Position Purpose: The Director of Partnerships drives Aurora University's growth by identifying, cultivating, and managing strategic relationships with corporate, government, nonprofit, and community organizations. This role proactively identifies revenue-generating opportunities?including professional and workforce development programs, certificates, microcredentials, and continuing education offerings?and collaborates with Academic Affairs to design and deliver high-impact learning solutions that meet partner needs. 

This position works in close partnership with the Manager of Workforce and Community Programs to ensure seamless continuity between partnership development and program implementation. Each role maintains distinct responsibilities but shares accountability for the success and sustainability of external-facing programs.

Core Competencies: 
1. Represents Aurora University in the most positive manner with prospective, former and current students, clients, suppliers and the community we serve. Interacts effectively with a diverse group of faculty, staff, students and other customers of our service, learns and uses operating practices of the department and Aurora University. 
2. Upholds the Mission Statement: At Aurora University, our singular goal is to empower students to achieve lasting personal and professional success. We do this by being an inclusive community dedicated to the transformative power of learning. As a teaching-centered institution, we encourage undergraduate and graduate students to discover what it takes to build meaningful and purposeful lives. 
3. Handles all information with tact and discretion and recognizes the confidential nature of university business. 
4. Supports learning through performance of essential job functions and performing other duties and functions as necessary or as assigned, including voluntary participation in university committees, activities and events.

• Strategic Partnership Development
  • Proactively identify, cultivate, and secure partnerships with corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations that align with Aurora University's mission and generate enrollment-based revenue. Evaluate emerging market trends and assess potential opportunities for new program offerings.
• Market Development and Program Strategy 
  • Provide actionable market intelligence to Academic Affairs, including insights on industry needs, competitive landscapes, pricing strategies, optimal program timing, and projected enrollment targets. Provide strategic guidance on potential program offerings based on market intelligence. 
• Cross-Functional Collaboration 
  • Serve as a key connector between external partners and internal university stakeholders, including deans, faculty, and staff. Collaborate to shape program offerings?such as professional development courses, certificates, micro-credentials, and workforce training programs?that meet market demand and institutional priorities. Ensure a structured handoff of partnership agreements to the Manager of Workforce and Community Programs for implementation, including documentation of partner expectations, timelines, and deliverables.
• Contract Development and Management 
  • Negotiate, draft, and manage partnership agreements and contracts, ensuring compliance with university policies, legal standards, and external partner requirements. Maintain a focus on maximizing mutual value while protecting institutional interests. 
• Partner Engagement and Relationship Management 
  • Act as the primary university representative to external partners, nurturing long-term, high-impact relationships. Serves as primary external liaison through partner cultivation and contract finalization; transitions ongoing communication to program manager during implementation, while remaining available for problem-solving and strategic check-ins. 
• Revenue and Performance Accountability 
  • Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure partnership success, program growth, and revenue generation. Provide regular reports and data-driven insights to inform strategy and continuous improvement.
• Other Duties as Assigned
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required to advance partnership development and university goals.

• Proven record of developing and managing successful partnerships. 
• Strong negotiation, networking, and relationship management skills. 
• Excellent communication and presentation abilities. 
• Keen understanding of higher education policies and operations. 
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and with external organizations. 
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required; master's degree preferred. 

Experience: 

• 5-7 years of relevant experience in business development, strategic partnerships, corporate relations, or related field.

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