GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Next Step Community Solutions is seeking a Partnerships & Community Engagement Manager to broaden and deepen our relationships with businesses, civic groups, faith communities, local governments, and other nonprofit partners across EastTexas.
This position exists to:
1. cultivate mutually beneficial partnerships that expand Next Steps reach and revenue and
2. mobilize community stakeholders around youth mentalhealth initiatives, including Sources of Strength, Counseling & Support Services, and REACH. The manager ensures that every collaborationwhether financial, programmatic, or volunteerdrivenadvances Next Steps mission of preventing youth suicide and promoting mental wellbeing.
PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS
- Strategic Partnership Development
- Identify, research, and prioritize prospective partners aligned with Next Steps impact goals (businesses, school districts, healthcare systems, chambers, foundations, etc.).
- Design and deliver compelling partnership proposals, MOUs, and sponsorship packages that articulate clear value propositions and winwin outcomes.
- Maintain a dynamic partnership pipeline in CRM, tracking outreach, next actions, and projected impacts.
- Community Engagement & Coalition Support
- Serve as a key liaison to community coalitions, civic clubs, and grassroots networks; facilitate regular meetings and collectiveimpact initiatives.
- Lead outreach campaigns that amplify public awareness of youth mentalhealth challenges and evidencebased solutions, leveraging positive socialnorm messaging.
- Plan and execute community events (Lunch & Learns, coalition summits, town halls), including budgeting, vendor negotiation, and postevent evaluation.
- Resource Generation
- Collaborate with the Executive Director to hit annual partnershiprevenue goals (cash and inkind) and to steward partners through renewal cycles.
- Support grantseeking by gathering letters of support, partnership data, and communityimpact stories.
- Communications & Storytelling
- Craft and deliver engaging presentations, webinars, and briefings for diverse audiencesexecutive leaders, educators, parents, and community members.
- Produce partnerfocused content (case studies, social posts, newsletter spotlights) in coordination with Communications & Marketing Manager.
- Represent Next Step at conferences, trade shows, and community forums; staff informational booths and serve as a public speaker when appropriate.
- Data, Evaluation, and Reporting
- Track partnership metrics (reach, engagement, revenue, volunteer hours) and translate them into concise dashboards and reports for leadership, funders, and the Board.
- Continuously gather community feedback to inform program design and measure collective impact.
- Team Collaboration & Professional Growth
- Work closely with Program Managers and Program Staff to align partner activities with schoolbased service delivery.
- Actively pursue professional development in community engagement, corporate social responsibility, and youthmentalhealth best practices.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelors degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, public health, or related field.
- Successful experience in partnership development, community organizing, corporate relations, or similar roles.
- Demonstrated ability to build trust with culturally and ideologically diverse stakeholders.
- Strong projectmanagement, negotiation, and presentation skills.
- Proficiency with CRM/database tools (e.g., Salesforce, Bloomerang, HubSpot) and the Microsoft365/Google Workspace suite.
- Selfstarter who thrives both independently and on crossfunctional teams.
- Commitment to publichealth approaches, youth development, and Next Steps core values of compassion, authenticity, and impact.
- Flexibility to work occasional evenings/weekends for community events.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENT
- Position travels up to 60% within EastTexas to partner sites and events.
- Valid Texas drivers license and proof of auto insurance required.
POSITION REQUIRES
- Frequent sitting, standing, walking, and presentation delivery.
- Ability to lift or carry up to 25lbs. for event materials.
- Adequate vision/hearing for computerbased and inperson communication.
NSCS will provide reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Job Type
Fulltime, Exempt
Salary
$55,000$63,000 per year
Benefits
- 401(k) with employer match / 403(b) available
- Health, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
- Paid Time Off, Mental Health Days + 15 Holidays + Summer Flex Fridays
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Professional Development Assistance
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
- Flexible hybrid schedule (minimum two inoffice days)
Schedule
- MondayThursday: 9am5pm
- Friday: 9am12pm (flex for evening/weekend community events as needed)
License/Certification
- Drivers License (Required)
Work Location
- In person at Next Step Community Solutions Headquarters
305South Broadway, Suite200, Tyler, TX75702 - Hybrid/field work throughout EastTexas
Make a difference every day by forging partnerships that strengthen the mental health of young Texans.
Apply now to join the Next Step team!