Business and Partnerships Relations Manager

## Business and Partnerships Relations Manager Apply locations:
Centennial Center time type:
Full time posted on:
Posted 2 Days Agotime left to apply:
End Date:
August 10, 2026 (29 days left to apply) job requisition :
R2141

Come work at a place where you have a direct impact on the quality of life for Kent residents, business owners and visitors alike!
** The City of Kent is seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven Business and Partnerships Relations Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping the city’s economic future. Reporting directly to the Chief Economic Development Officer, this position leads high-impact initiatives that strengthen Kent’s business climate, elevate the visibility of the Kent Valley, and build meaningful connections between industry, education, and the community.
**** With a strong focus on workforce development, marketing, and strategic partnerships, the Business and Partnerships Relations Manager serves as a key representative of the City of Kent—engaging local businesses, regional stakeholders, and educational institutions to advance long-term economic growth.

This role offers significant autonomy, the opportunity to influence regional policy, and the ability to collaborate across departments, including close involvement with the Mayor’s Office on strategic initiatives.
**** If you are a skilled communicator, a proactive relationship-builder, and a champion for community-focused economic development, we invite you to join us in supporting Kent’s continued leadership in key industries including aerospace, advanced manufacturing, logistics, and food production. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, political science, or a related field, supplemented by at least eight (8) years of relevant work experience.
**** This is a full-time, benefited position that is not represented by a union. All City of Kent employees and external candidates are eligible to apply.
***** Please note that you must attach your cover letter and resume to your application for your application to be considered complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered for this position. If you experience technical difficulties, please contact our office Monday-Friday, between 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM at  and we will do our best to assist you.  
***** The selection process for this position will include at least one panel interview.
**** The date for interviews has not been established.
**** Applications will be accepted through August 9th.
**** SALARY:****$10,767.00- $13,113.00 per month, depending on experience
**** For a listing of benefits, please use the following link:
Employee Benefits | City of Kent (kentwa.gov)
**** GENERAL

PURPOSE:

** Under the direction of the Chief Economic Development Officer, with a high level of autonomy, implement economic development strategies with a strong focus on workforce development, education, and marketing as well as  implementation of initiatives originating in the Mayor’s office.

Work is characterized by professional-level communications, analytical, administrative and project management duties. The supervisor communicates the overall objectives, strategy, goals and resources available. The incumbent is responsible for the work, plans and carries out the assignment, resolves most conflicts that arise, and interprets policies on own initiative in terms of established objectives. The incumbent keeps the supervisor informed of progress, potentially controversial matters, or far-reaching implications.

Work is reviewed in terms of fulfillment of objectives and goals in conformance with department policy and practice. The incumbent also staffs the administration of the city’s lodging tax advisory committee—an entirely unique budgetary process within the City.
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* ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

** Assist Chief Economic Development Officer with planning, organizing, coordination, and evaluation of major economic development activities within the City; assist/coordinates as needed on projects and grant opportunities and legislative efforts; represents the city at government related events of the Chambers of Commerce and at…