Oregon Program Partnership Manager

About VertueLab

VertueLab is a nonprofit fighting the climate crisis by providing funding and holistic entrepreneurial support to cleantech startups. Through over a decade of work, we have proven that our model can accelerate climate solutions that are key to reversing the climate crisis. We were the first in the nation to utilize risk-tolerant and flexible capital to invest in early-stage cleantech startups.

Why we need you

In this pivotal role, you'll work with our Executive Director/President to forge and nurture strategic relationships across Oregon's vibrant ecosystem. You'll shape connections and powerful collaborations that expand VertueLab’s reach, elevate our programs, and accelerate our mission. If you’re a relationship builder with a passion for creating impactful partnerships, we want to hear from you!

Key Responsibilities

Key responsibilities of the Program Partnership Manager include:

• Build and manage strategic partnerships with nonprofit peers, community organizations, government agencies, philanthropists and other ecosystem stakeholders.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities from diverse sources to support ecosystem-building and programmatic initiatives.
• Partner with the programs team to coordinate VertueLab’s involvement at industry events to ensure strategic alignment, opportunities for business development and ecosystem visibility.
• Drive equity-centered approaches across partnerships and programming, with a focus on elevating underinvested innovators, entrepreneurs and communities in the climate tech ecosystem.
• Represent VertueLab in external spaces including industry events, policy discussions and government initiatives to build awareness, strengthen ecosystem visibility, and advance climate and innovation policies that enables Just Transition outcomes
• Contribute to organizational strategy, culture,impact measurement and communications that respond to shifting industry narratives and policy landscapes.

Essential Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in a role focused on partnership development, philanthropy, business development, or program leadership.
• Demonstrated success in building and managing strategic partnerships across diverse sectors, with a strong network and understanding of the local ecosystem, including community organizations, government agencies and nonprofits.
• Rooted in Oregon and a deep knowledge of Oregon’s public and private sectors.
• Proven fundraising skills with a track record of securing funding from philanthropic, public and corporate sources.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, effective across diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Experience in providing oversight to complex programs or initiatives from strategy through execution.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity and inclusion in climate and innovation work.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the climate tech, clean energy, sustainability, or related innovation spaces.
• Familiarity with entrepreneurial ecosystems and the needs of early-stage startups.
• Direct experience working with government agencies and an understanding of policy and regulatory environments.

Ideal Candidate Profile

The successful candidate for the Program Partnership Manager role will have:

• Alignment with VertueLab’s core principles, values & mission.
• Effective verbal and written communication.
• Tolerance for ambiguity and uncertainty.
• Exceptional time management and organizational skills.
• Commitment to understanding the breadth of the work and remaining curious about innovations in the field.
• Ability to initiate and work independently on projects.
• Demonstrated proactive approach to problem-solving.