Assistant Director of Partnerships: College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies - UTK

The Assistant Director of Partnerships (ADP) serves as a key industry-facing professional within the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies (CECS), with responsibility for managing assigned external partnerships and implementing workforce development, experiential learning, and strategic engagement initiatives. Reporting to the Assistant Dean of Partnerships and Economic Development (ADPED), the Assistant Director manages relationships, projects, and engagement activities within the strategic priorities established by College leadership.

The Assistant Director serves as a primary point of contact for assigned industry and workforce partners and is responsible for maintaining productive relationships, identifying opportunities for expanded engagement, coordinating partnership activities across internal and external stakeholders, and ensuring effective execution and follow-through. The position works closely with the Assistant Dean to advance CECS partnership and economic development priorities and exercises professional judgment in managing day-to-day partner relationships, addressing implementation needs, and recommending opportunities for further development.

The Assistant Director of Partnerships develops, manages, and expands strategic relationships with industry, workforce, government, and community partners while serving as the primary liaison for assigned partnerships. The position oversees partnership engagement processes, maintains partnership records and agreements, and ensures effective tracking, reporting, and continuous improvement of partnership activities.

The role coordinates workforce development initiatives, employer training programs, and labor market analysis to identify emerging workforce needs and support the development of new educational opportunities. The position also expands experiential learning through internships, capstones, mentorships, and other applied learning opportunities by connecting employers, faculty, and students.

In collaboration with CECS leadership, the Assistant Director coordinates advisory boards and stakeholder engagement, manages strategic engagement events, and represents the College with external organizations to strengthen partnerships and enhance CECS's visibility. The position leads partnership-related projects, monitors outcomes and performance metrics, recommends process improvements, and contributes to strategic planning through data-informed decision-making.

Responsibilities are divided into these categories:

• Industry Partnership Development and Relationship Management

• Partnership Infrastructure and Engagement Management

• Workforce Development Programs and Initiatives

• Experiential Learning and Talent Pipeline Development

• Advisory Board and External Stakeholder Engagement

• Events, External Engagement, and Representation

• Strategic Coordination and Continuous Improvement

Required Qualifications

• Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree

• Experience:

  • Three years of progressively responsible professional experience in partnerships, workforce development, higher education, business engagement, program or project management, economic development, or a related field.

  • Experience managing professional relationships, projects, programs, or stakeholder engagement activities.

• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, stakeholders, priorities, and deadlines.

  • Ability to exercise professional judgment, address implementation challenges, and recommend appropriate courses of action.

  • Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, and professional communication skills.

  • Demonstrated organizational, project management, and follow-through skills.

  • Ability to work effectively across organizational boundaries and with internal and external stakeholders.

  • Proficiency with database systems, spreadsheets, and standard office software.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education:

  • Master's Degree preferred.

• Experience: