Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships

The Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships is a key leadership role responsible for developing, enhancing, and sustaining strategic relationships with business, industry, organizations, and community partners. This position will align with Ivy Tech Community College’s strategic plan and mission to deliver high-quality, accessible, and affordable education while meeting the unique and strategic needs of our service area.

The Executive Director will engage in targeted, intentional outreach to foster collaboration, strengthen community and organizational ties, and drive initiatives that support success. This role requires a proactive and innovative leader who can build mutually beneficial partnerships that expand Ivy Tech Muncie’s impact in the service area.

Strategic Partnership Development

• Identify, cultivate, and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Serve as a liaison between Ivy Tech Muncie and partners to align training, programming and meaningful engagement.
• Develop and implement partnership strategies that support Ivy Tech’s strategic goals, including increasing enrollment, enhancing student success, and strengthening organizational engagement.
• Collaborate with MuncieMatters and Justice Involved program leads.

Community and Industry Engagement

• Lead targeted outreach efforts to engage partners in advisory boards, work-based learning experiences, and career opportunities for students.
• Represent Ivy Tech Muncie at key community meetings, organizational roundtables, and networking events to elevate the College’s presence and impact.
• Develop programming that delivers key skills and education to youth in the community with a focus on early recruitment and conversions.

Workforce and Economic Development

• Work closely with Ivy Tech’s workforce alignment team to identify skills gaps and develop customized training programs that meet employer needs.
• Partner with economic development agencies to support initiatives that attract and retain businesses in the region.
• Develop innovative strategies to engage populations in educational and workforce opportunities that will encourage economic mobility, raise median household income, lower poverty rates and improve educational attainment.

Campus and College Collaboration

• Collaborate with campus leadership, faculty, and staff to align partnership strategies with programs and support services.
• Collaborate with the student success and advocacy teams.
• Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic partnership framework.
• Oversee campus Entrepreneurship offerings.
• Work with the Office of Development to cultivate donor relationships and secure sponsorships for student scholarships and campus initiatives.
• Track and report on key performance metrics to assess the effectiveness of partnership efforts.

Education & Experience:

• Associate degree in business, education, public administration, or a related field (Bachelor degree preferred).
• Minimum of five years of experience in business development, community engagement, workforce development, or a related field.
• Proven ability to develop and maintain strategic partnerships with various stakeholders.
• Experience in higher education, economic development, or corporate relations is preferred.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to think strategically, solve problems, and drive initiatives to completion.
• Knowledge of workforce development trends and higher education’s role in community partnerships.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and work collaboratively across sectors.
• A collaborative, innovative and results-oriented mindset.
• Proficiency in data analysis, grant writing, and fundraising is a plus.

Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College’s Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.