Summary of Position: The Partnership Development Executive – Public Safety, First Responders, & Human Services represents IWU-National & Global in developing organizational workforce partnerships that create sustainable enrollment pipelines for adult learners and working professionals.
Focusing on public safety agencies (police, fire, EMS, corrections, 911 dispatch), military/veteran-serving organizations, criminal justice entities, social service agencies, and technical academies, this role connects workforce skill gaps with IWU degree and certificate programs.
This position is designed for a high-potential, relationship-driven professional with non-negotiable excellence in written and verbal communication, professional polish, strategic curiosity, and disciplined follow-through. Operating as an ambassador and consultative partner, the Executive learns and applies consultative sales methods to initiate executive contact, conduct professional discovery meetings, present educational solutions, manage pipeline milestones in Salesforce, and advance opportunities toward signed partnership agreements.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Strategic Relationship Building, Discovery, & Partnership Advancement
- Identifies and initiates outreach to prospective partner organizations across public safety, emergency services, criminal justice, military/veteran, and human services sectors
- Prepares for and leads professional, agenda-driven discovery meetings with agency decision makers (Police Chiefs, Sheriffs, Fire Chiefs, EMS Directors, City/County HR Leaders, Training Officers, and Academy Directors)
- Writes clear, polished prospecting emails, executive summaries, meeting recaps, and customized proposals connecting agency workforce goals to IWU degree pathways
- Presents IWU educational solutions, tuition discount benefits, and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) opportunities clearly and persuasively
- Works collaboratively with leadership to navigate decision-making pathways, address objections, establish clear next steps, and secure formal partnership agreements (MOUs) using institutional legal templates
- Targeted Market Outreach, Strategic Events, & Lead Generation
- Develops and executes targeted regional outreach plans for priority agencies, regional training academies, and professional associations (e.g., IACP, FOP, IAFC, APCO, State EMS Associations)
- Uses selective event attendance (conferences, command staff meetings, academy graduations) strategically executing pre-event outreach, securing scheduled one-on-one meetings, and delivering prompt post-event follow-up rather than passive attendance
- Employs modern market research and AI-enabled prospecting tools to identify state training mandates, credentialing requirements, and high-yield organizational targets
- CRM Pipeline Discipline, Follow-Through, & AI Workflow Utilization
- Maintains uncompromising daily discipline in Salesforce as the system of record for all accounts, contacts, meeting notes, pipeline stages, and follow-up tasks
- Demonstrates meticulous follow-through by executing committed action items promptly and maintaining momentum across all active partner relationships
- Utilizes CRM performance metrics and pipeline management tools to prioritize outreach, track conversion rates, and meet weekly/monthly activity benchmarks
- Leverages artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to support market research, prospect identification, workflow optimization, strategic planning, communication drafting, and data analysis
- Internal Collaboration & Academic Pathway Alignment
- Collaborates closely with Academic Deans, Division Chairs, and Faculty to map degree programs against police/fire academy curricula, military training, and professional certifications
- Partners with Partnership Team, Enrollment Counselors, Marketing, and Operations teams to ensure responsive communication, smooth handoffs, and tailored recruitment campaigns for partner employees
- Serves as the voice of the market internally, sharing partner feedback to remove operational barriers to enrollment
- Partner Onboarding, Activation, & Relationship Transition
- Coordinates initial 90-day onboarding for newly signed partners, ensuring delivery of co-branded landing pages, agency announcements, and discovery webinars
- Ensures early partner engagement and student interest before transitioning mature accounts to designated long-term account nurture managers
Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.
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Education
- Required: Minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution
- Preferred: Master's degree in business, Management, Public Administration, Criminal Justice, Communication, Higher Education, or related discipline
Experience
- Required: Minimum of two (2) to four (4) years of successful professional experience in sales, B2B and/or B2G development, partnership development, account management, higher education recruitment, workforce development, public safety outreach, military/veteran outreach, or a related externally facing role
- Willing to consider candidates with less direct partnership development experience if they demonstrate exceptional, non-negotiable communication skills, strong professional presence, coachability, and disciplined follow-through
- Preferred: Familiarity with public safety, emergency services, criminal justice, municipal government, or military/veteran environments
Required Skills
- Exceptional Written Communication: Proven ability to write clear, persuasive, error-free business correspondence, meeting recaps, and proposals. (A writing assessment is part of the interview process)
- Professional Presentation & Executive Polish: Confidence, poise, and clarity when presenting to executive leadership, agency directors, and professional groups
- Disciplined Follow-Through & Organization: Exceptional time management and personal accountability; proactive in setting next steps and driving relationships forward
- Technology, CRM, & AI Acumen: Experience using CRM systems (Salesforce strongly preferred), pipeline management tools, and performance analytics. Proficiency with artificial intelligence (AI) tools and technologies to support market research, prospect identification, workflow optimization, strategic planning, communication, and data analysis
- Mission Fit: Personal ability to articulate and support the Christ-centered mission, values, and educational philosophy of Indiana Wesleyan University
- Travel & Mobility: Valid driver’s license with an excellent driving record; willing and able to travel approximately 50% across Central Indiana and Southwest Ohio (university vehicle provided). Able to lift 50lbs.
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IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement
IWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition, commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment for living, teaching and learning, which exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christ's commandment to love all humankind.
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