Partnership Associate, Business Development

Partnership Associate, Business Development

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The Institute for Workplace Skills and Innovation America (IWSIA) is a nonprofit workforce development organization managing state-wide initiatives including Career Launchpad and Ready, Willing & Able, in partnership with the California Department of Rehabilitation. Our programs connect young people and individuals with disabilities to paid, registered apprenticeships in high-demand industries such as healthcare, IT, logistics, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing.

IWSIA America is seeking to immediately fill the role of Partnership Associate, Business Development
. This role reports directly to the Operations Coordinator and requires a candidate who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate is mission and results-driven, championing our goal: to help every young person and participant reach their full potential.

The Partnership Associate, Business Development will help create a pipeline for skilled talent through developing partnerships with employers from a variety of high-demand industries. This person will also help be the operational backbone of our programs, ensuring systems, reporting, and communications all run smoothly. This is a time of growth and change, so adaptability is key. This person will work closely with our employer engagement and field staff teams to keep programs on track and to deliver measurable results.

• Conduct targeted research and outreach (primarily calling, email, and networking) to engage potential employers in high-growth sectors, including retail, logistics, hospitality, and beyond.
• Secure new employer relationships that lead to paid, registered apprenticeships and employment opportunities for our program participants.
• Track and maintain the active partnership pipeline, providing regular updates on acquisition progress and projections to leadership.
• Help maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all partner interactions, leads, and commitments using the designated CRM/project management system,  (required).
• Prepare clear, well-written reports, presentations, and communications for internal and external audiences.
• Support workforce events, workshops, and training sessions with logistics and materials.
• Provide responsive operational support to field staff, ensuring we meet contract deliverables and participant needs.

• 3 plus years of recruiting experience.
• Proficiency in  or technologically adept for data tracking and project management.
• Experience in workforce development or apprenticeships is a strong advantage.
• Meticulously organized with exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong adaptability—comfortable managing competing priorities in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Excellent written and spoken English, with proven ability to draft professional documents and communications.
• A naturally happy, positive, and professional communication style.
• Strong IT and systems skills; experience with Office 365, Canva, and Adobe a plus.
• Ability to commute to Laguna Beach/Aliso Viejo/Irvine office

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive healthcare plan.
• A collaborative, supportive, professional office environment.
• The chance to be part of a mission-driven team helping Californians with disabilities and young people unlock their potential through paid, registered apprenticeships.

Mid-Senior level

Full-time

Business Development and Sales