Description:

The Director of External Partnerships is responsible for the strategy and implementation of new and innovative initiatives and partnerships to better connect the campus priorities with the business needs of corporate, government and nonprofit partners.

The Director will lead and facilitate the identification, development, and execution of effective research and educational partnerships with companies, research organizations, corporate foundations, and government entities.

The Director identifies and aggregates opportunities for both outbound and inbound collaborations with industry research partnerships as well as corporate education partnerships.

Primary Function of Organizational Unit:

The Division of Strategic Partnerships serves as an advocate between North Carolina A&T State University and the communities in which it resides on a wide variety of local, regional, state, and federal issues.

This newly developed division will lead in cultivating, stewarding, and sustaining creative and reciprocal partnerships with private and public corporations.

The office also supports economic development efforts of the state of North Carolina and the Piedmont Triad region by actively recruiting companies and promoting university-industry partnerships.

The Office of Strategic Partnerships proactively engages with corporations and other potential external partners to understand their needs and match these to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University’s assets by means of systematic outreach and internal scouting to identify and realize partnership opportunities originating with faculty, and to demonstrate value to N.C. A&T interests.

The position is critical to the fulfillment of N.C. A&T’s mission as the university executes its initiatives and strategic plan focused on advancing the human condition, elevating public service, community engagement and entrepreneurship, and expanding the reach of the university to meet global needs.

Internal job number: 007507

Requirements:

• A master’s degree in political science, public relations, public administration, higher education administration, or a field or discipline related to the area of assignment. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.

• 5 – 7 years’ experience in external affairs, community relations, public advocacy, or a related field, preferably in a higher education setting. Proven track record of developing successful corporate or industry partnerships in STEM -related fields or higher education with a strong focus on establishing connections with industry/workforce entities with focus on developing partnerships that lead to co-operative education, student employment opportunities, and comprehensive relationships;

• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that enhance an organization’s reputation and foster community support.

• Strong knowledge of local, regional, state, and federal government processes, policies, and legislative frameworks.

• Demonstrates the ability to develop relationships with corporate leaders, understand their core business, and understand their brand and community goals.

• Organizational tact and diplomacy; possesses superb interpersonal skills required to develop close relationships with external partners and key influencers around campus and the broader University. Demonstrated ability to build internal and external collaborations, finding solutions benefiting all parties.

• Advanced understanding of regional workforce development trends, and existing relationships with employers and workforce entities, aligned with NC A&T’s focus areas.

• Independently performs the full range of responsibilities within the function. Self-starter, creative and motivated with exceptional communication skills. Ability to thrive in an innovative and creative culture in a growth-focused organization.