Founding State Director (Full-Time, Flexible)

Location: Remote (U.S. based, with preference for major metro areas)
Reports To: Chief Growth Officer

About UStrive.org:

UStrive.org is a nonprofit organization committed to leveling the playing field for low-income and first-generation students by connecting them with professional mentors. Through our innovative online platform, we pair students with mentors who guide them on their journey to and through college, and into their first job after graduation. With over 900,000 students opting in for our services every year, we are urgently looking to expand high-volume channels of professional mentors who can guide our growing student community along their college and career pathway.

Position Overview

UStrive.org is seeking a dynamic, mission-driven Founding State Director to lead the development and expansion of our corporate partnerships. This role is critical in growing our national and regional footprint by engaging companies to sponsor mentoring initiatives and mobilize their employees as volunteer mentors for UStrive students.

The Founding State Director will strategically tap into their existing network of corporate, civic, and business contacts—particularly within specific counties, metro areas, and state communities—to build partnerships that are not only impactful but locally rooted. By leveraging these relationships, the RSD will help UStrive connect students with mentors and career pathways in both their local and national communities of opportunity.

This position requires a proven track record in B2B sales, relationship management, and a strong understanding of corporate social responsibility (CSR), large scale corporate politics and decision-making logic, and overall employee engagement priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Corporate Partnership Development

  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities with corporations interested in supporting mentoring, CSR, and other talent development initiatives.

  • Lead the full sales cycle from prospecting through proposal development, pitching, negotiating, and closing partnerships.

  • Develop tailored partnership packages that align with corporate goals and showcase the impact of mentoring through UStrive.

• Stakeholder Engagement

  • Build strong, long-term relationships with C-suite leaders, CSR directors, HR executives, and employee engagement leads.

  • Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned corporate partners, ensuring alignment and satisfaction.

  • Collaborate with internal teams to support successful partner onboarding, employee mentor engagement, and ongoing stewardship.

• Strategic Growth

  • Establish a regional advisory board comprised of influential leaders and high-net worth individuals who can help meet fundraising and networking goals.

  • Contribute to regional and national growth strategies, identifying key markets and sectors for expansion.

  • Provide market intelligence and partner feedback to inform program development and continuous improvement.

• Impact Reporting & Storytelling

  • Collaborate with the UStrive team to track outcomes and deliver reports that highlight social impact, employee engagement, and student success.

  • Help partners share their impact stories internally and externally.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in B2B sales, business development, or corporate partnerships—ideally in nonprofit, edtech, social enterprise, or CSR/ESG sectors.

• Proven ability to close multi-year, six-figure partnerships.

• Existing network of corporate, civic, or philanthropic contacts—especially at the regional or county level.

• Exceptional communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.

• Knowledge of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and employee engagement strategies.

• Deep commitment to educational equity, social impact, and the mission of UStrive.

• Self-starter with entrepreneurial drive and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven startup culture.

• Familiarity with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot) and digital sales tools.

Preferred

• Existing network of corporate CSR or HR contacts.

• Experience with volunteer programs or employee engagement campaigns.

• Background in education, mentorship, or college access initiatives.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive nonprofit salary based on experience and region

• Performance-based bonus potential

• Flexible, self-paced work environment

How to Apply

Please submit a resume and a brief cover letter detailing your interest in the role and your experience cultivating corporate partnerships to JR@ustrive.org.

UStrive.org is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce. We strongly encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds to apply.