Partnership Development Strategist

The Howard University; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness

PTO & holidays

Flexible work arrangements

403(b) with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Career advancement paths

Wellness programs

Commuter benefits

Vibrant company culture

Job summary

The Howard University is seeking a Partnership Development Strategist to advance strategic partnerships that align with the university's priorities in academics, research, innovation, financial sustainability and workforce development. The role involves identifying and cultivating relationships with corporate and community partners to create meaningful opportunities for students, faculty, and initiatives.

Responsibilities include developing partnership strategies, coordinating cross‑functional

Responsibilities

• Partnership Strategy & Development: Support the development and implementation of corporate and community partnership strategies aligned with university priorities.
• Team Coordination & Supervision: Provide guidance to partnership staff supporting corporate and community engagement initiatives.
• Internal Alignment & Opportunity Mapping: Collaborate with academic units and research centers to identify partnership-ready opportunities.
• Academic & Program Partnership Development: Partner with academic leadership to align corporate workforce needs with university programs and experiential learning opportunities.

Job description

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff \"for fit\" makes significant contributions to Howard University's overall mission.

At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth.

Here is what we offer:

• Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
• Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
• Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
• Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
• Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

JOB PURPOSE:

The Partnership Development Strategist supports the development and advancement of strategic partnerships that align with Howard University's institutional priorities in academics, research, innovation, financial sustainability, business optimization, and workforce development. This position plays a key role in identifying, cultivating, and coordinating relationships with corporate and community partners that advance the university's mission and expand opportunities for students, faculty, and institutional initiatives. The role translates institutional priorities into partnership opportunities, connects internal stakeholders with external organizations, and supports the development of collaborative initiatives that drive long-term engagement and impact. Working at the intersection of higher education, industry, corporate and community engagement, the Partnership Development Strategist helps external partners navigate the university environment while supporting internal units in developing partnership‑ready initiatives that may include workforce development programs, research collaborations, sponsorship opportunities, and philanthropic investment.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

This position does not have direct supervisory responsibility but may be asked to provide direct supervision to oversee the work of assigned staff, interns, or project teams supporting partnership initiatives. The role may also be responsible for coordinating cross‑functional project teams and collaborate with stakeholders across academic and administrative units.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include leadership and staff across academic schools and colleges, Centers of Excellence, Institutional Research, Center for Career and Professional Success, Development and Alumni Relations, and other administrative and programmatic units across the university. External contacts include corporate partners, nonprofit organizations, community‑based organizations, industry leaders, foundations, and other external stakeholders engaged in partnership initiatives with Howard University. The position requires strong collaboration skills and the ability to navigate a complex university environment while supporting the development and coordination of strategic partnership initiatives.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Partnership Strategy & Development

• Support the development and implementation of corporate and community partnership strategies aligned with university priorities.
• Research, identify, and qualify prospective partners across key sectors.
• Development and partnership concepts aligned with institutional strengths and partner priorities.
• Contribute to partnership growth pathways that support long-term engagement and institutional impact.

Team Coordination & Supervision

• Provide guidance to partnership staff supporting corporate and community engagement initiatives.
• Support the coordination of partnership‑related projects and activities across the Office of Corporate Relations.
• Assist in monitoring progress on partnership initiatives and ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

Internal Alignment & Opportunity Mapping

• Collaboratewith academicunitsandresearch centersto identify partnership‑ready opportunities.
• Translateuniversitystrengthsandinitiativetoexternal-universitystrengthstoexternal.

Academic & Program Partnership Development

• Partner with academic leadership …
• Support alignment between corporate workforce needs and university academic programs including certificates, executive education, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Assist in developing industry‑connected academic experiences such as corporate‑sponsored courses, capstone projects, research collaborations, internships, apprenticeships, and residency programs.
• Facilitate collaboration between corpor