technology, information technology, welding, and call center operations.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to organize and manage multiple stakeholder groups.
• Strong planning and organizational skills with a capacity to think strategically and innovatively.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.