Manager, Partner Relations

## Description

### ABOUT CRADLES TO CRAYONS
Cradles to Crayons (C2C) was founded in 2002 with the mission of providing children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive—at home, at school, and at play. C2C is at the cutting edge of volunteer management, and through its “Giving Factory” provides unique, hands-on opportunities for people to help other people. Headquartered in Boston, MA, C2C opened in Philadelphia in 2007 and in Chicago in 2016.

### How Our Model Works
Cradles to Crayons collects new and nearly new children’s items through grassroots community drives and corporate donations. Donations are then processed and packaged by volunteers and distributed to disadvantaged children through a collaborative network of social service agencies and school partners. C2C supplies these items free of charge by engaging and connecting communities that have with communities that need.

Cradles to Crayons meets a critical need as many children 12 years old and younger live in low-income and/or homeless situations. These living conditions can negatively affect self-esteem, contribute to social and emotional behavioral challenges, impact early education—since half of children living in poverty start 1st grade up to two years developmentally behind their peers—and compromise safety, as children living in poverty have increased risk of injury.

While meeting the immediate needs of low-income children, Cradles to Crayons also sets a foundation for lasting change by providing meaningful, tangible volunteer opportunities to thousands of individuals and families and hundreds of corporations each year through clothing collections, fundraisers, and volunteer shifts in the Giving Factory warehouse.

Cradles to Crayons earned the highest possible rating from Charity Navigator for several consecutive years. Only 2% of charities rated have received this distinction, differentiating C2C from its peers, exemplifying the high standard of service at C2C, and indicating that C2C outperforms most other charities in America.

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## POSITION OVERVIEW
Cradles to Crayons collaborates with a network of close to 100 Service Partner organizations across the Chicagoland area to provide high-quality items for children from birth through age 12. This network includes schools, hospitals, Head Start programs, homeless shelters, community health centers, early intervention programs, and more. The Manager of Partner Relations is responsible for managing these external partnerships as well as overseeing annual distribution initiatives.

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## MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

### General Responsibilities
– Model and lead a positive “One Cradles” culture, underpinned by Cradles’ Cultural Values and related behaviors
– Work cooperatively with staff, volunteers, and interns to support the mission of Cradles to Crayons
– Manage donation distribution programs and partnerships with social service organizations across the Chicagoland area to meet annual distribution goals
– Participate in Cradles to Crayons’ special events and initiatives, managing all aspects related to service partner involvement
– Ensure timely communication of partner demand, working collaboratively with the Operations team

### Team Management
– Manage the Partner Relations Associate and team interns, including coaching, motivating, and evaluating performance
– Assist in building comprehensive department guidelines, toolkits, and trainings to guide the process of receiving, filling, and distributing orders placed by partners

### Relationship Management
– Ensure the successful development and implementation of all distribution services to partners while fostering strong relationships
– Manage the annual Service Partner portfolio audit process through regular communication and site visits
– Build strategies around partnership engagement and utilization, manage pilots, and oversee long-term engagement strategy
– Ensure all guidelines and contract standards are executed; maintain current paperwork and contracts
– Represent Cradles to Crayons externally at collaborative events and opportunities
– Collect testimonials and impact data from service partners

### Project Management
– Manage current and future special programming, including the annual Backpack Distribution and Diaper Distribution Days
– Support cross-market teams for overall strategy and effectiveness
– Support development of IT systems and tools to assist Service Partners
– Demonstrate adaptability and problem-solving in a dynamic environment where programs and priorities may evolve

### Data Tracking and Analysis
– Ensure timely and accurate distribution data tracking in Salesforce
– Maintain accurate account and partnership information
– Assist in analyzing geographic penetration, partnership effectiveness, and make recommendations to improve organizational impact

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## Required Experience / Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
– Minimum of 3+ years of superior customer service and non-profit experience
– 1–2 years of previous staff management experience
– Ability to speak fluent Spanish
– Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize and track work
– Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
– Ability to anticipate problems and exercise independent judgment
– Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams
– Demonstrated ability to adapt to evolving priorities
– Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends

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## COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The estimated salary range for this position is $69,000–$73,000 based on geographic labor market.

Cradles to Crayons is committed to pay equity and uses geographic benchmarks to ensure fair compensation. The compensation offered may vary based on experience, education, and skill level.

This is a benefits-eligible position. Cradles to Crayons offers a generous benefits package, including:

– Medical, dental, vision, and a Health Reimbursement Arrangement
– Monthly cell phone and internet stipend
– Employer-sponsored short- and long-term disability and basic life insurance
– Retirement plan matching
– Annual professional development stipend

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## DIVERSITY IS OUR STRENGTH
Diversity and inclusiveness are core values at Cradles to Crayons, and we strive to be a team where everyone feels welcome and supported. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic. Individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

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## Working Conditions
This role is primarily office-based but spends approximately 5% of its time in the Giving Factory warehouse. Normal temperature changes are expected while working inside the warehouse or outside near the loading dock. There are no hazardous or significantly unpleasant conditions.

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## Accommodation
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals. However, no accommodations will be made that pose serious health or safety risks or impose undue hardship on the organization.

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## To Apply
Please upload a cover letter and resume with relevant experience at:
https://www.cradlestocrayons.org/what-we-do/careers/