SkillUp is a new, 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to helping the millions of frontline workers impacted by COVID-19 get rehired for in-demand jobs in high-growth industries. SkillUp combines career navigation, training programs, and job opportunities in a curated, mobile-first platform (see www.skillup.org). Specifically, we serve COVID-impacted frontline workers earning less than $40,000 a year, with less than a bachelor’s degree, who are disproportionately people of color and women.

SkillUp moves quickly and at scale because of the urgency and historic nature of this challenge.  We are a coalition of more than 50 leading technology companies, hiring partners, learning providers, and nonprofits dedicated to giving workers the opportunity to build new skills that help them access  in-demand jobs with promising career paths. While we move quickly in response to the COVID crisis, we are building the capacity, assets, and funding models to contribute to a new learning ecosystem post-COVID.

We’re looking for an innovative, multi-talented VP Partnerships and Operations to oversee SkillUp’s expansion of programmatic efforts nationwide. Reporting to the Executive Director, the VP Partnerships and Operations coordinates projects across SkillUp’s key business units: Program Operations, Marketing, Product Design, and the SkillUp Together Fund (scholarship program for training participants).

Please note, the SkillUp is a remote organization so this position can be based anywhere.

• Lead efforts on expansion of SkillUp programs to up to 30 cities nationwide in 2021.

  • Liaise with the Product team on national and local site enhancements.

  • Manage worker outreach and awareness campaigns in collaboration with the VP of Marketing and Communications.

  • Work closely with the VP, Fund Operations on the expansion of SkillUp’s Together Fund

  • Work closely with local partners and intermediaries on the expansion and implementation of SkillUp programs to up to 30 cities nationwide in 2021.

  • Lead efforts to expand the pipeline of employers willing to partner with SkillUp.

• Participate with the Executive Director and other senior officers within the organization on organizational planning; program, product and marketing development; problem resolution; and grants management.

  • Work with internal teams (Program Operations, Marketing, Product Design, and the SkillUp Together Fund) to ensure collaborations run smoothly, align with key organizational initiatives, and maximize impact.

  • Work closely with the Executive Director and Executive Chair on grants management, including grant contract processes, implementation and reporting.

  • Work closely with the Executive Director and Executive Chair on fundraising efforts, including identifying key fundraising opportunities, preparing pitch materials, and funder presentations. 

• Lead strategy and long-term roadmap for major partnerships (e.g. new city expansion, technology and tooling, selection of partners, pipeline and talent management)

  • Oversee the engagement and expansion process for our 50 (and counting) coalition partners to keep all partners informed and contributing to deliver their unique contributions.

  • Monitor new partner inbound requests and manage the process to vet, invite, and sign new coalition partners.

  • Oversee partner relationships both at the local level (including with local officials, providers, employers, and funders) and with SkillUp core services (Marketing, Product Development, and the SkillUp Together Fund).

  • Build, own or work with others on processes to streamline pipeline management, analytics, and data reporting across SkillUp’s current and future local program sites  (e.g. consolidated catalog of providers, catalog of “Earn and Learn” opportunities)

We expect to see a track record of success in similar roles, including:

• At least 10+ years of business development, corporate strategy and/or executive management experience

• Bachelor's degree; MBA a plus but not required

• Proven experience organizing and directing multiple teams and departments.

• Experience planning and leading strategic initiatives.

• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Strong project management skills, with a focus on interdepartmental communication.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including meeting facilitation and presentations

• Resourceful team player with high energy and a passion for the mission.

• Relationship builder with a strong network of contacts in the Future of Work industry.

• An analytical mind; able to provide insightful conclusions and recommendations based on trend data and market research.

• Clear strategic vision combined with actions that are defined and executed with urgency.

• Ability to develop strong working relationships with management and external resources. Strong knowledge of cross-team collaboration.

• Sound judgment and ability to provide information toward the determination of process and strategy.

• Work collaboratively and cross-functionally.

• Manage and navigate through complex processes.

And while all of the above qualifications are important, there are three demonstrated capabilities most important for this job, and they are non-negotiable (blatantly borrowed from Jeff Weiner of LinkedIn):

• Dream Big

• Get Sh*t Done

• Know How to Have Fun

At SkillUp, our mission is to help the more than 40 million workers impacted by COVID-19 get rehired for in-demand jobs in high-growth industries. Success in this mission requires that we don’t just accept difference—but that we celebrate it and embrace the diverse community and backgrounds individuals come from. In short, it’s one of our key values. 

We stay true to our mission by ensuring that our place can be anyone’s place, and embrace diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. As a proud equal opportunity employer, SkillUp does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state or federal law or local ordinance.

Let us end without all the legal mumbo-jumbo. Your gender, your gods, your skin color or your bigshot relative don’t make a difference here. SkillUp is an open-minded meritocracy. We recognize that diverse teams make the strongest teams, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. And being inclusive isn't just a catch-phrase for us - it’s mission critical.  If you’re smart, good at what you do, and passionate about changing lives - come as you are.