Sr. Director of Strategic Partnerships

UMA is a nonprofit healthcare educational institution with a national presence. Headquartered in Tampa, Florida and founded in 1994, UMA offers content-rich, interactive online programs as well as hands-on training at our Clearwater, Florida campus. 

• Medical (including prescription), Dental, Vision (UMA subsidized)
• FSA/HSA (Depending on Medical Plan chosen)
• Basic Life Insurance (UMA paid) minimum $50,000 - maximum $250,000 (1x annual salary)
• Additional Voluntary Life Insurance (Team Member paid)
• Employee Assistance Program – EAP (UMA paid)
• Long Term Disability (UMA paid)
• Short Term Disability (Team Member paid)
• Supplemental Insurance such as Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital (Team Member Paid)
• Paid Time Off – 15 days accrued in year 1, 9 holidays, and 1 day of Volunteering Time Off
• 401k (eligible upon completion of 90 days of employment and must be at least 21 years of age)
• Pet Insurance
• Identity Theft Protection

Purpose of the Position:

The Sr. Director, Strategic Partnerships will identify, cultivate, and manage high-impact partnerships that advance the mission of the institution to expand access to quality, affordable, and flexible higher education. This role will shape and execute the institution’s external engagement strategy, fostering collaborations with corporations, non-profits, government agencies, and educational organizations to drive enrollment growth, enhance student success, and support workforce development initiatives. This position will work cross-functionally with academic leadership, marketing, research and development, grants, and student services to ensure partnerships are aligned with institutional priorities and deliver measurable value to both students and partners.

What you’ll do:  

1. Lead Strategic Partnership Operations: Manage the strategic direction, operations, and performance of the Strategic Partnerships department, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and mission.
2. Develop and Secure B2B Agreements: Identify, negotiate, and manage employer partnerships including tuition benefit programs, clinical training pipelines, direct-to-employer pathways, and upskilling/reskilling initiatives.
3. Drive Long-Term Strategic Planning: Analyze labor market trends and industry needs to inform partnership strategies, advise executive leadership, and support program development and institutional growth.
4. Manage Budgets and Performance Metrics: Oversee departmental budgets, forecasts, and KPIs related to partnership initiatives; ensure efficient allocation of resources to maximize impact.
5. Cultivate and Expand Employer Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, healthcare organizations, and community partners to promote institutional offerings and enhance student placement opportunities.
6. Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with internal departments—including Marketing, Academic Affairs, Admissions, and Career Services—to ensure seamless execution and alignment of partnership initiatives. Lead and coach a team of partnership development managers or campus liaisons, where applicable.
7. Evaluate Program Effectiveness: Track and report on key success indicators such as partnership growth, enrollment conversions, and employer satisfaction; use data to refine strategies and improve outcomes.
8. Design Customized Workforce Training: Collaborate with employers to co-create tailored training programs that address specific workforce development needs and support career advancement for learners.
9. Engage in Community and Policy Advocacy: Represent the institution in community workforce initiatives and advocate for policies and funding that support equitable access to education and training.
10. Lead with Care: Lead, coach, and develop team members, fostering a culture of wellness, recognition, and engagement. Meet regularly with direct reports in one-on-one and group settings to provide feedback and cultivate/maintain a positive work culture. 
11. Perform other duties as assigned. 

Career Level Expectations:

• Recognized master in designated professional discipline (typically obtained through post-secondary education and work experience) and is recognized as a master within and outside of the organization.
• Establishes operational plans for job area.
• Develops and implements new products, processes, standards, or operational plans that will have impact on the achievement of functional results.
• Requires communication