Manager, Strategic Partnerships

We are seeking a driven, client-facing Manager to help grow SLI's executive education and advisory services business. Reporting to the Head of Strategic Partnerships, the Manager will own a portfolio of client accounts and partnerships, generate and convert new business, and lead proposal development from enquiry to contract. The role works closely with programme, faculty, marketing and operations colleagues to turn client needs into well-designed, well-delivered engagements.

Key responsibilities:

• Implement the business development plan set by the Head of Strategic Partnerships and deliver against individual revenue and pipeline targets.
• Identify, qualify and pursue new clients and partners through direct outreach, referrals and networking, with a focus on executive education, advisory services, and advocacy partnerships.
• Prepare client proposals, with programme and faculty teams to shape programme design, pricing and delivery approach.
• Manage an assigned portfolio of key clients. Act as the main point of contact, ensure high client satisfaction, and identify repeat and expansion opportunities.
• Support contract and pricing negotiations, preparing terms for review and escalating to the Head of Strategic Partnerships where needed.
• Track market trends, competitor offerings and client needs, and share findings to inform strategy and new offerings.
• Maintain accurate pipeline, forecast and client records and provide regular updates to the Head of Strategic Partnerships.
• Work with operations and programme teams to ensure smooth handover from sales to delivery, and gather client feedback after each engagement.

Professional qualifications and skills

• Degree holder with at least 4–6 years of experience in business development, sales, consulting, account management or partnerships, ideally in executive education, leadership development, consulting or professional services.
• Proven track record of meeting revenue or pipeline targets and acquiring new accounts.
• Hands-on experience in client outreach, relationship management and proposal writing, with the ability to support programme design, operational execution and delivery.
• Excellent written and spoken English. Able to independently write clear, persuasive client proposals.
• Confident in engaging senior stakeholders.
• Quick learner who can get up to speed on SLI's steward leadership content and explain it credibly to clients.
• Comfortable with ambiguity; takes initiative and works well with minimal supervision, with a positive can-do attitude and a team-player mindset.
• Comfortable working in a flat organisation with minimal hierarchy, and enthusiastic about the non-profit sector; a self-starter and doer.