Director of Strategic Academic Partnerships

University of California - Los Angeles (UCLA); Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Extension (UCLAx) invites applications for the Director of Strategic Academic Partnerships. This senior leadership role shapes the division's partnership strategy to drive growth, innovation, and long-term success.

You will identify strategic partnerships, lead new academic programs, and work with Academic Affairs, External Affairs, Business and Financial Services, and Marketing to expand UCLA Extension's impact.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in leadership in higher education or related setting with partnership development
• Deep knowledge of business development in higher education, continuing/professional education
• Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication with senior stakeholders
• Ability to manage complex projects and multi-disciplinary teams; proficient in stakeholder management and PM software
• Advanced ability to conceptualize strategic visions and influence across campus and external partners
• Strong analytical, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills
• Experience in planning, project management, change management, and process improvement
• Excellent interpersonal skills for cross-functional collaboration and communication with executives and staff
• Advanced ability to develop comprehensive reports and presentations
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of UCLA Extension's partnership strategy
• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships to support growth and impact
• Collaborate with senior leaders across divisions to drive initiatives
• Evaluate opportunities, develop business models, and guide high-profile initiatives

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Project management

Analytical skills

Communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Change management

Business development

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA / related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Special Instructions to Applicants

This position is not remote. On-site presence will be required at a minimum of 3 days per week, depending on departmental and organizational needs. For more information, please consult the hiring manager.

Department Summary

Excelling in quality, innovation, and impact, UCLA Extension (UCLAx) is one of the top providers of continuing and professional education in the United States, offering programs and classes to more than 50,000 students per year through approximately 4,500 classes and certificate programs to meet the professional development, continuing education, and personal enrichment needs of the full spectrum of traditional, nontraditional, domestic, international, professional, and continuing education students throughout and beyond Los Angeles.

Position Summary

Join UCLA Extension (UCLAx) as the Director of Strategic Academic Partnerships, a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and advancing the division's partnership strategy to support growth, innovation, and long-term organizational success. In this highly visible position, you will identify and cultivate strategic partnerships, lead the development of new academic programs and services, and collaborate with senior leaders across Academic Affairs, External Affairs, Business and Financial Services, and Marketing to drive initiatives that expand UCLA Extension's impact and reach.

As a strategic business development leader, you will evaluate emerging opportunities, assess market trends, develop partnership and revenue models, and guide high-profile initiatives that strengthen UCLA Extension's position as a leading provider of continuing and professional education. The role serves as a key advisor to executive stakeholders, representing UCLA Extension in complex and politically sensitive discussions while fostering collaboration across campus and with external organizations.

The ideal candidate is an accomplished relationship builder and strategic thinker with significant experience in higher education, partnership development, and organizational growth. Success in this role requires exceptional leadership, negotiation, project management, and analytical skills, along with the ability to influence diverse stakeholders, develop innovative solutions, and achieve measurable results in a dynamic environment.

Salary & Compensation

*UCLA provides a full pay range. Actual salary offers consider factors, including budget, prior experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business considerations. Salary offers at the top of the range are not common. Visit UC Benefit package to discover benefits that start on day one, and UC Total Compensation Estimator to calculate the total compensation value with benefits.

Qualifications

• 7 years Minimum years of experience in a leadership role within a higher education or related setting, with proven expertise in partnership development and strategic planning. (Required)
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of business development concepts in the higher education landscape, including best practices and trends in continuing and professional education, partnership development, and strategic planning. (Required)
• Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills with strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities; Able to engage with senior-level stakeholders and advocate effectively for institutional interests. (Required)
• Ability to manage complex projects and multi-disciplinary teams effectively. Proficient in stakeholder management and project management software. (Required)
• Advanced ability to conceptualize and execute strategic visions, adapt to changing environments, and achieve significant outcomes through collaboration and influence. (Required)
• Advanced analytical, critical-thinking and problem solving skills to assess complex issues and develop solutions. (Required)
• Advanced planning, project management, change management, process improvement skills. (Required)
• Advanced interpersonal skills to lead and work collaboratively and effectively with multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams. (Required)
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including ability to positively interact with executives, providers, and staff at all levels. (Required)
• Advanced ability to develop comprehensive reports and presentations. (Required)
• Advanced proficiency in standardized business software and database applications (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace). (Required)
• Demonstrated leadership skills to motivate and influence others. (Required)
• Ability to achieve measurable results in a diverse stakeholder landscape balancing competing and conflicting interests. (Required)

Education, Licenses, Certifications & Personal Affiliations

• Bachelor's Degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training (Required) And
• Master's Degree in Business Administration, Education, Public Administration, or a related field or equivalent experience / training. (Preferred)

Special Conditions for Employment

• Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.
• Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.
• Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

Schedule

Monday- Friday: 8AM - 5PM

Union/Policy Covered

99-Policy Covered

Complete Position Description

https://universityofcalifornia.marketpayjobs.com/ShowJob.aspx?EntityID=38&JDName=Business%20Development%20Professional%204%20(TBD_2921)