Director of Partnerships- CA

Director of Partnerships - CA

Job Description

Founded in 2012, The Acceleration Project (TAP)’s mission is to empower under-resourced small business owners and accelerate their success by providing high-impact and customized strategic, financial, operational, and marketing support. Small businesses are a vital engine of our economy, and TAP supports entrepreneurs who lack access to critical networks and resources. TAP has worked with more than 100,000 small business owners.

Position Summary:

TAP is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director of Partnerships – CA (DoP) to support the Chief Growth Officer in achieving TAP’s growth goals by expanding revenue streams and building client pipelines in California. The DoP will strengthen TAP’s presence across the California small business ecosystem by cultivating and managing partnerships, including those with national reach, to advance TAP’s client and fundraising objectives. This role also supports consultant recruitment for the Talent team and oversees tracking and reporting of California performance metrics. The ideal candidate has strong interpersonal, communication, and strategic thinking skills, a proven track record in partnership or business development, and the ability to manage complex projects and foster collaboration. Based in California, this full-time, flexible, field-oriented role (40 hours/week) requires regular in-person engagement with partners and community members, occasional evening events, and travel within California and approximately twice per year to the New York City area. Preference will be given to candidates based in the Bay Area.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Growth team to define and implement overall expansion goals and objectives
• Lead the development and execution of strategic plans and initiatives within California by identifying and cultivating new strategic partnerships, client pipelines, and funding opportunities via collaborations with organizations, stakeholders, and community leaders within California that align with TAP’s growth strategies.
• Collaborate with the Service Delivery team to nurture and expand existing funding and client pipeline partnerships in California and partner with them on the planning, implementation, and evaluation of partnership initiatives in California.
• Develop and manage project timelines, key performance indicators, budgets, resource allocation and financial targets to ensure initiatives are actionable, measurable, and fundable.
• Serve as point person on reporting on overall TAP performance in CA to Leadership team.
• Monitor and evaluate progress towards strategic and business goals, making recommendations for adjustments as needed.
• Create and deliver compelling and effective TAP presentations for external audiences.
• Identify opportunities to build TAP’s presence in the ecosystem and represent the organization in external meetings, conferences, and events to build and strengthen relationships.
• Support the Talent team to recruit and retain high-quality consultants in California.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment that encourages innovation and accountability.

What We’re Looking For:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; MBA or advanced degree a plus.
• 4+ years of experience in business development, partnership development, or sales.
• Proven track record of cultivating strategic partnerships, managing complex projects, and driving measurable results.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Highly organized, self-directed, proactive, and adaptable in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
• Demonstrated flexibility to take on new challenges and support cross-functional initiatives as needed.
• Willingness to participate in occasional events outside standard business hours and to travel as required.
• Passion for empowering under-resourced small businesses and advancing TAP’s mission.
• Nonprofit or social enterprise experience preferred.
• Commitment to contributing to TAP’s collective fundraising and growth goals.

Benefits Package:

• $65,000-$70,000 per year based on a full-time status (40 hours per week). Once onboard, there is potential for salary increases within the established band, as our employees have opportunities for annual merit increases and cost-of-living adjustments.
• Generous PTO
• 10 paid holidays per year
• 2 floating holidays per year for full-time employees
• Time off between Christmas and New Year’s
• Health and dental insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@theaccelerationproject.org with ‘Director of Partnerships - CA’ in the subject line.

In your cover letter, please include a response to the following questions:

1. Why are you interested in the position? Why are you a good fit for this role?
2. What are the most important attributes for being successful in this position?
3. What do you think makes a partner a good fit for TAP?
4. What process would you follow to engage with a partner that you have identified as a good fit?
5. How would you position a partnership with TAP to a potential client pipeline partner? To a potential funder?

TAP is an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Applications by members of all underrepresented groups are encouraged.