Partner Solution Sales - (AI Business Solutions)

Microsoft Elevate is a global initiative designed to empower mission-driven organizations and individuals to thrive in the AI-powered economy. Launched this year, Elevate consolidates and expands upon the work of Microsoft Philanthropies and the Tech for Social Impact team, bringing together technology support, donations, sales, and skilling programs for schools, community colleges, nonprofits, and underserved communities. At its core, Elevate is about putting people first—ensuring that artificial intelligence enhances human potential rather than replacing it.      The Partner Development manager is a key role within the Microsoft Elevate Scale OU and is a strategic, partner-facing role responsible for owning the end-to-end partner relationship for Microsoft Elevate priorities with these regional P artners.    The PDM will be a key bridge between Microsoft Elevate's mission and the local partner ecosystem, ensuring that partners are empowered to bring AI-first Microsoft solutions — including Microsoft 365 Copilot, Azure, and Dynamics 365 — to Education and Nonprofit customers across the region.   The role requires close collaboration with field sales communities and a strong and predictable Rhythm-of-Business ( RoB ) with partners to align regional Partners with area Microsoft’s Elevates business strategy. It also involves engagement at the executive level within the Partner organizations – to maintain strategic alignment and partner mindshare. By successfully leading business conversations and landing sales strategies with these partners, the PDM ensures the team meets or exceeds budget targets, retains partner commitment to Microsoft, and drives profitable growth for both Microsoft and the Partners.    Microsoft’s mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. As employees we come together with a growth mindset, innovate to empower others, and collaborate to realize our shared goals. Each day we build on our values of respect, integrity, and accountability to create a culture of inclusion where everyone can thrive at work and beyond.

In this role, the Partner Development Manager will own a broad set of responsibilities to drive partner performance and business outcomes.   Develop Strategic Partner Plans: Create and execute an impactful Partner Business Plan aligning the partner’s business goals with Microsoft’s Elevates priorities. This includes defining clear revenue and solution milestones aligned to priorities and opportunities.    Stakeholder Engagement & Alignment: Serve as the primary liaison between Microsoft Elevate and the Partners’ leadership. Engage with the partner’s executives to maintain strategic alignment for Education and Nonprofit. Facilitate connections between the Partner and Microsoft Elevates teams, ensuring that partner-led deals and campaigns are integrated with local sales motions. Create trust and credibility through regular executive touchpoints and by addressing escalations or blockers promptly.   Business Development & Strategy Landing: Lead business conversations with partners to land Microsoft’s Elevates sales strategies and new initiatives. Introduce and drive adoption of new Microsoft offerings by articulating value propositions and competitive advantages. Co-develop go-to-market strategies with the Partners to target new customer acquisition, cloud migrations, and upsell opportunities.   Drive Sales Execution & Pipeline: Lead the partner to execute across all priority solution areas (e.g. AI Copilot, Azure, Security, Modern Work). Drive co-sell motions with partners and managing partner pipelines through CRM tools. Orchestrate the effective use of partner investments programs to build partner capacity and capability. Ensure programs are well understood and executed by partners to maximize ROI and partner profitablity.    Partner Capacity and Enablement: Act as a coach