Strategic Industry Relations Leader

Texas State Technical College; Harlingen (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Texas State Technical College is seeking an Industry Relations Specialist to fortify and expand connections with businesses, industry groups, and government partners across Texas. You will lead cultivation, outreach, and strategic collaborations to promote TSTC's capabilities, align programs with workforce needs, and grow an influential external relations portfolio.

The role requires strong communication, relationship-building, and strategic thinking to advance the college's mission and drive

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• 5+ years of experience in workforce development, higher education, sales, or community/industry-based fundraising
• Previous management experience preferred
• Extensive experience can be substituted for education
• Strong understanding of higher education and workforce development landscape
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build and nurture relationships with stakeholders at all levels
• Persuasive, High-energy, initiative-taking self-starter
• Strong analytical prowess, presentation skills, and ability to analyze and formulate solutions to complex problems
• This job description covers a position in which the percentage of time spent on essential functions will vary based on the workload and will ultimately be determined by the supervisor

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate TSTC Core values of Excellence, Accountability, Service, and Integrity with internal and external stakeholders, customers, students, and members of the community.
• Working with the TSTC External Relations team, coordinate and execute statewide cultivation and stewardship activities for business, industry, and other constituents to foster and cultivate mutually beneficial relationships.
• Collaborate with statewide and regional civic/community organizations, Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Corporations, Associations, and others to promote and advance brand awareness of TSTC and identification of potential high-yield opportunities for External Relations.
• Proactive outreach to identify and propose strategic client relationships that expand the TSTC’s industry profile and subsequently the External Relations engagement portfolio.
• Drive creation and support the strengthening of industry relationships, resulting in a strategic pipeline of best-fit opportunities.
• Support future growth through analysis of functional operations and competencies and identification of corrective and organizational development actions.
• Assist in facilitating new campus expansions, ensuring alignment with industry needs, and collaborating with internal stakeholders to incorporate industry insights into educational programs.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, identifying and communicating key partners to enhance TSTC’s impact in the business community and prioritize recognition for strategic collaborators.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with government entities, industry leaders, donors, community organizations, and other key stakeholders to advance TSTC’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Establish and grow relationships with individual businesses, industry leaders, and trade associations across the state to build advocacy for TSTC.
• Represent TSTC at external events, conferences, and meetings to build awareness, enhance the college’s reputation, and foster collaboration with external partners.
• Collaborate with internal departments, including student learning, the TSTC Foundation, workforce training, sponsored programs, and career services, to align external relations efforts and maximize collaboration and resource-sharing opportunities.
• Provide guidance and support in developing and managing strategic partnerships and collaborations that enhance TSTC’s ability to meet the needs of students, employers, and the community.
• Monitor and analyze trends and developments in higher education, workforce development, and related industries to identify opportunities for innovation and strategic positioning.

Job description

Texas State Technical College is seeking an Industry Relations Specialist to fortify and expand connections with businesses, industry groups, and government partners across Texas. You will lead cultivation, outreach, and strategic collaborations to promote TSTC's capabilities, align programs with workforce needs, and grow an influential external relations portfolio.

The role requires strong communication, relationship-building, and strategic thinking to advance the college's mission and drive