James P. Thornton
Birmingham
Summary
Experience managing and nurturing strategic partnerships across education and community-focused initiatives. Utilizes relationship-building techniques to foster collaboration, organizational growth, and meaningful stakeholder engagement. Proven track record of effective communication, strategic planning, and partnership development within educational and community environments. Successfully implemented initiatives that increased participation, strengthened relationships, and expanded opportunities for students, families, and organizations. Personable and driven, bringing a deep understanding of educational systems, community engagement, and administrative processes.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Employer Partnership Manager
The Birmingham Promise
Birmingham, AL
03.2025 - Current
- Cultivates and sustaines strong relationships with current employers to enhance recruitment of partners for career and experiential learning programs through strategic outreach. Leds initiatives to attract employer partners for career and experiential learning opportunities through targeted communication with prospective employers.
- Achieves seamless employer onboarding by developing and coordinating tailored processes, including interviews and orientation sessions. Elevates team performance through structured mentoring and supervisor training programs. Streamlines onboarding requirements like background checks and drug tests, resulting in improved compliance and efficiency.
- Developes and nurtures partnerships with corporate entities to facilitate work-based learning initiatives and drive agreement renewals.
- Streamlines student application reviews, enhancing eligibility assessment efficiency. Deliveres impactful professional development training to empower students. Matches students with ideal employers, optimizing alignment of interests and needs.
Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator
Build Up Community School
Birmingham, AL
08.2024 - Current
- Coordinate the planning and execution of social media marketing campaigns to increase visibility and engagement with prospective families.
- Cultivated relationships with parents, local organizations, and community leaders to build a strong support network for students and families.
- Organized and facilitate events, including open houses promoting the school's mission to provide quality education and skills to students in underserved communities.
- Developed and implement strategies to increase student enrollment and foster long-term community involvement at Build Up Community School, focusing on local outreach and recruitment activities.
Program Specialist
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee
Nashville, TN
09.2023 - 05.2024
- Conducted comprehensive assessments of volunteers, parents, and children to ensure suitable program participation.
- Facilitated acquisition of critical assessment materials, resulting in comprehensive criminal background evaluations. Compiled essential references and educational and counseling data, enhancing assessment accuracy.
- Conducted thorough assessments and formulated recommendations for program participation based on individual evaluations.
- Maintained comprehensive and precise documentation and database records to uphold Big Brothers Big Sisters quality standards.
Kindergarten Teacher
Metro Nashville Public Schools
Nashville, TN
07.2022 - 07.2023
- Achieved enhanced student learning through effective differentiation of curriculum addressing multimodal learning needs. Delivered engaging writing workshops, small reading groups, and math explorations on a daily basis.
- Cultivated strong relationships with students and families to foster a safe and supportive learning environment.
- Created and communicated clear expectations and routines to improve classroom discipline and student engagement.
- Implemented strategies to create a secure and encouraging classroom environment, prioritizing emotional health and academic advancement for every student.
- Coordinated brainstorming sessions with colleagues to identify and resolve issues impacting classroom effectiveness.
Corporate Work Study Program Coordinator
Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School
Birmingham, AL
07.2021 - 07.2022
- Oversaw job placement processes for the corporate work-study program to optimize student opportunities. Guided students in job preparation to foster professional development. Evaluated student performance on the job to maintain quality standards.
- Engaged with CWSP partners and student worker supervisors to maintain effective communication and support operational success.
- Facilitated comprehensive learning experiences to enhance student skills applicable in workplace and beyond through structured daily lessons.
- Implemented comprehensive training sessions focused on job performance, coaching students, and troubleshooting behavioral challenges.
- Designed and implemented summer training programs and team-building activities to enhance integration of new students and refresh returning students.
- Supported recruitment and admissions efforts to enhance enrollment.
Education
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
Xavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LAMaster of Arts - Organizational Leadership
University of The Virgin Islands
St. Thomas, VI7 2025
Bachelor of Science - Child Development and Family Relations
Tennessee State University
Nashville, TN8 2021
Skills
- CRM Data Management
- Youth Advocacy & Mentorship
- Team Leadership & Collaboration
- Education programming
- Project oversight
Affiliations
- Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Health Initiatives Chair (2023-2024)
- 100 Black Men of Metro Birmingham, Collegiate 100 Chair (2024-Present), Membership Committee Member (2025-Present)
- Tennessee State University National Alumni Association, Birmingham Chapter, President (2025-Present), Scholarship Brunch Co-Chair (2022-Present), Scholarship Committee Member (2025-Present)
- Young Professionals of Birmingham, Member
- Young Advisory Board Member, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham (2025-Present)
- Junior Board Member, Black Women's Mental Health Institute (2025-Present)
Certification
- Focus on Survival State Skills: The Journey to Positive Intent United Way of Greater Nashville Read to Succeed-March 2021
- Phonological Awareness in the Early Childhood Classroom United Way of Greater Nashville Read to Succeed- March 2021
- Redefining School Discipline: Considering Trauma and SEL Needs United Way of Greater Nashville Read to Succeed- March 2021
- Working Across Lines of Difference: Relationship Building in Times of Crisis United Way of Greater Nashville Read to Succeed- March 2021
- Implicit Bias: What Educators Need to Know United Way of Greater Nashville Read to Succeed- March 2021
- An Introduction to Conscious Discipline United Way of Greater Nashville Read to Succeed- March 2021
- Making it All Connect with the Frog Street Threes Curriculum United Way of Greater Nashville Read to Succeed- March 2021
- Your Role in Preventing Child Abuse and Neglect Childcare Resources- December 2019
- Meaningful Parent and Family Engagement Childcare Resources Issued-December 2019
Timeline
Employer Partnership Manager
The Birmingham Promise
03.2025 - Current
Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator
Build Up Community School
08.2024 - Current
Program Specialist
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee
09.2023 - 05.2024
Kindergarten Teacher
Metro Nashville Public Schools
07.2022 - 07.2023
Corporate Work Study Program Coordinator
Holy Family Cristo Rey Catholic High School
07.2021 - 07.2022
Master of Arts - Organizational Leadership
University of The Virgin Islands
Bachelor of Science - Child Development and Family Relations
Tennessee State University
Doctor of Education - Educational Leadership
Xavier University of Louisiana