Partnerships & Program Activation Manager

Full-Time | Hybrid | Philadelphia
Reports to: Senior Program Manager

Role Overview

The Partnerships & Program Activation Manager supports the day-to-day coordination, communication, and execution of RIDC’s partner-supported programs and activations. This role serves as the bridge between external partners and internal teams, ensuring commitments are clearly understood, timelines are met, and activations are delivered consistently and with care.

This role allows RIDC’s programs to scale without over-reliance on senior leadership by translating partner commitments into executable plans and managing follow-through across teams. It is ideal for someone who thrives in relationship-heavy environments, brings structure to complex collaborations, and ensures nothing falls through the cracks once a partnership is underway. Ongoing success is reflected in partner satisfaction, reliable execution, and reduced operational lift for senior leadership.

This role does not have direct reports and works closely with the Senior Program Manager and is accountable to the Executive Director.

Core Responsibilities

Partner Communication & Program Activation

• In the first year, success looks like partner-supported programs and activations that are clearly scoped, well-coordinated, and executed on time, with partners informed, internal teams aligned, and commitments consistently met.

• Support partner onboarding once agreements are in place, including orientation to RIDC programs, expectations, and activation processes

• Serve as the primary point of contact for partners during approved activation and execution phases

• Manage ongoing partner communication, including timelines, expectations, deliverables, and updates

• Translate partner commitments into clear internal action items and deadlines

• Track partner-specific requirements and ensure RIDC meets agreed-upon commitments
  

Program Activation & Execution Support

• This role is empowered to independently manage timelines, coordination, and execution details, escalating scope, budget, or partnership changes as needed.

• Support the Senior Program Manager in translating approved program plans into clear activation timelines, activities, and execution steps.

• Assist with coordinating session activities, experiential elements, and engagement moments aligned with program goals and community context.

• Translate program plans into structured participant journeys with defined milestones and tracking checkpoints.

• Support execution of partner-supported programs and activations by coordinating partner participation, assets, funding, and run-of-show logistics.

• Flag risks, gaps, or misalignment early and escalate as needed.

Internal Coordination & Alignment

• Collaborate with the Senior Program Manager to align partner activation program goals and timelines across departments

• Work closely with Operations to ensure contracts, payments, scholarship reimbursements, and logistics are on track

• Coordinate with Marketing to align partner visibility, messaging, and deliverables

• Maintain organized records of partner communications, commitments, and activation status

Tracking & Documentation

• Maintain clear documentation of partner activations, timelines, and key notes.

• Support light internal reporting on partner activation progress for leadership updates.

• Capture marketing and operational learnings to inform future partner activations.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience supporting partnerships, program coordination, account management, or external relations

• Strong communication and relationship management skills
  Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple partners and timelines simultaneously

• Comfortable translating high-level agreements into detailed execution plans

• Experience working cross-functionally with programs, operations, and marketing teams
  Experience in nonprofit or mission-driven environments preferred

• Ability to travel domestically approximately 6–8 times per year for events or team needs

• Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States

Salary & Benefits 

• Salary: $75,000 annual salary

• Work Model: Hybrid environment (3 days in Philadelphia office)

• Time Off: Paid time off, plus a paid winter break

• Health & Wellness: Generous monthly healthcare reimbursement (QSEHRA) and wellness stipend

• Retirement: 2% employer retirement contribution

• Parental Leave: Paid parental leave for eligible employees

• Professional Development: Annual stipend for conferences, training, or coursework

• Flexibility: Seasonal 4.5-day workweeks

• Perks: Occasional race entries, event access, gear, or industry experiences tied to RIDC partnerships

We are looking to fill this position by early March. RIDC is an equal opportunity employer and values diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.