Airband Business Development and Partnership Manager at Microsoft

TFR Airband advances high-speed internet access and meaningful connectivity to help all communities thrive in a connected world. We convene internal and external partners, including a global network of internet and energy providers, government agencies, nonprofits, and private sector companies, focused on closing the digital divide and unlocking the power of transformative technologies enabled by connectivity. Together, we work to not only build the digital infrastructure required for high-speed internet access, but also provide access to technology solutions that enable people and communities to operate online safely and productively aligned to our mission to empower every person and organization to achieve more.

Responsibilities

Location: Nairobi or Johannesburg.

As a Business Development and Partnership Manager, you will consult with internal and external stakeholders to identify opportunities for strategic partnerships with typical, local organizations which lead to internet access coverage, connectivity, and adoption in key geographic areas. You will apply sound judgement to prioritize optimal opportunities and manage the ongoing partnership relationship, mitigating risks to achieve the negotiated partnership agreement terms. You will work with the Microsoft 365 suite of tools as well as internal CRM and Power Platform technologies. The Business Development and Partnership Manager will advise partners on appropriate Microsoft connections for ways in which they can use Microsoft technology and expertise to advance and accelerate their work. You will also play an integral role with other Airband team members in facilitating access to funding opportunities for partners. You will interface with various internal Airband teams and Microsoft Teams, including Microsoft Philanthropies, the Tech for Social Impact Team, State and Local Government sales teams, the Microsoft partner ecosystem, and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Good Lab to bring the best of Microsoft’s capabilities and expertise to bear for Airband partners and staff.

The Business Development and Partnership Manager will be directly responsible for:

• Building an understanding of Airband’s value proposition and partners’ overall business model to inform business development engagement.
• Proposing, negotiating, validating, and finalizing a compliant agreement which aligns the business capacity of partner organizations with Airband contributions to accelerate impact in the internet equity space.
• Assist with providing guidance to partner organizations on Microsoft technology solutions with special emphasis on AI.
• Ensuring that partnerships meet Airband standards of performance including scalability, feasibility, and relevant impact, escalating misalignment as needed.
• Developing and using project management skills and attention to detail to support lifecycle of business development and partner management workflows.
• Facilitating relationships with Microsoft commercial partners while serving as an advocate for Airband Initiative partner organizations.
• Proactively identifying opportunities for Airband Initiative partner organizations to align with other Microsoft Tech for Fundamental Rights (TFR) initiatives that support and advance people’s fundamental rights.
• Applying a Microsoft technology and internet equity lens to all partnership opportunities and communicating to internal and external stakeholders on opportunities to further advance equity through a variety of methods including funding opportunities, community transformation, and facilitation of infrastructure.
• Maintaining awareness and staying abreast of issues related to Airband Initiative strategic goals and priorities.
• Representing Airband Initiative to external organizations and audiences and always applying a customer service mindset.

Qualifications

Required/Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree AND 3+ years experience in corporate social responsibility, philanthropies, corporate affairs, or related area
• OR 5+ years experience in corporate social responsibility, philanthropies, corporate affairs, or related area.

Additional Or Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years experience in corporate social responsibility, philanthropies, corporate affairs, or related area.
• 3+ years experience managing a corporate social responsibility or related program.
• 3+ years experience working in or with a large, matrixed organization
• Knowledge and/or demonstrated curiosity in applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a plus.
• An ability to cultivate and maintain relationships across Microsoft and with partner and grantee organizations in the internet equity space.
• An ability to engage substantively with engineers, business leaders, and advocates at all levels.
• An ability to lead and influence without authority.