Job Description
Job Description
Manager of Partnership Development
Job Title: Manager of Partnership Development
Compensation: Base salary commensurate with skills and experience. Total on target compensation to include sales bonuses (per new account/reflecting the hitting of revenue targets) provided that the Manager of Partnership Development meets certain commission and milestone bonus requirements.
Location: Boston, MA (Hybrid)
Reports To: CEO/President
Experience Level: Intermediate (5–10 years)
Industry: Strategic Communications, Marketing, Branding
About shark&minnow
shark&minnow is an independently and women-owned strategy and design consultancy headquartered in Cleveland, OH. With a bold, interdisciplinary approach, we create meaningful change for brands, institutions, and communities through insight, invention, partnership and action. Our clients range from global brands (B2B/B2C) to cultural institutions, nonprofits, and public agencies, all unified by a desire to lead with purpose and communicate with impact. After 12 years of growing our national footprint from our headquarters in the Great Lakes region, we’re excited to expand our presence in New England. We're seeking a driven, strategic, and collaborative professional to lead our business development efforts in this market and other key regions nationally.
Position Overview
As the Manager of Partnership Development, you will be the first dedicated new business team member based in Boston, playing a pivotal role in shaping and growing our presence. You will work closely with the CEO to shape shark&minnow’s business development approach, establish relationships with prospective clients, and drive new opportunities aligned with our firm’s mission and expertise. We’re looking for someone who is equal parts relationship-builder, strategic thinker, and proactive connector—someone who understands the value of storytelling, brings emotional intelligence to every interaction, and is motivated by creating partnerships that deliver real impact.
Key Responsibilities
● Business Development Strategy
Collaborate with the CEO to evolve and execute our go-to-market strategy in the Northeast region and other key markets.
● Pipeline Management
Identify, cultivate, and manage a robust pipeline of prospective clients and partners across key industries (e.g., public sector, nonprofit, B2B, manufacturing, transportation, healthcare, education, and real estate/development with a focus on small to mid-sized organizations).
● Networking & Relationship Building
Represent shark&minnow at industry events, conferences, and in the community; build relationships that convert into meaningful partnerships.
● Lead Generation & Outreach
Develop and execute thoughtful outreach campaigns, leveraging both personal and institutional networks to open doors and spark conversations.
● Proposal Development
Collaborate with strategy, creative, and client services teams to develop customized proposals and pitch materials; lead pricing and estimating efforts to inform proposal budgeting process.
● Market Intelligence
Monitor market trends, competitor activity, and regional developments to identify emerging opportunities.
Qualifications
● 5+ years experience in business development, partnerships, or account management. Agency experience is highly preferred; open to candidates who can demonstrate relevant skills or experience.
● Knowledge of the business community (New England/key sectors) and regional landscape.
● Proven track record of driving/supporting new business and forging successful client relationships.
● Excellent communication (written and oral) and interpersonal skills; confident and empathetic in client-facing conversations.
● Strong discretion and sound judgment.
● Highly self-motivated with the ability to work independently and as part of a distributed team while maintaining high-quality work outcomes.
● Strategic mindset with a drive toward action and a keen eye for identifying opportunity.
● Experience using CRM platforms and tracking business development metrics a plus.
● Ability to travel as needed.
What We Offer
● Competitive salary and benefits (including generous paid time off allotment, 401k matching, and performance-based bonuses).
● Flexibility and autonomy in your work.
● The chance to help shape a new chapter in a growing, purpose-driven firm.
● A collaborative, mission-aligned team that believes in curiosity, candor, and care.
● Opportunities for professional growth and upward mobility.
To Apply
Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter detailing your interest in the role and why you believe you’d be a great fit for shark&minnow to hallie@sharkandminnow.com.
Disclaimer
The above information is intended to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job. shark&minnow inc. is an Affirmative Action, Equal Employment Opportunity Employer; M/F/V/D.
Company Descriptionshark&minnow is an independent and women-owned, multi-disciplinary strategy and design consultancy specializing in branding, marketing, advertising, public relations, and audio and video production.
Company Description
shark&minnow is an independent and women-owned, multi-disciplinary strategy and design consultancy specializing in branding, marketing, advertising, public relations, and audio and video production.