Business Relationship Manager

Business Relationship Manager

The Business Relationship Manager role at AIM Institute is classified as Level 2, Tier 1 within the Business Development job family. 

This position is pivotal in fostering strategic partnerships, aligning organizational objectives with stakeholder needs, and driving value creation in support of AIM's mission.

Job Title and Classification

• Job Title: Business Relationship Manager

• Job Family: Business Development

• Organizational Level: 2

• Tier: 1 (Individual Contributor | Management Low-Level)

• Reports To: Development Director or as assigned

• Supervises: None

• FLSA Status: Exempt

• Last Revised: June 2025

Position Summary

The Business Relationship Manager is responsible for initiating and supporting high-quality, mission-aligned relationships with prospective and existing partners, sponsors, and funders. 

This role plays a foundational part in AIM Institute’s growth by identifying opportunities to generate revenue, increase engagement, and build community visibility.  The Business Relationship Manager operates with a service mindset and strategic curiosity, supporting the sales cycle from prospecting through stewardship in partnership with senior development staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify potential partners and funders across industries and sectors.

• Support relationship cultivation and retention efforts by coordinating meetings, follow-ups, and documentation.

• Prepare tailored outreach materials, meeting briefs, pitch decks, and reports specifically designed for various audiences.

• Conduct market research to support segmentation, targeting, and donor discovery.

• Maintain CRM accuracy and ensure data-driven partner tracking and reporting.

• Represent AIM Institute at events, conferences, and community forums to expand the partner network.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align partnership outreach with current programs and campaigns.

• Assist in tracking performance indicators related to business development goals.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Communication, or related field.

• Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience in business development, external affairs, sales, or fundraising.

• Skills and Abilities:

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).

  • Ability to manage multiple relationship threads with consistency and professionalism.

  • Experience with CRM platforms and data entry best practices.

  • Strong organizational and time management capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with nonprofit or social impact organizations.

• Knowledge of partnership development or B2B relationship models.

• Experience presenting or pitching to external audiences.

Behavioral Expectations – Aligned to AIM’s Five Cs

• Cohesiveness: 

  • Demonstrates alignment with team strategies and supports unified development goals.

• Creativity: 

  • Contributes fresh ideas to outreach, storytelling, and partner engagement.

• Collaboration: 

  • Works seamlessly with peers across teams and consistently delivers reliable results in joint efforts.

• Community: 

  • Acts as a visible, values-driven ambassador for AIM’s mission in all engagements.

• Care: 

  • Listens actively, follows up thoughtfully, and engages partners with respect and empathy.

Core Competency Application – AIM Performance Framework

1. Expertise: Technical Mastery & Results Orientation

• Applies digital tools (CRM, slide tools, and email marketing platforms) with fluency to drive successful outreach.

• Delivers on individual outreach goals, contributes to team pipelines, and supports accurate reporting.

• 5Cs Alignment: Cohesiveness · Creativity

2. Responsibility: Behavioral Agility & Accountability

• Manages assigned tasks, meetings, and relationships with high integrity and professionalism.

• Demonstrates resilience and responsiveness in dynamic, people-facing environments.

• 5Cs Alignment: Care · Cohesiveness

3. Cultural Intelligence: Social & Relational Awareness

• Builds authentic connections and adapts communication style to diverse audiences.

• Honors cultural differences in partner interactions and aligns work with inclusive practices.

• 5Cs Alignment: Care · Community · Collaboration

4. Development: Growth & Learning Orientation

• Seeks feedback on outreach approach and continuously refines strategy.

• Brings curiosity to each partner conversation and looks for opportunities for alignment.

• 5Cs Alignment: Creativity · Care

5. Holistic: Strategic Leadership & Systems Thinking

• Understands how their partner portfolio supports broader business and impact goals.

• Anticipates how a potential relationship may intersect with programs or strategic priorities.

• 5Cs Alignment: Community · Cohesiveness

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Number of qualified leads identified and advanced per quarter.

• Outreach conversion rate (e.g., meetings scheduled as a result of outreach).

• CRM activity accuracy and timeliness of follow-up.

• Contribution to revenue targets via outreach and engagement support.

• Event participation and representation performance.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position has no formal supervisory responsibilities, but may involve mentoring interns or volunteers in event preparation or data entry.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Office-based with hybrid flexibility.

• Occasional travel to attend external events and partner meetings.

• Requires the ability to speak, listen, and present effectively in person and virtually.