Director of Strategic Partnerships and Program Growth

Full-time, 12-month position located on the Stockton campus. This is a three-year appointment with the potential for extension depending on funds available. Not eligible for visa sponsorship.

About the Role

The Director of Strategic Partnerships and Program Growth is responsible for expanding external partnerships and generating revenue for Benerd College’s Center for Professional and Continuing Education. The position identifies, cultivates, and secures partnerships with school districts, employers, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, professional associations, community organizations, and other external partners to develop new professional learning, continuing education, certificate, and customized training opportunities.

A central expectation of this role is the development of a financially sustainable portfolio of programs, partnerships, and services. During the initial three-year launch and growth period, the Director will build the infrastructure, partnerships, market presence, and revenue streams necessary to support the long-term success of the unit. After this period, the position will be expected to generate sufficient net revenue through non-credit programming, employer partnerships, customized training, certifications, and related initiatives to offset a significant portion of the position’s salary and associated operating costs.

This role is primarily externally facing and growth-oriented. The Director works closely with the Executive Director of the Center for Professional and Continuing Education to move partnership and program opportunities from concept to launch, ensuring that proposed programs are mission-aligned, financially viable, and responsive to market and community needs. This position reports to the Executive Director for the Center for Professional and Continuing Education.

Responsibilities

• Implements the administrative vision and strategy for Benerd College through the development, operation, and growth of professional and continuing education programming.
• Leads the implementation of the strategic plan, business model, and revenue model for the University’s adult learning, professional development, and extension educational offerings, including expansion online, across Pacific’s three campuses, and beyond.
• Develops and manages a financially sustainable portfolio of non-credit bearing programs, customized training, certifications, employer partnerships, and other revenue-generating learning opportunities.
• After an initial three-year launch and growth period, generates sufficient net revenue through programs, partnerships, and related initiatives to offset a significant portion of the position’s salary and associated operating costs.
• Assists with product line, program mix, pricing, marketing, promotion, enrollment goals, revenue targets, and ongoing assessment of program performance.
• Assists with the development of strategy for new business development in conjunction with the Dean and other Benerd College leadership.
• Cultivates new strategic partnerships with industry, government, educational partners, administration, and alumni, working closely with other University leadership and stakeholders.
• Oversees contract management, from creation to execution, ensuring adherence to University Contracts Management Office requirements.
• Collaborates with faculty, instructional designers, program managers, and other University stakeholders to develop and implement partnership-based educational offerings.
• Directs market research and analysis to inform marketing, communications, pricing, program development, and enrollment strategies for non-credit bearing offerings on all three campuses and beyond.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum three to five years of progressively responsible experience developing and administering partner-based programs.
• Experience developing and maintaining external partnerships with educational institutions, employers, nonprofits, government agencies, or community organizations.
• Strong communication, presentation, and consultative sales skills.
• Experience in higher education, workforce development, continuing education, nonprofit organizations, corporate training, or related environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience developing external partnerships, business development opportunities, employer partnerships, district partnerships, or community-based initiatives.
• Knowledge of non-traditional higher education administration, including academic and operational administration to develop non-credit programs and strategic partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to develop revenue-generating programs, partnerships, contracts, or services that support long-term financial sustainability.
• Experience building or scaling self-support, auxiliary, continuing education, professional development, or workforce-development programs.
• Ability to evaluate program profitability, enrollment demand, pricing, market position, and return on investment.
• Demonstrated success cultivating external partnerships that lead to new programs, expanded enrollments, contract revenue, or other measurable financial outcomes.
• Demonstrated excellence in communication/interpersonal skills, especially with senior-level stakeholders.
• Ability to research and identify market needs and translate them into educational programs or training solutions.
• Ability to predict workforce and professional learning needs and build a strong portfolio of non-credit bearing courses.
• Comfort with revenue goals, pipeline tracking, and performance metrics.
• Understanding of adult learners, professional education, educator development, or workforce-aligned learning.
• Positive attitude, proven ability to work successfully with diverse populations, and demonstrated commitment to promote and enhance diversity and inclusion.
• Experience and sensitivity in working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Demonstrated experience advancing social justice, equity, and inclusion in a university setting.
• Ability to engage and integrate culturally responsive practices and knowledge in their work.

Physical Requirements

• This is an in-person role; the successful candidate must be willing to relocate within California, preferably within 25 miles of the Stockton campus.
• Duties require constant sitting and repetitive motion while using a computer keyboard and phone.
• Frequent walking, standing, and simple grasping.
• Occasional climbing stairs, walking across campus, stooping, and reaching.
• Constant communication using both spoken and written means.
• May be required to lift/carry up to 25 pounds.

Work Environment

• Work is primarily performed in a standard office environment during standard business hours.
• Position requires some work during non-business hours and travel to the San Francisco and Sacramento campuses as needed.
• May require covering a large geographical area and flexibility to travel when required.
• Valid driver’s license required; must meet the University’s fleet rules to be eligible to drive for University business.

Pay

$105,000 - $115,000 per year. Offer amount considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s qualifications, internal equity, and market and organizational considerations.