Do you have a passion for small business and entrepreneurial development? Do you want to help Oakland County’s small business community thrive? We are always looking for people with unique skills and perspectives to contribute to our mission to make Oakland County a great place to open a business.
Do you have a passion for small business and entrepreneurial development? Do you want to help Oakland County’s small business community thrive? We are always looking for people with unique skills and perspectives to contribute to our mission to make Oakland County a great place to open a business.
Apply with your resume and cover letter at info@oaklandthrive.org.
The Director of Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives is a full-time at-will position responsible for designing, securing, and advancing high impact partnerships, revenue generating initiatives, and strategic growth opportunities. This position includes initiative designing, fund development alignment, earned revenue strategy, and cross-functional execution that ensures Oakland Thrive’s partnerships translate into measurable impact, sustainable funding, and scalable programing. While working in close coordination with the Fund Development department, Client Engagement & Events department, and Program Teams, this position ensures alignment between partnerships, programming, visibility, and revenue generation.
SALARY: $90,000.00 – $115,000.00
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: The position reports to the Vice President of Operations (VPO).
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: This position exercises supervision over the Strategic Partnerships Manager twenty-five (25) hours a week.
Strategic Partnership & Ecosystem Development
Lead the identification, cultivation, and stewardship of high value partnerships across corporate, philanthropic, government, and ecosystem stakeholders.
Develop long term partnership strategies aligned with Oakland Thrive’s priorities (LMI/ALICE communities, small business growth, innovation).
Expand and strengthen Business-to Business (B2B) provider network and strategic alliances.
Serve as a senior relationship manager for key institutional partners and funders.
Strategic Initiatives & Growth
Design and launch strategic initiatives that generate revenue, expand services, and increase organizational visibility.
Oversee execution of initiatives (project planning, timelines, budgets, deliverables) through the Manager of Strategic Partnerships.
Identify and develop new programmatic opportunities, including: fee-based offerings; public-private partnerships; and, sponsored programs and pilots.
Lead cross-functional initiative planning across programs, partnerships, and operations.
Revenue Generation & Fund Development Alignment
Partner with the Fund Development department to co-create and close funding opportunities, including sponsorships, grants, and institutional investments.
Develop partnership driven revenue models tied to events in coordination with the Client Engagement & Events department; program sponsorships; and corporate engagement strategies.
Lead cultivation strategies for key funders and partners, including proposal development and presentations.
Identify opportunities to monetize services, expertise, and ecosystem access.
Cross-Functional Coordination
Coordinate with the Fund Development department in aligning partnership pipelines with fundraising strategy.
Work with Client Engagement & Events department in ensuring partner activation, sponsorship fulfillment, and visibility without owning event logistics.
Join forces with Program Teams (Small Business Consultants, etc.) in ensuring partnerships enhance program delivery and outcomes.
Serve as a connector across departments to ensure alignment, communication, and execution.
Partnership Operations & Performance
Oversee partnership systems, tracking, and reporting (CRM/Thrive Drive).
Establish KPIs and dashboards to measure partner engagement, revenue generation, and program impact tied to partnerships.
Ensure accountability, follow through, and high-quality partner experience.
Team Leadership & Management
Supervise and coach the Manager of Strategic Partnership twenty-five (25) hours a week.
Provide direction on project execution, partnership management, and strategic priorities.
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation.
Thought Leadership & Representation
Represent Oakland Thrive as assigned in high-level meetings, conferences, convenings, and regional/national forums.
Position Oakland Thrive as a leader in inclusive economic development and small business ecosystem building.
Support development of thought leadership content, presentations, and strategic messaging.
Perform other duties and assume responsibilities as assigned.
Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field. Master’s degree preferred
Proven five (5) to eight (8) years of experience in strategic partnerships, business development/revenue generation, and economic development in the non-profit or related sector
Experience designing and launching new initiatives or programs
Experience in small business ecosystems, entrepreneurship support, or community development preferred
Familiarity with economic development or small business ecosystems preferred
Proven success in securing funding, partnerships, or revenue targets
Familiarity with CRM/database systems and performance tracking
Strong project management and cross-functional leadership experience
Exceptional relationship-building, and written and oral communication skills
Strong organizational skills
Experience working with and managing diverse and complex stakeholders’ environment
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must pass a criminal background check
Must pass a drug test
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is full-time and requires working in a hybrid environment that includes working in an office setting as well as remotely. It also requires attendance at community-based meetings, conferences, and convenings across Oakland County, along with occasionally working on evenings and weekends for partner engagement.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. This position requires lifting and carrying in short distances supplies and a laptop computer. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet.
In order to be eligible for this position, you must meet the minimum required qualifications.
A cover letter and resume that includes a description and documentation of the required qualifications must be submitted directly to Oakland Thrive’s Human Resources Department at: humanresourcesdepartment@oaklandthrive.org.
The deadline for submitting your cover letter and resume is 5:00pm Friday, May 22, 2026.
The Events and Marketing Coordinator is a part-time at-will position that plays a pivotal role in supporting the planning, organizing, and executing events and marketing projects to promote Oakland Thrive’s mission, brand, programs, and services. This position assist with managing project timelines, collaborating with internal teams, external partners, and ensuring the successful execution of events and
marketing campaigns.
SALARY: $35,000.00 – $44,000.00
SUPERVISION RECEIVED: This position reports to the Senior Manager of Client Engagement & Events.
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
WORKING CONDITIONS
This position is part-time and requires working in a hybrid environment, that includes both in-office and remote work locations. Work hours may vary with working some evenings or early mornings with advance notice. Access to reliable transportation for occasional travel within Oakland County is required.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment varies.
In order to be eligible for this position, you must meet the minimum required qualifications.
A cover letter and resume that includes a description and documentation of the required qualifications must be submitted directly to Oakland Thrive’s Human Resources Department at: humanresourcesdepartment@oaklandthrive.org.
The deadline for submitting your cover letter and resume is 5:00pm Friday, May 22, 2026.
Please submit a resume and cover letter in PDF format to apply@oaklandthrive.org. Positions will remain posted until the position is filled.
Positions will remain posted until the position is filled.