Assistant Director – Partnership and Community Collaboration

Assistant Director – Partnership and Community Collaboration

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Six years of experience in partnerships, stakeholder engagement, marketing, grant writing, funding acquisition, collaborative programming and/or organizational leadership.
• Knowledge of word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Ability to multitask and work cooperatively with others.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively to ensure understanding.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue opportunities for partnerships with businesses, non-profits, government agencies, and other stakeholders that align with the program’s objectives.
• Negotiate and formalize partnership agreements, ensuring mutual benefits and clear expectations.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with existing partners, continuously seeking ways to enhance collaboration and maximize outcomes.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop and implement initiatives that support community outreach and programs with the four extension program areas.
• Design and oversee joint programs and events that advance the program’s mission, such as workshops, seminars, and community outreach activities.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of partnership initiatives, providing regular reports to the Executive Associate Director and other stakeholders.
• Develop and execute co-branded marketing strategies and materials in collaboration with partners to promote joint initiatives.
• Represent the USDA Land Grant Program at conferences, meetings, and community events to build awareness and foster new partnerships.
• Communicate regularly with partners, stakeholders, and the public to keep them informed of partnership activities and successes.
• Identify and pursue opportunities that support partnership activities that includes grant writing proposals.
• Manage grant-funded partnership projects, ensuring compliance with grant requirements and timely reporting.
• Secure resource commitments from partners to support USDA funded programs.
• Lead community outreach efforts to engage local organizations, businesses, and residents in partnership initiatives.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key community leaders, advocates, and influencers to support the program’s outreach goals.
• Organize and facilitate community meetings, focus groups, and other forums to gather input and feedback on partnership activities.
• Encourage innovation and creativity in the development and delivery of programs across all focus areas.
• Provide leadership, guidance and direction for external partners while working with each focus area, ensuring consistency and alignment with organizational goals.
• Work with program leaders of each extension unit to facilitate collaborative programming based on unit capacity.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness, using data-driven insights to inform decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Eight years or more of experience in partnerships, stakeholder engagement, marketing, grant writing, funding acquisition, collaborative programming and/or organizational leadership.