Strategic Academic Partnerships Lead

UCLA; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

UCLA Extension invites a Director of Strategic Academic Partnerships to shape partnership strategy, identify opportunities, and lead the development of new programs, working with Academic Affairs, External Affairs, Business & Financial Services, and Marketing.

The role serves as a senior advisor to executives, negotiating with internal and external partners, guiding high-profile initiatives, and driving measurable growth across campus and external organizations.

Qualifications

• 7 years minimum leadership experience in higher education or related setting (Required).
• In-depth knowledge of business development concepts in higher education and continuing education. (Required).
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and communication skills with strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities. (Required).
• Ability to manage complex projects and multi-disciplinary teams; proficient in stakeholder management and PM software. (Required).
• Advanced ability to conceptualize and execute strategic visions; adapt to changing environments. (Required).
• Advanced analytical, critical-thinking and problem solving skills. (Required).
• Advanced planning, project management, change management, process improvement skills. (Required).
• Advanced interpersonal skills to lead cross-functional teams. (Required).
• Advanced written and verbal communication; ability to interact with executives and staff. (Required).
• Advanced ability to develop comprehensive reports and presentations. (Required).
• Proficiency in standardized business software (Office/Workspace). (Required).
• Demonstrated leadership to motivate and influence others. (Required).
• Ability to achieve measurable results in a diverse stakeholder landscape. (Required).

Responsibilities

• Identify and cultivate strategic partnerships to support growth and impact.
• Lead development of new academic programs and services in collaboration with campus leaders.
• Collaborate with Academic Affairs, External Affairs, Business & Financial Services, and Marketing.
• Evaluate opportunities, assess market trends, and develop partnership and revenue models.
• Guide high-profile initiatives and represent UCLA Extension in complex discussions.
• Influence diverse stakeholders to drive measurable outcomes.

Skills

Leadership in higher education

Partnership development

Strategic planning

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Project management

Analytical thinking

Communication skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Master's Degree (Preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

UCLA Extension invites a Director of Strategic Academic Partnerships to shape partnership strategy, identify opportunities, and lead the development of new programs, working with Academic Affairs, External Affairs, Business & Financial Services, and Marketing.

The role serves as a senior advisor to executives, negotiating with internal and external partners, guiding high-profile initiatives, and driving measurable growth across campus and external organizations.