External Relations Associate

Qualifications:

• Bachelors Degree, preferably a degree holder of Communications, Advertising, Marketing, Public Relations, Business Management / Administration or other related degree programs;
• Must have an established network. Linkages / exposure with different local and international institutions, companies, NGOs, agencies, organizations, industries, schools, etc.;
• Knowledgeable in contract review and negotiations;
• Have participated in networking events, fairs, conferences, expos, etc.;
• Relevant trainings and seminars in personal and professional / career development is a plus;
• Proficiency in productivity tools (Google Workspace, MS Office, Canva);
• 3+ years of relevant experience in sales, account management, communications, marketing, PR or external relations;
• Proven track record of building and maintaining strong professional relationships with clients, partners, or stakeholders;
• Self-starter;
• Creative problem-solving abilities / Customer service skills;
• Exceptional business communications skills (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills;
• Outstanding pitching and presentation skills;
• Highly organized and detail-oriented;
• Strong project management and events management skills;
• Ability to develop strong relationships with multiple cross-functional stakeholders;
• Willingness to attend regular external meetings and company visits within Metro Manila (and beyond, if needed).

General Description

The External Relations Associate for Partnerships is responsible for seeking, building, and maintaining strong long-term partnerships that provide internships, mentorships, career opportunities, and other collaborative projects for the iACADEMY community stakeholders, while also supporting institutional growth. He/she manages the partner lifecycle from prospecting to onboarding, retention, renewal, and expansion, ensuring that all partnerships are mutually beneficial, sustainable, and aligned with iACADEMY's strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

Relationship Development and Engagement

• Identify, prospect, and onboard new industry partners aligned with iACADEMY's strategic priorities, and following an agreed target per quarter.
• Serve as the main point of contact for iACADEMY's industry and institutional partners, addressing their needs, resolving concerns, and maintaining strong, collaborative relationships.
• Conduct regular touchpoints, company visits, and external engagements to understand evolving partner needs and identify new opportunities for collaboration.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by the administration.

Partnership Management and Retention

• Maintain an updated partner contact database and dashboard for tracking acquisition, engagement, renewal, and exit.
• Develop and implement tailored strategies to maximize partner satisfaction, retention, and long-term engagement. This includes but is not limited to conceptualizing and executing signing ceremonies, launches, speaking engagements, sponsorships, Program Advisory Councils (PAC), cultural exchanges, and Partners' Night, etc.
• Ensure consistent follow-through on deliverables and institutional commitments.
• Track, document, and report on partnership-related initiatives, providing insights and recommendations for process improvements.

Negotiation and Contract Management

• Negotiate agreements, contracts, and partnership terms to ensure fairness and alignment with institutional standards.
• Resolve conflicts or issues that may arise during the partnership lifecycle, working closely with stakeholders as needed.
• Ensure all agreements are compliant with policies and regulations.

Communication and Presentation

• Collaborate with different internal stakeholders to produce high-quality decks, tailored proposals, and concept briefs.
• Prepare and deliver compelling presentations to prospective and current partners, highlighting iACADEMY's value propositions.
• Represent iACADEMY in external meetings, events, and conferences as a credible and professional ambassador of the institution.

Industry Awareness & Insights

• Stay updated on industry, technology, creative, and education trends to ensure conversations with partners remain relevant, insightful, and future-oriented.
• Provide market and competitor insights that can inform institutional strategies for partnerships and academic programs.
• Explore cross-sectoral opportunities for collaboration (e.g., student organizations, research, faculty training and immersion, scholarships, and volunteering initiatives).
• Share industry and partner-related updates and feedback with relevant stakeholders promptly and accurately.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: Php20, Php24,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Company Christmas gift
• Company events
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Opportunities for promotion
• Promotion to permanent employee

Work Location: On the road