Business Development and Community Partnerships Manager

Job Description

Job Title: Business Development and Community Partnerships Manager

Department: Social Enterprise

Job Classification: Full Time, Exempt

Reports To: Director of Social Enterprise, Marketing and Retail

Pay Range

Minimum: $58,000

Midpoint: $69,000

Maximum: $82,000

Why Work Here

At MRC Industries, we offer a vibrant, mission-driven workplace dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities and fostering inclusive community engagement. Joining our team means contributing to meaningful work that transforms lives while providing opportunities for professional growth and advancement. Be part of an innovative environment where your leadership will directly impact our community and further our mission of inclusion and independence.

Job Summary

The Business Development & Community Partnerships Manager is responsible for growing MRC Industries' earned revenue through strategic business development, community partnerships, and expansion of mission-driven social enterprises. This position develops and manages relationships with businesses, municipalities, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to secure contracts, create employment opportunities, and expand MRC's portfolio of social enterprises.

Working collaboratively across Workforce Development, Retail Operations, Finance, Marketing, and Operations, this position ensures social enterprises are financially sustainable while supporting MRC's mission. This position does not supervise Workforce Development staff or determine participant programming but collaborates closely with program leadership to ensure successful implementation of contracts and enterprise initiatives.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Business Development
• Identify, cultivate, and secure new business opportunities.
• Develop production contracts and service agreements.
• Prepare proposals, pricing, presentations, and negotiate contracts.
• Maintain customer relationships and renew contracts.

Social Enterprise Growth

• Lead growth of SparkWorks, BrewBones, production services, and future social enterprises.
• Conduct market research, feasibility studies, and business planning.

Community Partnerships

• Build strategic relationships with businesses, municipalities, chambers, workforce agencies, and community organizations.
• Represent MRC throughout the community.

Contract Management

• Serve as primary customer contact.
• Coordinate implementation, timelines, and communication.
• Partner with Workforce Development and Retail Operations for execution.

Strategic Planning

• Identify emerging markets and diversification opportunities.
• Develop business cases for new social enterprises.

Cross Department Collaboration

• Coordinate with Workforce Development, Retail Operations, Marketing, Finance, and Operations.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to negotiate contracts and build business relationships.
• Strong presentation and public speaking skills.
• Financial acumen, including budgeting and pricing analysis.
• Ability to analyze market trends and identify business opportunities.
• Strong problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and CRM/database software.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Valid Michigan driver's license and ability to travel locally.

Required

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.
• Five years of business development, account management, strategic partnerships, or nonprofit enterprise experience.
• Strong communication and project management skills.
• Experience preparing proposals.
• Valid Michigan driver's license.

Preferred

• Nonprofit experience
• Social enterprise experience
• Workforce development knowledge
• Experience working alongside individuals with disabilities

Physical Requirements

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, lifting, and reaching required.
• Ability to regularly lift and move items weighing up to 35 pounds.

Work Conditions

• May require occasional evening and weekend work.

At MRC, we value diversity and are committed to fostering a workplace where all employees feel respected, supported, and empowered. Individuals are recruited, hired, and promoted based solely on relevant job-related criteria and without regard to age, color, race, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, pregnancy or related conditions, marital or familial status, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, immigration or citizenship status (as permitted by law), caste, or any other status protected by applicable law. MRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

We welcome applicants from every background. Veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Requests for accommodation in the application process are welcomed and can be directed to Human Resources.