The Director of Urban Partnerships will have the following specific duties:
Oversee program budgets, ensuring thoughtful resource allocation and strong fiscal stewardship in support of strategic priorities.
Ensure program goals, initiatives, and partnerships reinforce university-wide objectives in academic excellence, student success, and economic development.
Identify opportunities to connect campus talent, research, and resources with urban community needs, ensuring mutually beneficial outcomes and reciprocal support.
Build a vibrant network of partners across public, private, and nonprofit sectors to support experiential learning, research engagement, and community problem-solving.
Serve as the primary liaison between the university and external partners, ensuring timely communication, shared objectives, and measurable outcomes.
Partner with Advancement to identify and engage alumni who can serve as mentors, employers, speakers, or advisors within the Urban Bridge ecosystem.
Support fundraising efforts by contributing program insights, identifying potential donors, and helping articulate the initiative's impact.
Lead the design and execution of signature events, workshops, and community convenings that strengthen university visibility and partner engagement in urban areas.
Maintain accurate records, track participation, assess impact, and produce reports that inform decision-making and showcase program achievements.
Coordinate closely with academic departments, student success offices, and faculty project leads to align Urban Bridge opportunities with curriculum and university initiatives.
Facilitate cross-campus communication to ensure seamless collaboration, timely information sharing, and efficient resource use.
Perform other duties related to the mission of the Office of Strategic Transformation under the guidance of the Vice President for Strategy and Partnerships.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree required.
Seven (7) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in partnership development, community engagement, economic development, higher education administration, nonprofit leadership, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience developing and managing cross-sector partnerships (public, private, nonprofit).
Demonstrated experience leading complex initiatives with a high degree of independence.
Supervisory experience or demonstrated leadership of cross-functional teams.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Outstanding oral and written communication skills
Ability and willingness to travel.
Ability and willingness to reside in or near the Cleveland region working from their residence
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and an ability to work with little day-to-day supervision is required.
Master's degree in Public Administration, Higher Education, Business, Urban Studies, Nonprofit Management, or related field.
Experience in higher education, economic development, or urban community initiatives.
Experience supporting or contributing to fundraising efforts.
Experience designing experiential learning or community-based academic partnerships.
Familiarity with Cleveland's civic, nonprofit, and business landscape.
Additional Position Information (if applicable)
This position will be located in Cleveland.
Required Application Documents
Resume and Cover Letter
Special Instructions (if applicable)
N/A
Additional Information
A criminal background check is required. All campuses are smoke- and tobacco-free campuses.
This organization participates in E-Verify.
Remote Work
For positions that are approved for remote work: Remote work is not a right, it is a work arrangement that can be modified or revoked by Miami University at any time for any reason, including the convenience of the University.
Reasonable Accommodations
Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to ADAFacultyStaff@miamioh.edu or 513-529-3560. Questions and follow-ups regarding requests should also be directe
Benefits
Vision insuranceRemote work options
Additional Information
Job Title
Director of Urban Partnership
Department
Thrive
Worker Type
Regular
Pay Type
Salary
Position Salary Minimum
$90,000
Position Salary Maximum
$110,000
Salary will be commensurate with the level of the position, education, and experience.
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Benefit Eligible
Yes
Screening Date
2026-02-23
Job Description Summary
The Director of Urban Partnerships will help advance the mission of Miami University by working with and alongside the community to create strategic partnerships that expand educational access, support student success, and strengthen the institution's impact in the region.
Reporting to the Vice President for Strategy and Partnerships, the Director of Urban Partnerships will be based in Cleveland, OH with travel required throughout Ohio, as well as time in Oxford, Ohio for meetings and other activities.
Job Description
Miamioh · Roudebush Hall