The Vice President leads the BENS Partnership team and is responsible for management of BENS’ relationships with leaders across the national security enterprise; has deep understanding of BENS’ 400+ members’ business expertise, networks, and engagement preferences; and is able to leverage member resources to assist military/government partners, support BENS initiatives, and execute the organization’s domestic and international travel programs. S/he will report to the Chief Program Officer (CPO) of BENS.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Collaboration and Integration
The VP of Partnerships will be a key member of the leadership team of the organization and will encourage and partake in collaboration and integration across all divisions of the organization, including development, support, regions, and other members of the Programs team.
Partner Engagement Planning
The VP, Partnerships is expected to shape and recommend to the CPO an ongoing agenda of touchpoints with current and prospective government partners, as well as other agency leaders across the national security enterprise with whom BENS strives to establish and maintain relationships.
These proposed interactions will take multiple forms and cover all of BENS’ lines of service.
The VP, Partnerships is expected to work with the President/CEO, Chief Operating Officer (COO), Chief Development Officer (CDO), CPO and all members of the organization to ensure that these leader engagements align with, support, and help drive the BENS Road Map and other organizational priorities.
Member Engagement Planning
The VP, Partnerships is expected to manage a proactive process through which information about individual BENS members’ business expertise, work background, skills, networks, and engagement preferences is continually elicited and recorded.
The VP, Partnerships will work to in collaboration with development team, programs team, and regional directors ensure that this information is used to effectively match BENS’ member resources to military/government partners needs and requests for assistance; to servicemember mentoring opportunities; as well as to invitations and activities which will maximize his/her member experience.
Engagement Execution
Once consensus is reached with the CPO and programs team on the annual plan, the VP, Partnerships is expected to successfully execute with the Programs team.
The VP is expected to work closely with the team to ensure that each BENS initiative has active, well-qualified member involvement, and that needed member resources and support are available for partner advisory engagements and other activities BENS undertakes.
The VP is to keep the CPO abreast of any significant deviations in the plans. Keeping BENS members informed of the opportunities available to them and about the transparent processes for selection is a priority which requires close integration of efforts and strong communications between the BENS team.
Preparation for Board Meetings
The VP, Partnerships is expected to work closely with the CPO in the preparation of Executive Committee meetings and Board of Directors meetings, as well as any other materials requested by the COO or President/CEO.
Staff Management
The VP, Partnerships is expected to manage and oversee the activities and workloads of the BENS Partnerships team.
Exercising sound performance management steps such as setting expectations, providing continuous feedback, and performance appraisal are as important to the staff as it is to BENS.
The VP, Partnerships will identify training and direction for new staff members and assist the CPO in recruiting staff as necessary either for permanent or temporary employment.
BENS Day to Day Operations
Upon request of the President/CEO, COO and/or CPO, the VP, Partnerships is expected to participate in and assist with activities and special projects associated with office management processes such as budget preparation, performance management, recruiting/hiring and strategic planning for the organization and/or the Partnerships team.
Contribute to the overall success and implementation of the mission of BENS, by acting as a productive, supportive team-player.

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

Excellent team player who naturally leads, shares information, works collaboratively, and sets a positive example for the culture of the organization.
Excellent oral and written communications ability.
Strong organizational and project management skills.
Creative and strategic thinker who is able to identify opportunities for engagement with partners and members, and develop and achieve a plan for successful execution.
High energy, maturity, and the ability to exercise strong judgment and discretion in advocacy matters at both the strategic and tactical levels.
Self-starter, able to work independently and in a large setting, and an entrepreneurial spirit; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives.
Ability to relate to and communicate with diverse groups of individuals as a trusted team player.
Keen insight, awareness, and sensitivity into matters pertaining to National Security, threats, and opportunities.
The stellar ability to collaborate with all stakeholders

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s Degree; Master’s Degree preferred.
More than 8 years of non-profit or partnership experience in roles with increasing levels of responsibility required, and government experience strongly desired.

TO APPLY

To apply, email your resume and cover letter to Ms. Haley Lamm (HLamm@bens.org).

Applications will be considered through September 12, 2024.

Business Executives for National Security (BENS)

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Vice President for Partnerships