Vice President, Engagement

CredLens is seeking a dynamic and experienced VP of Engagement to lead all aspects of business development. This role will involve engaging with data contributors, states, and regional funders to expand our reach and impact. The ideal candidate will be a strong sales leader and evangelist with a deep understanding of the non-degree credential space. They will be responsible for building and nurturing collaborations, developing strategies for engagement, and driving the mission of CredLens forward.

CredLens, established in 2024, is an independent corporate entity affiliated with Strada Education Foundation. Our mission is to build a nonprofit national data trust focused on verified outcomes for non-degree credentials. CredLens will deliver actionable insights and power ongoing research for industry-based, professional, and workforce credentials.  CredLens is designed to fill the data gap for non-degree credentials.  The attainment of these credentials is growing, but there is little to no data tracking their outcomes.  CredLens will offer tailored data analytics and visualizations to credential issuers, workforce training providers, philanthropic funding partnerships, and state system partnerships to support the continuous improvement of credential quality and to support informed funding and scaling decisions. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead and oversee all business development initiatives to expand CredLens' network and influence.
• Identify and engage with potential data contributors, including educational institutions, certification bodies, and training providers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with state agencies and regional funders to secure support and funding.

• Serve as the lead salesperson and advocate for CredLens, promoting the organization's mission and value proposition to a diverse audience.
• Develop compelling pitches and presentations to attract and retain data contributors and funders.
• Track and report on business development metrics to measure success and inform strategic priorities.

• Navigate the complex landscape of non-degree credentials, understanding the various players, approaches, and challenges. Build and sustain collaborative relationships that make the space for joint solutions and initiatives.
• Advocate for the importance of non-degree credential data and its impact on education and workforce development.

• Build and develop a team of internal (and potentially external) resources to support the CredLens growth goals.
• Work closely with the leadership team to align business development efforts with organizational goals and objectives; and to determine the right ongoing support model for our data contributor partners.  
• Monitor industry trends and developments to identify opportunities for growth and innovation.

• Proven experience in business development, sales, or a related role, preferably within the education, nonprofit, or credentialing sectors.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans and initiatives.
• Understanding of the non-degree credential space, including key players, trends, and challenges.
• Experience working with state agencies, regional funders, and diverse stakeholders.
• Passionate about education and committed to CredLens' mission of closing the data gap for non-degree credentials.
• Ability to travel as needed to meet with stakeholders and represent CredLens at events.

• Approximately 25-50% domestic travel anticipated. 

Mission and Values Alignment:

Committed to providing equitable pathways to opportunity through PSET, particularly for individuals who have faced significant barriers. Demonstrated alignment with CredLens' guiding values, commitment to building a strong and healthy workplace culture, and working in a collaborative environment.    

Strategy and Innovation Leadership:

Adept at operationalizing strategy and effectively communicating strategic endeavors within the organization and in external contexts, both verbally and in writing. Particular skill in designing annual plans, monitoring progress, and refining plans as needed. Adaptable with tolerance for ambiguity. Able to problem-solve and navigate varied viewpoints. Capacity to refine efforts based on evidence that change is needed. Ability to lead efforts to visualize and monitor change. Capability to see and support innovative ideas and opportunities across the organization, and to embed innovation within operational plans. Capabilities in taking the perspective of others and adapting an agenda and approach – toward a shared aim - accordingly.   

Strategic Problem Solving: 

Ability to effectively utilize a hypothesis-driven approach to problem solving, with effective quantitative and communication skills. Ability to take on broad-reaching and sometimes ambiguous questions while working collaboratively and cross-functionally with Strada team members across the organization.  

Execution and Operations Leadership:

Ability to translate innovative, strategic ideas into tangible, actionable steps, as well as to effectively monitor progress and partner with others on identifying improvements during implementation to increase the likelihood of successful execution.  

DEI Commitment:

Commitment and professional experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within and organization, including incorporating stakeholder perspectives in the design, implementation, and evaluation of strategic efforts.    

Relationship Building and Collaborative Capabilities: 

Demonstrated ability to cultivate, grow, and manage positive, mutually beneficial relationships at all levels of an organization and with partners outside the organization. Strong communication, interpersonal and relationship management skills—including identifying and working through challenges—underscored by strong judgment and emotional intelligence. Proven collaborator, able to work with colleagues at all levels in the organization. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to CredLens' organizational vibrancy, employee experience, and mission. We strongly encourage applicants from people of color/the global majority, immigrant, bilingual, and bicultural individuals; people with disabilities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+  and gender nonconforming communities; and people with other diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. We believe every member on the team enriches our workplace by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and discover, design, and deliver critical insights and solutions.