Position summary:   

Winrock International is seeking a Partnerships Manager to drive business development and strengthen partnerships for our Net Zero Climate Services Unit. This position plays a critical role in expanding our network of relationships, deepening connections with key stakeholders, and positioning Winrock as a leader in climate solutions.   

The Partnerships Manager will lead efforts to promote the Net Zero unit’s technical expertise, oversee marketing and communications activities, and manage the creation and maintenance of knowledge products. They will also spearhead proposal development and internal processes to support the growth of our climate services portfolio.  

While this role is primarily focused on new business, it will also include supporting and leading client projects as needed.  Therefore, this role requires a blend of technical expertise in climate solutions, business development acumen, and strong communication and relationship-building skills.   

The Net Zero Climate Services Unit builds climate strategies for corporate clients and helps them execute. This Winrock Unit seeks clients and partners who are setting bold plans and taking action, even as voluntary climate standards and the regulatory landscape may be sending signals to do the opposite.  

Experience in the food, land and agriculture sectors is most desirable for this position, but experience with other sectors like energy, and packaging (plastics and/or metal) is as well. An up-to-date understanding of the current state of how companies reduce Scope 3 emissions while being in compliance with GHG Protocol and Science-Based Targets initiative standards is important knowledge to have to be effective in this position.  

This position may be based remotely within the United States. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Working closely with the Director, Net Zero Climate Services, this role will focus on:  

Partnership Development and Networking: 

• Build and expand relationships with key business targets in the climate solutions sector, including private sector clients, foundations, and non-governmental organizations.   

• Represent the Net Zero Climate Services Unit at conferences, events, and industry forums to promote Winrock’s technical capabilities and identify new business opportunities.   

• Deepen and expand relationships with existing partners and ensure long-term engagement.   

New Business Development:  

• While this role will lead on much of the Net Zero Climate Services’ new business efforts, this is a shared responsibility with other Net Zero Climate Services and Corporate Affairs staff.   

• In conjunction with Net Zero Climate Services Unit leadership team, provide strategic input to client portfolio development, including development and implementation of strategic multi-year growth plans to expand the Net Zero Climate Services Unit’s portfolio  

• Identify new business opportunities and markets aligned with Winrock’s mission and strategic priorities. 

• Manage the end-to-end proposal development process, including strategy, writing, coordination, and submission.   

• Collaborate with internal teams to align proposals with Winrock’s technical strengths and client needs.   

• Manage internal processes related to new business development, including pipeline tracking, reporting, and resource allocation.   

• Participate in cross-divisional program/project planning, implementation and proposal development.  

Marketing and Communications: 

• Develop and execute marketing strategies to showcase Winrock’s Net Zero Climate Services Unit’s expertise and solutions.   

• Manage the creation and dissemination of knowledge products, such as white papers, case studies, blogs and technical reports, to further establish Winrock as an advanced technical organization in the climate and sustainability sphere.   

• Oversee the Unit’s branding and communications efforts, ensuring alignment with Winrock Communications department to reach organizational goals and market trends.   

 Technical Knowledge and Expertise: 

• Maintain a strong understanding of climate solutions, net zero strategies, and emerging trends in the field.   

• Speak fluently about Winrock’s technical offerings and tailor messaging to diverse audiences.   

• Ensure technical accuracy in marketing materials, proposals, and knowledge products.   

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:   

Education: Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, climate policy, business, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.   

Experience: 

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in business development, partnerships, or marketing, with a focus on climate solutions or related sectors.   

• Proven track record in building strategic partnerships and securing new business opportunities.   

• Experience with proposal development and project management in a technical context.   

• Strong knowledge of climate solutions, net zero strategies, and related technical areas.   

• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences effectively.   

Skills: 

• Demonstrated ability to build and manage a robust pipeline of opportunities  

• Excellent communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.   

• Strong organizational and project management abilities, with attention to detail.   

• Proficiency in marketing, branding, and knowledge product development.   

• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.   

• Comfort in leading new business strategy development and diversification, pipeline tracking, forecasting, and analysis, supporting capture and innovative technical design, and building effective budgeting strategies  

Travel:   

• Ability to travel as needed with anticipated travel around 10-25%.  

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 84