Senior Partnership Manager; Chicago-, Remote

Position Overview

The Senior Partnership Manager develops, manages, and grows strategic partnerships that advance Common Threads’ mission at the intersection of food, health, and equity. This role owns a portfolio of high-impact partners, including healthcare systems and providers, school districts, community-based organizations, funders, food and agriculture companies, and food policy organizations—and plays a key role in identifying and supporting partnership-driven funding opportunities.

This role is based in Chicago. This position builds and maintains high-impact relationships, supports overall funding requests, and ensures strong coordination between partners and on-the-ground program delivery. The role also supervises and supports field-based coordinators responsible for implementing nutrition education, cooking, and chronic disease prevention programs.

This is a full-time, exempt position. The role follows a fully remote work model. Regular local travel to school and community partner sites within the Chicago area is required, with occasional travel outside of Chicago. This position reports directly to the Senior Director of Operations.

• Build, deepen, and steward strategic partnerships across healthcare, schools, community organizations, funders, corporate partners, and policy stakeholders in the Chicago region.
• Serve as the primary relationship owner for key Chicago-area partners, ensuring clear goals, strong communication, and consistent partner satisfaction.
• Identify and pursue new partnership opportunities aligned to organizational priorities, program goals, and funding strategy; develop a healthy partnership pipeline.
• Represent Common Threads externally at meetings, convenings, and community forums; increase visibility across Chicago.

• Partner with the Development and Leadership teams to support partnership-related proposals, renewals, and funder/corporate communications.
• Help shape partnership-based revenue approaches (e.g., sponsorship, grants, fee‑for‑service) by translating partner needs into fundable opportunities.
• Track partnership commitments, deliverables, and reporting requirements in coordination with internal teams to ensure high‑quality, on‑time execution.

• Manage and coach program coordinators and field staff responsible for implementing nutrition education, cooking, and chronic disease prevention programming at partner sites.
• Ensure consistent program quality, smooth site operations, and strong partner alignment, troubleshooting issues quickly and proactively.
• Provide performance management, support professional development, and build team culture that reflects Common Threads’ mission and values.

• Collaborate closely with Program, Development, Evaluation, and Operations to align partnerships with organizational goals and capacity.
• Support data collection, impact reporting, and continuous improvement for partner‑driven programs.
• Lead accurate and timely compliance reporting related to partner commitments and program implementation.
• Contribute to strategic planning and organizational growth initiatives.
• Increase awareness of Common Threads throughout the Chicago region and represent the organization at key community and district events.

The above statements are intended to describe the essential job functions of this role and are not an exhaustive list of all duties performed by personnel occupying this position.

• Bachelor’s degree required;
  Master’s degree in public health, nonprofit management, nutrition, social work, or a related field preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in partnerships, community engagement, program management, or development, preferably within health, food systems, or nonprofit sectors.
• 3+ years of experience in nonprofit organizations.
• 2+ years of direct staff management and supervision experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing external partnerships and internal teams.
• Strong understanding of food systems, public health, nutrition education, or food‑as‑medicine initiatives.
• Experience working with…