The Manager of Business Solutions & Employer Partnerships is a key leader on NLEN's Impact & Innovation Leadership Team, responsible for designing and executing NLEN's employer engagement and job placement strategy. This role leads corporate partnerships and ensures that our job development and post-placement efforts are responsive to employer needs and aligned with client success.
This person will supervise the Job Developer and Retention Specialist, coordinating efforts across the hiring journey — from employer engagement to client placement to long-term job retention. We are seeking a seasoned, strategic relationship-builder with a deep employer network, excellent communication skills, and a passion for inclusive workforce development.
Key Responsibilities
Employer Partnerships & Business Solutions
- Lead outreach and engagement with employers across priority industries to identify hiring needs and develop placement pipelines.
- Position NLEN's job seekers as solutions to workforce challenges—helping employers meet hiring, retention, and DEI goals.
- Leverage an existing employer network while cultivating new partnerships through site visits, job fairs, networking events, and hiring round tables.
- Act as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of employer partners, ensuring quality and consistency.
- Evening and weekend availability is required to support employer schedules, job fairs, or community events.
Placement Strategy & Talent Alignment
Collaborate with coaching and training teams to ensure job readiness aligns with employer needs and labor market trends.Develop and manage referral and placement processes that connect qualified candidates to unsubsidized job opportunities.Provide feedback to internal teams based on employer insights to strengthen programs and training design.Ensure NLEN meets its annual job placement goal of 328+ unsubsidized placements.Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration
Supervise and support the Job Developer and Retention Specialist, ensuring strong coordination across pre- and post-placement services.Set clear expectations and foster a performance-driven, client-centered team culture.Participate in internal leadership meetings and contribute to cross-departmental initiatives that advance workforce strategy.Represent NLEN at employer convenings, workforce collaboratives, and business-focused events.Data Management & Performance Reporting
Track employer engagement, placements, and retention outcomes using Salesforce and other data tools.Monitor performance metrics tied to internal goals and funder deliverables.Prepare monthly reports and outcome summaries for senior leadership, partners, and grant reporting.What Success Looks Like in the First 90 Days
Re-engage or activate 5–7 employer partnerships with open job leadsPlace at least 10 jobseekers into unsubsidized rolesHost at least one employer-facing event (e.g., job fair, hiring roundtable, or site visit)Present a 90-day strategy outlining job development, retention, and partnership goalsNote : Final candidates may be invited to participate in a paid 30–60 day contract engagement as a mutual fit assessment.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required (Business, Human Resources, Public Administration, or related field preferred)5–7 years of experience in employer engagement, workforce development, business development, or talent acquisitionStrong and growing network of employer contacts in the Chicago area or relevant industries- Demonstrated success generating job leads and meeting placement goals in a mission-driven or service-based contextPrior experience supervising staff or managing cross-functional teamsStrong written and verbal communication skills; ability to influence and collaborate with diverse stakeholdersExperience with Salesforce or similar CRM / data platformsCommitment to racial equity, second chance hiring, and community-rooted workforce strategiesCompensation & Benefits
Competitive salary commensurate with experienceComprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage401(k) with immediate eligibilityPaid time off and paid holidays (including many federal holidays)Hybrid work schedule with required evening and weekend availability for events and engagements- Mission-driven, supportive team culture based in North Lawndale