Director of Strategic Partnerships

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Date Posted: Aug 25, 2026

Requisition ID: 480889

Location:

Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204

Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.

About the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD):

Our mission is to develop a premier workforce that will allow Indiana employers to flourish and entice businesses from outside our state to relocate to Indiana. Everyone at DWD will be required to think outside-the-box; to determine metrics that will allow for measurement and improvement and efficiencies to be made along the way. Cutting edge technologies will be utilized to help assess Indiana’s employment future. If managed properly, Indiana’s workforce will be second to none and completely prepared for the next phase of the state and country’s economic growth.

Role Overview:

The Director of Strategic Partnerships provides leadership in developing, managing and expanding partnerships that enhance adult education services and outcomes. This position collaborates with workforce development agencies, employers, local adult education providers and other community-based stakeholders to create initiatives that increase student success, strengthen program performance and align education and workforce needs. This role will also supervise the Integrated Education and Training initiative including oversight of program application processes, review of new training opportunities, performance outcomes, and state-level adoption of new short-term training directives. In addition, this position will oversee the state's high school equivalency testing network and be responsible for coordinating test center monitoring, vendor communication, and leading statewide initiatives to increase HSE completion.

Key activities:

• Develop and implement a strategic partnership plan that advances adult education priorities and organizational goals

• Identify opportunities for joint initiatives to expand adult education services

• Coordinate cross sector partnerships that integrate adult education with workforce development, training partners, economic development and community services

• Lead strategic initiatives focusing on credential attainment, employment outcomes, and student retention

• Support local adult education providers through technical assistance, strategic planning and partnership development around short-term credential attainment and HSE completion

Skills required for success include:

• Knowledge of short-term career training certifications and programs

• Understanding of WIOA Title II Adult Education federal and state policy and standards

• Strong interpersonal skills including verbal and written communication

• Ability to analyze and synthesize performance data and present in a visual format

• Collaborate effectively with a broad base of stakeholders

• Knowledge of national landscape of competency based high school equivalency exam

• Previous supervisory experience preferred

Salary:

The salary for this position traditionally starts at $59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator ( to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Establish and monitor program objectives, KPIs, and actions to achieve them.

• Direct, plan, or implement policies, objectives, or activities of organizations or businesses to ensure continuing operations, or to increase productivity.

• Interpret and explain policies, rules, regulations, or laws to organizations, government or corporate officials, or individuals.

• Recommend and implement corrective action plans to solve program problems.

• Prepare reports for approval, including those for funding or implementation of services.

• Direct or coordinate the financial or budget activities to fund operations, maximize investments, or increase efficiency in the specified program.

• Ensure program requirements meet federal and state policies and grants compliance.

• Develop, train employees or agency consultants on program requirements and usage.

• Coordinate and deliver communication plans and communications.

• Serve on boards of directors and management committees.

• Serve on management committees or other governing boards.

• Recruit, select, onboard, and train employees to ensure role responsibilities and expectations are clearly understood while providing opportunities to continue professional development.

• Set expectations, measure progress, provide ongoing feedback, and evaluate the performance of employees. Ensure work adheres to quality standards, deadlines, and proper procedures.

The job profile is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.

This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Specialized knowledge in program subject matter obtained through experience and/or education.

• Extensive knowledge of provider agencies and their programs and services.

• Extensive knowledge of all source materials and references including federal and state laws governing the programs.

• Ability to develop and implement new principles and policies and discern any far-reaching implications.

• Ability to present to both internal and external customers, the public, government officials, and other stakeholders.

• Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders.

• Ability to prepare monthly finance and accounting reports to maintain program budget and grants.

• Ability to delegate work, set clear direction, and manage workflow.

• Ability to effectively give feedback, provide guidance or corrective action, coach, and develop employee skillsets.

A degree is not required. However, at least 9+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may serve as a team lead for an assigned work group.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans

• Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards

• Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution

• Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match

• Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options

• A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:

• 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers

• Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave

• Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off

• 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years

• Education Reimbursement Program

• Group life insurance

• Referral Bonus program

• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits

• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• Free Parking for most positions

• Free LinkedIn Learning access

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at View email address on click.appcast.io.

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