Manager, Partner Relations

The Council for Professional Recognition is the nation’s leading credentialing organization for early childhood educators and the home of the Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential, the most widely recognized certification in early childhood education. For more than 45 years, the Council has advanced the professionalization of the ECE workforce by setting rigorous, competency-based standards that ensure educators have the knowledge and skills to support the healthy development of children from birth to age five.

We are seeking a collaborative, relationship-driven Manager of Partner Relations to expand and strengthen strategic partnerships that advance the Council’s mission and workforce development goals nationwide.

About the Role

The Manager of Partner Relations plays a key role in expanding and sustaining high-impact partnerships that support access to high-quality early childhood education and workforce development opportunities. Working closely with the Director of Partner Relations, this role manages a diverse portfolio of partners and serves as a primary connector between the Council and organizations aligned with its mission.

You will help identify new partnership opportunities, strengthen existing relationships, and support initiatives that increase CDA access, visibility, and impact across communities nationwide.

Position Details

Location: Remote

Reports to: Director of Partner Relations

Classification: Full-time, Exempt

Salary Range: $100,000 - $105,000 (commensurate with experience)

Travel: Approximately 25–30% for partner engagement, conferences, and meetings

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with a portfolio of partner organizations across early childhood education, higher education, workforce development, CTE, and apprenticeship sectors, serving as the primary point of contact for assigned partners.

• Identify, vet, and support onboarding of new partners aligned with the Council’s strategic priorities, including equity, rural access, Spanish-speaking communities, and priority states.

• Collaborate across internal teams within the Strategic Alliances Department and throughout the organization to ensure alignment between partnership efforts and organizational goals.

• Monitor partnership engagement, track performance metrics, and report on outcomes and impact to inform strategy and continuous improvement.

• Contribute to the development of outreach strategies, tools, and partnership resources that support recruitment, retention, and shared learning.

• Support the planning and execution of partner-facing events, webinars, campaigns, and convenings that strengthen engagement and collaboration.

• Represent the Council at partner meetings, conferences, and community events, promoting the Council’s mission, values, and programs.

Our Ideal Candidate

Our ideal candidate is a skilled relationship-builder who brings strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and a commitment to advancing early childhood education. The strongest candidates will bring:

• A minimum of five years of experience in partnership management, stakeholder engagement, community relations, or a related field.

• Knowledge of early childhood education and/or workforce development systems strongly preferred.

• Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.

• Proven ability to manage multiple partnerships and projects simultaneously with strong attention to detail.

• Experience using CRM platforms and Microsoft 365 tools.

• Bachelor’s degree required in education, communications, public affairs, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.

• Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English preferred but not required.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse communities and partners.

Why Work at the Council

The Council for Professional Recognition is more than a workplace; it is a mission-driven community where people stay, grow, and thrive. We are proud to be Great Place to Work Certified, with 96% of employees reporting that the Council is a great place to work.

We invest deeply in the people who advance our mission and offer a comprehensive, highly competitive benefits package designed to support your well-being, work-life balance, and long-term success.

What We Offer:

• Remote-first environment with flexibility and trust

• 35-hour work week to promote balance and sustainability

• Highly competitive health benefits, including 90% employer-paid premiums and full deductible coverage for health plans

• Comprehensive dental, vision, and life insurance

• 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer contribution after one year

• 16 weeks of parental leave after one year of employment

• Health and dependent care FSA options

• Generous paid time off, including 13 holidays, 15 vacation days, and 12 sick days

• Robust professional development opportunities to support your growth

At the Council, you will join a high-impact organization where your work directly supports educators who care for our youngest learners.

Equal Opportunity

The Council for Professional Recognition is committed to building a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on any protected characteristic.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of employment visas at this time.