Assistant Vice President for External Affairs & Workforce Strategy

Position Summary

The Assistant Vice President (AVP) for External Affairs & Workforce Strategy is a senior institutional leader responsible for advancing the university's external engagement, workforce strategy, and career outcomes agenda. This role provides executive leadership across government affairs, strategic partnerships, workforce development, career services, and institutional alignment to position the university as a regional leader in talent development and economic impact.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a comprehensive institutional workforce and external engagement strategy aligned with university priorities
• Establish strategic direction and measurable outcomes for career pathways, employer partnerships, and workforce program growth
• Serve as the university's lead liaison to local, state, and regional government entities, advancing advocacy efforts aligned with institutional priorities, workforce policy, and funding opportunities
• Represent the university in workforce ecosystems, economic development initiatives, and civic partnerships
• Build, manage, and personally steward high-value partnerships with major corporations, anchor employers, and civic and economic leaders
• Lead negotiations, multi-year contracts, and complex institutional partnership agreements
• Own and oversee the revenue model for workforce and professional education, including pricing strategies, partnership frameworks, and financial planning
• Lead or co-lead corporate training agreements and customized employer partnerships
• Provide executive oversight of Career Services and establish institutional standards for internships, co-ops, and employer aligned competencies
• Ensure accountability for post-graduate outcomes and career success metrics
• Provide strategic oversight of the workforce and professional education enterprise, including program portfolio development, growth strategy, and market expansion decisions
• Supervise and support a team of 2-5 direct reports

Required Skills & Abilities

• Demonstrated senior-level leadership and strategic planning capabilities
• Exceptional relationship building and stakeholder engagement skills across corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors
• Strong financial and business acumen, including experience with revenue strategy and partnership development
• Ability to lead complex negotiations and manage high impact partnerships
• Knowledge of workforce development trends, labor market dynamics, and higher education ecosystems
• Ability to align cross-functional teams and drive institutional change
• Excellent communication, presentation, and advocacy skills
• Strong decision-making ability with comfort operating in both strategic and operational domains

Minimum Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive leadership experience in higher education, workforce development, advancement, government affairs, or non-profit leadership
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships, leading revenue-generating initiatives, or managing external relations

Valued Skills & Experience

• Experience in higher education leadership or workforce innovation initiatives
• Background in corporate partnerships, economic development, or government relations
• Familiarity with career services, experiential learning, or student outcomes frameworks
• Track record for securing and managing contracts, grants, or sponsorships