The Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) is the principal membership organization for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^TM professionals and those engaged in the financial planning process. FPA is the CFP® professional's partner in planning by helping them realize their vision of professional fulfillment through practice support, learning, advocacy, and networking. Learn more about FPA at financialplanningassociation.org.

FPA views diversity as an integral part of our culture and identity and we strive to create an inclusive culture where our differences are seen as a value for the association. We’re committed to building an organization that encourages collaboration and creativity and where people thrive by being themselves and can do their best work as part of our team.

Position Summary

 As an integral role for FPA, the Manager, Strategic Partnerships will drive revenue growth for the association by cultivating multi-year, six-figure relationships with leading financial planning firms. The person hired for this position will develop deep and trusted relationships across the financial planning profession – and will strive to secure business for FPA that advances our mission. This individual will have a minimum of five years of experience in managing external relationships for a financial services or education organization, or an association. Experience navigating external client communications, strategies and contracts is essential. The Manager will contribute to the Strategic Partnerships department goals and articulate a vision and passion for the work FPA does on behalf of financial planners. This person must be able to excel independently with little supervision, including maintaining excellent standards for quality, organization, and communication. The Manager must be comfortable communicating with C-level executives in Fortune 500 companies, as well as negotiating and managing priorities that support FPA’s business goals and fold into our primary aim.  

The ability to interact with partners, members, volunteers, and staff (at all levels) in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under pressure, remaining flexible, proactive, resourceful and efficient, with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality is crucial to this role. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong decision-making ability and attention to detail are equally important. An ability to articulate strategic priorities as well as balance both external partner and FPA expectations is crucial to success in this position.

Primary Responsibilities

• Independently sources leads and secures partners in areas of non-dues revenue generation: integrated partnerships, event sponsorships and exhibits, content marketing, advertising, educational partner content, and research
• Understands and executes strategic sales strategies that appropriately position FPA‘s brand, membership value, and thought leadership within the marketplace
• Supports team-driven sales plans that fulfill budget obligations for the organization
• Aids in the strategic planning and execution of the FPA Strategic and Cornerstone Partnership program
• Provides an exquisite experience for partners at FPA events and through in-person or virtual touchpoints
• Regularly delivers feedback on FPA products/services, sales strategies and industry trends to the team for ongoing evaluation and enhancement of sellable portfolio

 Supplemental Duties

• Demonstrates awareness of, and personal responsibility for, individual performance as it relates to the Strategic Partnership budget and overall team success
• Participates in regular team meetings to provide advice and counsel in areas of responsibility
• Represents FPA in the marketplace, regional chapters, at major firm events and at industry conferences and meetings. Some travel required.
• Educates and coaches partners on content leadership and alignment within FPA programming and conferences for seamless integration and maximum partner value
• Works closely within the Strategic Partnerships team and other departments to implement strategic partnerships that further the organization’s primary aim
• Maintains high-level relationship with vendors and supporters of FPA

About Working for FPA

FPA is located in Denver, Colorado. While FPA prefers the individual hired for this role work in the Denver area, we are open to the consideration of a fully remote position in order to hire the candidate that is the best fit for our association. Denver-based staff members are currently working remotely due to COVID-19 but we anticipate a gradual safe return to the office in the coming months.

FPA offers eligible employees a comprehensive range of benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and accident insurance. Additional benefits include a 401(k) savings plan with strong company match (6%), thirteen (13) paid holidays, twenty (20) days of sick and vacation leave, and half day Fridays in the summer.  Paid garage parking is provided if residing in the Denver area.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Bachelor's degree in business, communications, marketing/sales or related field
• Minimum of five years of experience in managing external relationships for a financial services or education organization, or an association
• Represents Strategic Partnerships team in a variety of meetings with internal and external partners and prospective partners; drive the conversation to benefit FPA, our members, and our revenue streams with an eye for longevity
• Ability to acquire outside resources and negotiate favorable business relationships and develop new business relationships
• Experience in strategic and tactical sales efforts for an organization/association
• Proven ability to engage professionally and appropriately with C-level executives of Fortune 500 firms
• Engages in proactive, practical and creative approaches to solving problems
• Impeccable organizational and communication (written and verbal) skills
• Desire and agreement to work in a learning organization committed to honest, direct and respectful communication
• Ability to work alongside project leads and managers of many teams to effectively translate and activate partnership goals
• Knowledge of current research and trends in financial planning a plus. Willingness to learn required
• Aspire to actively communicate honestly, directly and respectfully and with a positive attitude
• Be a consistently reliable teammate; collaborate, show up, and support your colleagues