VP Strategic Partnerships (Education)

About US:

Simplilearn is one of the world’s leading certification training providers. Over one million professionals and 2,000 corporate training organizations (like Dell, KPMG, Bosch etc.) have harnessed its award-winning programs in digital technologies, which are co-created with leading certification bodies, universities, and corporate partners (like - AWS, IBM & Microsoft). 

We provide online training in disciplines such as Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Project Management, Digital Marketing, and Data Science among others, where technologies and best practices are changing rapidly and demand for qualified candidates significantly exceeds supply.

Fullstack Academy, acquired by Simplilearn, is a leading coding bootcamp that provides immersive training in software development, cybersecurity, data science, and other technical disciplines. As part of the Simplilearn family, we are committed to delivering top-notch education and career transformation opportunities to our students.

Position Overview:
The VP Partnerships will own and drive the success of our relationships with key university partners and major tech companies for Simplilearn and Fullstack Academy. This role is crucial in expanding our partnerships, ensuring partner satisfaction, and working closely with internal teams to deliver value across multiple projects. As a strategic leader, you will manage the full lifecycle of partner relationships, from business development to maintaining long-term, high-value collaborations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Own Partner Success: Lead relationship management and ensure the success of tier 1, high-profile university partnerships.
2. New Business Development: Identify, prospect, and build partnerships with new universities. Own the full sales cycle from outreach and negotiation to deal closing.
3. Drive Partner Satisfaction: Ensure high satisfaction levels with university partners, maintaining strong, collaborative relationships with high-expectation institutions.
4. Team Leadership: Lead and manage a high-performing Partner Success team, ensuring the team meets and exceeds performance expectations.
5. Cross-functional Integration: Collaborate with marketing, product, and sales teams to drive high-value projects to completion and optimize partner-related initiatives.
6. Internal Advocacy: Serve as the internal advocate for partner success, championing the needs and goals of university partners across the organization.
7. Partnership Growth: Drive revenue growth by adding new programs with existing university partners and securing buy-in for additional growth initiatives.

Key Skills & Qualifications:

• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to identify and act on new partnership opportunities.
• Detail-oriented, with excellent organizational skills to manage multiple projects and threads simultaneously.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to foster warm, lasting connections with university and tech company partners.
• Proven experience in business development, deal negotiation, and relationship management in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Leadership experience managing and mentoring teams.
• Ability to thrive in a cross-functional environment, working closely with internal teams to deliver on complex projects.

Travel Requirements:

• This role is remote with up to 25% travel required to visit university partners, prospective partners, and attend conferences and industry events.