Director of Urban Partnership

Director of Urban Partnership

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.

Duties:

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.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 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.