Director of Partnerships & Program Growth

RECYCLE ANN ARBOR • Ann Arbor, MI

4d

About The Position

Recycle Ann Arbor is seeking a collaborative, mission-driven leader to help grow our zero-waste services and partnerships. This role focuses on building relationships, identifying new opportunities, and supporting thoughtful growth that aligns with our values and operational strengths. The Director of Partnerships and Program Growth works across departments and with external partners to expand services, strengthen contracts, and advance community-based solutions. This position blends business development, partnership management, and clear communication.

Requirements

• 7+ years experience in business development, strategy, consulting, or program leadership
• Strong financial, analytical, and modeling skills
• Demonstrated experience in sustainability, recycling, or circular economy systems
• Proven ability to build trusted, long-term partnerships
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills
• Comfort working across sectors and translating between technical and non-technical audiences

Responsibilities

• Strategic Program Growth & Partnerships Identify, evaluate, and pursue new zero-waste service opportunities aligned with RAA’s operational strengths and capacity
• Build and manage strategic relationships with municipalities, institutions, businesses, nonprofits, and industry partners
• Lead proposal development, RFP responses, and grant-supported pilot initiatives
• Represent RAA at public meetings, conferences, and stakeholder convenings
• Market & Financial Strategy Conduct market research, trend analysis, and opportunity sizing to inform growth decisions
• Develop financial, operational, and impact models to support pricing, contracts, and investments
• Define and track KPIs related to growth, partnership performance, and program outcomes
• Provide regular strategic updates to senior leadership Brand, Narrative & Strategic Communications
• Contribute to RAA’s external narrative around zero waste, circular economy, and community impact
• Support development of pitch decks, reports, and thought leadership materials
• Collaborate with communications and marketing team to ensure consistency between strategy, brand, and mission
• Working with others translate complex systems and data into compelling, accessible stories for external audiences
• Cross-Functional Leadership Work closely with Operations, Finance, and Program teams to ensure feasibility and alignment
• Support contract management, pricing logic, and service design from a strategic perspective
• Serve as a connective leader between internal teams and external partners
• Lead contact for customers, ensure contract fulfilment and ensure accurate invoicing and reporting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees