How to apply for Senior Manager, Corporate Partnerships & Communications

About Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF)

Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) is an entrepreneurial nonprofit that pioneered the market for renewable energy credits and now leads in corporate water stewardship through its Business for Water Stewardship (BWS) program. What sets BEF apart is its unique ability to bridge the gap between corporate sustainability goals and on-the-ground environmental projects, creating measurable impact for both businesses and ecosystems. Working here means joining a team that values collaboration, innovation, and tangible results in the water and energy sectors.

About the role

As the Senior Manager, Corporate Partnerships & Communications for BWS, you will be the strategic linchpin between BEF's technical water stewardship work and its corporate partners, translating complex hydrology and policy into compelling stories that drive engagement and investment. You will manage high-value partnerships, develop communications strategies, and equip internal teams to expand the impact of water stewardship initiatives nationally and internationally. This role is pivotal in scaling BEF's mission to ensure clean water for people, economies, and ecosystems.

A typical day

A typical day might involve a morning call with a corporate partner to discuss a new water stewardship project, followed by drafting a communications plan to highlight the partnership's impact. You could then collaborate with the BWS team to develop a proposal for a prospective partner, and end the day reviewing analytics on a recent campaign to refine future messaging. The role is dynamic, balancing strategic thinking with hands-on execution and relationship management.

Who Bonneville Environmental Foundation (BEF) is looking for

• 5-7 years of experience in corporate partnerships, communications, or program management, ideally within an environmental nonprofit or sustainability-focused organization.
• Proven track record of managing and growing high-value corporate relationships, including experience with Fortune 500 companies in sectors like food & beverage, technology, or utilities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill technical water stewardship concepts into persuasive narratives for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work remotely and collaboratively across teams, with a strong understanding of water stewardship frameworks (e.g., AWS, CDP) and corporate ESG reporting.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific examples of corporate partnerships you've managed, including the size, scope, and outcomes of those relationships, to show you can handle BEF's high-value partners.
• Demonstrate your ability to translate technical water concepts into accessible stories by including a writing sample or describing a communications campaign you led.
• Research BEF's Business for Water Stewardship program and mention specific projects or partners in your application to show genuine interest and alignment.
• Emphasize your experience working remotely and with cross-functional teams, as this role requires seamless collaboration with the Senior Director and external stakeholders.
• Use your cover letter to articulate why you are passionate about water stewardship specifically, not just environmental issues in general, and how you align with BEF's entrepreneurial approach.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, focus on: (1) your experience managing corporate partnerships and the results you achieved, (2) your ability to communicate complex environmental issues to corporate audiences, (3) your familiarity with water stewardship frameworks and corporate sustainability trends, and (4) your motivation to work at BEF specifically, referencing its unique position at the intersection of renewable energy and freshwater.

Research before applying

• Explore BEF's Business for Water Stewardship program website, including case studies and partner lists, to understand their approach and impact.
• Read BEF's recent annual reports or impact reports to familiarize yourself with their projects and metrics.
• Research current trends in corporate water stewardship, such as the CEO Water Mandate, AWS Standard, and CDP water disclosures, to speak knowledgeably about the landscape.
• Look up the Senior Director of BWS and other team members on LinkedIn to understand their backgrounds and priorities.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• How would you approach developing a communications strategy for a new corporate water stewardship partnership?
• Describe a time you had to manage a challenging corporate partner relationship and how you navigated it.
• What experience do you have with water stewardship metrics and reporting frameworks like AWS or CDP?
• How would you ensure that BEF's water stewardship messages resonate with both corporate partners and community stakeholders?
• Give an example of how you've translated technical environmental data into a compelling narrative for a non-technical audience.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Avoid using generic language about 'saving the environment' without connecting it to BEF's specific focus on water and corporate partnerships.
• Don't neglect to mention your experience with remote work and collaboration tools, as this is a fully remote role.
• Avoid focusing solely on communications or partnerships without demonstrating how you integrate both to drive strategy and execution.