Partnerships & Communications Manager Africa at Bridge for Billions

JOB MISSION

• We’re expanding into Africa in a big way and are looking for a Partnerships Manager to lead efforts in building the visibility, brand awareness, and strategic relationships needed to integrate Bridge for Billions into the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• This role will be critical in positioning Bridge for Billions as a trusted and recognized leader in entrepreneurship support across Africa, ensuring our brand is embedded in key networks, events, and conversations. Equally, the Ecosystem Partnerships Manager will drive the identification of potential partners including Entrepreneurship Support Organizations (ESOs), potential funding organizations and programmatic collaborators, amplifying the reach and impact of our programs and unlocking new opportunities for growth.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop Strategic Partnerships:

• Identify and establish strategic partnerships with organizations, networks, and allies that can amplify Bridge for Billions' impact and support its systemic change goals.
• Work closely with sales and ESO management teams to ensure a coordinated approach to ecosystem growth, partner engagement, and lead conversion.
• Integrate partnerships into the broader marketing and growth strategy, contributing to lead generation (Clients in priority, ESOs next) and brand positioning efforts.
• Provide regular reports of the performance of partnerships: lead generation, ecosystem engagement, and marketing performance to inform strategic decision-making.
• Create and maintain a well-structured, up-to-date and user friendly partners database that can be used over the whole organization.
• Identify partnership opportunities inside our existing community (eg via mentors, with clients).
• Be a key advisor and strategist for the team regarding ESO acquisition and be an ally in crafting the ESO acquisition strategies.
• Help evolve the value exchange with ESOs to increase their satisfaction and retention.

Build Awareness and Generate Leads

• Develop and implement targeted marketing strategies to attract and engage potential B2B clients and ESOs.
• Advise team on key events to attend, set up goals to achieve there, negotiate optimal conditions for attendance (tickets, speaking opportunities, booth…)
• Prepare and support Bridge representatives at events, set clear objectives, and pre-arrange meetings.
• Strategically organize partner meetings linked to demo-days of existing programs (Conecta or direct events).
• Get involved with key clients and explore how to make the most of joint partnerships.
• Manage local memberships: mapping new opportunities
• Qualify and nurture leads, ensuring a smooth handover to the sales team and ESO Manager for final conversion and relationship management.

Increase Bridge for Billions integration and engagement in the ecosystem

• Drive PR and communications efforts to position Bridge for Billions as a trusted thought leader in Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
• Ensure the brand is integrated and recognized within key networks, securing memberships and affiliations that enhance credibility.
• Identify high-impact events and speaking opportunities for brand visibility, ensuring attendance is strategic and outcome-focused.
• Act as a key point of contact for ecosystem partners, ensuring clear communication and fostering long-term collaborations.
• Build consistent, culturally resonant messaging and content to strengthen relationships with African stakeholders. Compelling content and messaging that highlights the unique value proposition of Bridge for Billions, resonating with B2B clients, ESOs, and partners.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in ecosystem management, partnership development, or relationship management, with a strong background in marketing and lead generation, preferably within the social impact or entrepreneurship sectors.
• Proven track record in building and managing strategic partnerships within the African entrepreneurial ecosystem, including with ESOs, and related stakeholders
• Deep understanding of the African entrepreneurship landscape, including regional nuances, key stakeholders, and challenges faced by startups and ESOs.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with a passion for advancing systemic change, entrepreneurship, social impact, and the mission of Bridge for Billions.
• Expertise in planning and leveraging events for networking, brand positioning, and lead generation in the African context.

Skills we look for all Bridge team members:

• Purpose Driven: This position aligns with your life's purpose, the impact you wish to make, and the person you want to become.
• Values Aligned: You embody our core values of Courage, Grit, Empathy, and Gumption.
• Startup Mindset: You're collaborative, entrepreneurial, and willing to take responsibility for your work outcomes, operating effectively even when working alone.
• Proactive & Empathetic: You take initiative, are results-driven, and empathetic in all your interactions with team members, entrepreneurs, mentors, and partners.
• Emotionally Intelligent: You have a deep understanding of people’s needs and expectations and can build trust and engagement quickly.
• Passionate & Curious: You are passionate about your work and have a lifelong desire to learn.
• Resilient: You have a growth mindset and the resilience to overcome challenges, understanding that systemic change requires hard work.
• Effective Communicator: You have proven experience in resolving problems and communicating complex ideas clearly to diverse groups in a fast-paced environment.