Director of Strategic Campus Partnerships

University of Arkansas, Fayetteville – a land-grant institution classified among the nation’s top 2 percent of research universities. Located in Fayetteville, a community ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S., the university offers a vibrant work environment, a welcoming climate, and a culture that promotes a healthy work-life balance.

About the role

The Director of Strategic Campus Partnerships provides strategic leadership and oversight for key campus partnerships, including the University Bookstore, Campus Printing/Mail/Copy Services, Pouring Rights, Vending Services, and Campus Sponsorships. This position serves as the primary liaison between the University and external service providers, ensuring operational excellence, contract compliance, financial stewardship, and exceptional customer service for the campus community. The Director develops and maintains collaborative relationships with campus leadership, colleges, departments, and external partners to support the University's mission and strategic priorities.

Responsibilities

• Contract administration, budget and revenue management, strategic planning, and business process improvement
• Partnership development, operational excellence, and oversight of service delivery
• Evaluation of opportunities for new partnerships and sponsorships
• Facilitation of cross-functional collaboration and compliance with University policies, procurement requirements, and applicable laws
• Leadership for strategic initiatives designed to enhance operational efficiency, improve customer experience, generate financial value, and align partnership activities with institutional goals
• Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance; ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others
• May perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education in Business Administration, Management, Finance, or a related field
• At least five years of progressively responsible leadership experience in comparable areas of business operations, auxiliary services, contract administration, strategic partnerships, financial management, program administration, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing successful teams within a complex organization
• Experience managing strategic initiatives, operational improvement efforts, and cross-functional projects
• Experience developing and administering budgets and financial forecasts
• Experience managing vendor relationships, service agreements, and contractual obligations
• Experience collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders across multiple organizational units
• Experience communicating effectively, negotiating agreements, and resolving complex issues

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field from an accredited institution of higher education
• Experience in higher education administration or auxiliary services operations
• Experience with contract negotiation, procurement processes, and vendor management
• Experience with revenue-generating operations and self-supporting business units
• Experience with strategic partnership development and sponsorship management
• Experience managing complex service contracts and operational performance metrics

Skills

• Knowledge of business operations and administrative support functions
• Knowledge of contract administration, compliance requirements, and vendor management practices
• Knowledge of financial management principles, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting
• Knowledge of procurement processes, contract review procedures, and applicable regulations
• Knowledge of strategic planning, performance measurement, and continuous improvement practices
• Strong leadership, team development, and employee engagement skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong negotiation, facilitation, and conflict-resolution skills
• Effective project management, organizational, and planning skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency in utilizing business systems, reporting tools, and data to support decision-making
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with faculty, staff, administrators, students, and external partners
• Ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all organizational levels, including deans, directors, department heads, and executive leadership
• Ability to interpret, administer, and monitor complex contracts and partnership agreements
• Ability to balance strategic priorities with operational responsibilities
• Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities in a dynamic environment
• Ability to assess operational performance and implement improvements that enhance service quality and financial outcomes
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professional integrity in decision-making

Benefits

• University contributions to health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Tuition waivers for employees and their families
• 12 official holidays
• Immediate leave accrual
• Choice of retirement programs with university contributions ranging from 5 to 10% of employee salary

Pay

$100,000 - $120,000; commensurate with education and experience

Pre-employment screening requirements: criminal background check, financial credit check, and sex offender registry check.