Director of Strategic Partnerships -BU-X

Responsibilities

• Lead and nurture Bethel's strategic partnerships with professionalism, strategic judgment, relational wisdom, diplomacy, and operational excellence.
• Serve as a liaison between Bethel University's academic leadership team and partnering dual-credit collaborating institutions and consortia.
• Demonstrate pastoral sensitivity, spiritual maturity, humility, empathy, and a servant leadership approach to relationships with church leaders, staff, students, parents, and site directors.
• Support and promote the mission of Bethel University.
• Set-up, coordinate, and deliver training for current and potential BU-X sites.

Extension Site & Partnership Management and Growth

• Responsible for the identification, development, and recruitment of extension sites and dual credit Partnerships.
• Responsible for a 3-year growth strategy in the number of sites and partners.
• Shepherd the recruitment process of new sites to the point of a signed agreement with Bethel University.
• Facilitate gatherings of site directors and leaders of potential BU-X sites as needed.
• Represent all programs at Bethel when visiting churches, conventions, and schools.

Qualifications

• Education & Experience: Bachelor's degree required, master's degree preferred: preferably in Business Administration, Ministry or related fields. Professional experience: 5-7+ years of relevant experience in ministry, partnership management, business development, or nonprofit program management. Proven track record of successful partnership development and revenue growth, with experience in supervisory or people management roles.
• Spiritual & Mission Alignment: Embody humility, pastoral sensitivity, and servant leadership for church leaders, staff, students, and parents. A strong commitment to the mission and values of Bethel University. Familiarity with ecclesial organizational structures and the ability to represent Bethel effectively within the Missionary Church and other denominations.
• Core Competencies: Ability to develop and execute a 3-year growth strategy for extension sites and dual credit partnerships. Exceptional ability to identify, recruit, and shepherd new partners through the agreement process. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present to diverse audiences including high schools, consortia, and church conventions. Strong organizational skills to manage multiple sites, coordinate training, and handle administrative reporting to the Dean of BU-X & Online Learning and the VP for Academic Affairs. Ability to track KPIs, manage budgets, and understand the financial models of discounted tuition and dual enrollment programs.