Partnership Manager (Pathways to Employment Program Coordinator)

Department: Strategic Partnerships

Reports to: Director of Strategic Partnerships

FLSA Status: Not Covered                                 

Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) exists because students across Houston face a myriad of barriers to success, whether it’s because they face mental health issues or are at-risk of dropping out of school. Our mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. 

Job Summary:

The Partnership Manager (Pathways to Employment Program Coordinator) will work cohesively with all members of the Partnership Department to enhance the success of the department and the organization. This role is responsible for the development, coordination, and sustainability of CIS of Houston’s Pathways to Employment programming, serving high school seniors on CIS campuses and alumni enrolled through the CIS Alumni Portal.

Operating within the Strategic Partnerships Department, this role builds and manages relationships with employers, post‑secondary institutions, training providers, and mentors to create direct pathways to education, credentialing, internships, apprenticeships, and employment, particularly in high‑demand career sectors.

The Partnership Manager provides structured, ongoing college and career supports, coordinates cohort‑based programming, manages alumni engagement platform, and tracks outcomes to ensure students are supported in achieving their individual definition of “Achieve in Life.” 

Supervisory Responsibilities:

  • This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Duties/Responsibilities:

1.      College & Career Pathways Development

  • Develop, implement, and manage CIS’s College and Career Pathways to Employment Program, supporting seniors and alumni through post‑secondary transitions.

  • Research, cultivate, and sustain partnerships with:

    • Employers and industry partners

    • Trade and technical training providers

    • Community colleges, universities, and certification programs

    • Internship, externship, apprenticeship, and employment pipelines

  • Stay current on labor market trends, workforce shortages, and post‑secondary enrollment patterns to inform partnership strategy and student advising.

2.      Student & Alumni Support

  • Provide college and career supports to high school seniors at CIS campuses and CIS alumni enrolled in the Alumni Portal.

  • Coordinate cohort‑based programming, including application processes, eligibility criteria, mentor matching, and ongoing support.

  • Support students in developing individualized post‑secondary plans aligned to their interests (e.g., trade school, certifications, two‑year or four‑year institutions).

  • Maintain consistent communication with students and alumni to support persistence, completion, and employment outcomes.

3.      Mentor & Externship Management

  • Recruit, onboard, train, coordinate, and support professional mentors who enhance students’ academic, career, and professional development.

  • Coordinate externship, internship, and employment opportunities in collaboration with employers and CIS campus staff.

  • Serve as a liaison between mentors, partners, CIS staff, and students to ensure alignment with program goals and student needs.

4.      Alumni Portal & Engagement

  • Manage and maintain the CIS Alumni Portal, including posting opportunities related to employment, internships, financial aid, scholarships, and academic programs.

  • Plan and coordinate alumni engagement activities, such as:

    • Career readiness workshops

    • Networking events

    • Resume and interview support sessions

    • Guest speaker events and reunions
      All events must have defined goals aligned with CIS’s “Achieve in Life” outcomes.

  • Support communication strategies including newsletters and targeted outreach to maintain consistent alumni engagement.

5.      Program Operations & Budget

  • Assist with the management of program budgets, including administrative, programming, and financial assistance resources.

  • Coordinate resource distribution projects (e.g., supplies, financial assistance, scholarships) in alignment with program goals.

  • Ensure compliance with CIS policies, procedures, and documentation standards. 

6.      Community Resources

  • Identify community resources that will benefit CIS students.

  • Provide support in researching local resources for families.

  • Help maintain CIS Agency Resource List. 

7.      Meetings and Events

  • Represent CIS at both internal and external meetings and events as requested.  

8.      Communication

  • Maintain effective intra/inter-departmental communication and professional rapport

  • Support clarity and consistency of communication, process and support provided to campus-based staff through the Strategic Partnerships Department. 

9.      Documentation

  • Maintain accurate documentation pertaining to partnership projects throughout the year.

  • Assist with the maintenance of policies, procedures and handbooks for the department. 

10.  Other Duties as Assigned 

Required Skills/Abilities:

  • Valid Texas Driver License and proof of liability insurance

  • Thorough understanding of the CIS Program Model

  • Excellent organizational and analytical skills, attention to detail, and creativity

  • Extensive social services background in social service agency and school settings

  • Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills

  • Exceptional public speaking skills

  • Ability to demonstrate objectivity and impartiality

  • Ability to maintain confidentiality

  • Proficient technology skills particularly in MS Word and Excel

  • Demonstrated ability to adhere to policies and procedures, as well as an ability to advocate for change to appropriate personnel when there is a need for change in policies and procedures within the organization

  • An open-minded, friendly and supportive demeanor 

Education and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in education, organizational development, social work, mental or behavioral health

  • At least four years’ experience with related tasks in a social service agency or experience in the field of social work, education and/or non-profit with related tasks in a social service agency. 

Work Environment:

  • Hybrid – Remote and In-Office.

  • Travel is primarily local during the business day within the Greater Houston area for meetings and events, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be possible. 

This job description is not comprehensive and is subject to change at any time. 

Physical Requirements:

  • High workflow management, high project coordination, and high people engagement.

  • Frequent multi-tasking and changing task priorities.

  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

  • Must be able to lift, carry, push, and pull objects weighing up to 20 pounds at times.

Compensation and Benefits:

Base Pay:           Starting at $53,304

Other Pay:          Business Mileage Reimbursement

Benefits:             See Employee Benefits at www.cishouston.org/careeers