Director of Strategic Partnerships

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer: 

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match 
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us! 

https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

We are seeking a Director of Strategic Partnerships. Under the direction of the Assistant Vice President of Corporate Relations, the Director of Strategic Partnerships develops, manages, and executes strategic partnerships that advance Howard University's institutional priorities. The Director serves as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of corporate and strategic partners and leads partnership development efforts that support research, workforce development, student success, innovation, and institutional engagement.

Working collaboratively with academic and administrative units, the Director identifies, cultivates, negotiates, and manages partnerships that create mutual value for the University and its external partners. The Director supervises partnership development staff, monitors partnership performance, and supports departmental initiatives that strengthen Howard University's corporate engagement efforts.

SUPERVISORY ACCOUNTABILITY

Provides leadership and direction to assigned professional staff by establishing clear priorities, fostering accountability, and cultivating a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing team culture. Oversees the day-to-day execution of partnership development activities, ensuring projects are completed efficiently, aligned with departmental goals, and delivered with exceptional service and professionalism. Supports staff development through coaching, mentoring, performance management, and continuous learning while encouraging innovation, ownership, and a commitment to excellence.

NATURE AND SCOPE

Under the direction of the Vice President and Assistant Vice President of Corporate Relations, the Director of Strategic Partnerships leads the development and management of a diverse portfolio of corporate and institutional partnerships that advance Howard University's strategic priorities. The Director serves as a primary relationship manager for external partners, collaborating with academic and administrative units across the University to identify, develop, and implement partnership opportunities that support research, workforce development, student success, innovation, and other institutional initiatives. Working in a highly collaborative environment, the Director coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to facilitate mutually beneficial partnerships, strengthen organizational relationships, and support the successful execution of the Office of Corporate Relations' strategic objectives.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Strategic Partnership Development

• Develop and implement partnership strategies that align with Howard University's mission and institutional priorities.
• Manage a portfolio of strategic corporate and institutional partners.
• Build and maintain a pipeline of prospective partners.
• Identify and cultivate new partnership opportunities that support research, workforce development, student success, and innovation.
• Develop partnership proposals, engagement plans, and collaborative initiatives.
• Lead partnership discussions and facilitate mutually beneficial agreements.

Partnership & Executive Engagement

• Coordinate executive meetings, campus visits, and partner engagement opportunities.
• Prepare executive briefings, presentations, and partnership recommendations.
• Represent the Office of Corporate Relations at meetings, conferences, and events.
• Maintain productive relationships with senior corporate and institutional stakeholders.
• Support stewardship activities that strengthen long-term partner engagement.

Internal Collaboration

• Collaborate with academic and administrative units to identify partnership opportunities.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholders throughout partnership development and implementation.
• Align partnership activities with institutional priorities.
• Facilitate communication across participating University units.

Communications & Reporting

• Support the development of partnership presentations, reports, marketing materials, and briefing documents.
• Collaborate on partnership success stories and impact communications.
• Ensure partnership information on departmental communication channels remains current.
• Prepare reports and updates on partnership activities and outcomes.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate assigned staff.
• Assign responsibilities and monitor progress toward departmental objectives.
• Promote collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Support staff professional development.

Market Research & Performance

• Monitor industry trends and identify prospective partnership opportunities.
• Maintain partnership records and CRM data.
• Track key performance indicators and recommend process improvements.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Strategic Partnership Development
• Relationship Management
• Business Development
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Leadership and Team Management
• Project Management
• Negotiation and Influence
• Strategic Thinking
• Collaboration and Relationship Building
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Communications, Marketing, Public Administration, Higher Education Administration, or a related field. Master's degree may substitute for a portion of the required experience where appropriate.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic partnerships, corporate relations, business development, external affairs, university relations, workforce development, or a related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of supervisory or management experience leading professional staff, managing performance, and fostering a collaborative, results-oriented work environment.
• Demonstrated success developing, negotiating, implementing, and managing strategic partnerships that result in measurable organizational outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with senior executives, external stakeholders, and cross-functional partners while representing an organization with professionalism and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop partnership strategies, proposals, presentations, executive briefing materials, and reports that effectively communicate organizational priorities and partnership opportunities.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with executive leadership, faculty, staff, corporate partners, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, lead cross-functional initiatives, solve complex problems, and deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience conducting prospect research, evaluating partnership opportunities, and utilizing data to support decision-making and relationship management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience utilizing Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms, such as Salesforce or similar systems, to manage partnership activities, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• MBA, Higher Education Administration, Public Administration, Communications, Marketing, Organizational Leadership, or a related field.
• Experience developing and managing strategic partnerships within a research university, higher education institution, Fortune 500 company, corporate foundation, or similarly complex organization.
• Demonstrated success cultivating and managing relationships with Fortune 500 companies, corporate foundations, and executive-level stakeholders, resulting in strategic partnerships and measurable organizational impact.
• Experience developing partnerships that support research, workforce development, experiential learning, innovation, student success, or sponsored initiatives.
• Knowledge of corporate engagement, university-industry collaboration, public-private partnerships, or strategic alliance development.
• Experience utilizing CRM platforms (e.g., Salesforce) and data analytics to manage partnership pipelines, measure outcomes, and inform strategic decision-making.
• Experience with corporate philanthropy, corporate social responsibility (CSR), sponsored research, or advancement is desirable but not required.

Note: This position description should not be construed to imply that these requirements are the exclusive standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as may be required. The university has the right to revise this position description at any time. This position description is not to be construed as a contract for employment.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Compensation Range: $115,000 - $120,000