Director of Strategic Partnerships and Experiential Learning

Quinnipiac University’s School of Communications invites applications for the position of Director of Strategic Partnerships and Experiential Learning. This role plays a key part in connecting academic learning with meaningful, real‑world experiences that prepare students for professional success.

The Director leads the development, coordination, and stewardship of external partnerships that support high‑impact experiential learning, including internships, community‑based projects, industry collaborations, and applied learning initiatives. In parallel, the position oversees community‑facing events, recruitment‑related programming, and media initiatives that showcase the School’s partnerships, student accomplishments, and broader impact.

Working closely with faculty, staff, alumni, and external partners, the Director strengthens the School of Communications’ visibility and reputation while advancing programs that enhance student engagement and career readiness. The successful candidate will be a proactive, collaborative professional with the ability to manage multiple initiatives, build strong relationships, and work both independently and as part of a team to move projects from concept to execution.

Quinnipiac University is a private, coeducational institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university currently has an enrollment of 9,700 students in more than 100-degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Education, Computing & Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing, and the College of Arts & Sciences. Our 21 Division I teams have achieved remarkable success, boasting multiple conference titles. This includes a 2023 NCAA National Championship win in ice hockey, a three-time defending national champion women's rugby team, and a trip to the Sweet 16 for our women's basketball team. The Quinnipiac University Poll is nationally recognized as a leader in public opinion research, and the university is consistently recognized by U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review. The Wall Street Journal ranked Quinnipiac #51 among the best colleges in the nation, and second in Connecticut, for our exceptional graduation rate, salary impact, learning facilities, career preparation and learning opportunities.

The university is in the midst of program expansion and renewal for both traditional and adult learners, the development of innovative strategic partnerships, and just opened a South Quad with three new buildings.

As Quinnipiac grows, we remain guided by the core values that define our community and shape the experience of every student and employee.

• We are fiercely committed to ensuring every Bobcat thrives. We are a lifelong partner for every learner.
• We passionately care about our community. Everyone should feel welcome and valued.
• We boldly shape our university's future. We will forge a path of impact together.

These values are the foundation of who we are and reflect the Quinnipiac spirit found across our campuses. For more information, please visit qu.edu. Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok and X.

• Build, cultivate, and steward strategic partnerships with industry leaders, community organizations, and alumni to deliver high-impact experiential learning opportunities, including internships, practicums, live client projects, mentorship programs, and field experiences.
• Partner with faculty and career development colleagues to embed experiential learning across curricular and co‑curricular offerings, ensuring meaningful, hands-on student experiences.
• Elevate the School’s visibility and external impact through compelling storytelling, public engagement, social media strategy, and mission-aligned collaborations.
• Lead and coordinate community-facing programming and media initiatives, including events, workshops, and group visits.
• Oversee and guide content development for social media platforms and podcast channels to ensure consistency, quality, and strategic alignment.
• Manage day-to-day operations supporting partnerships and experiential education initiatives, including staffing coordination, budget oversight, and assessment of outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with the Director of Career Development for the School of Communications and the university’s Center for Career Development to align employer engagement, experiential learning, and career readiness strategies.
• Research, identify, and pursue external funding opportunities—such as grants, sponsorships, and foundation support—to advance experiential learning, community engagement, and media initiatives.
• Assist with planning and execution of recruitment and outreach events, including open houses and academic exploration days, highlighting experiential learning opportunities and signature partnerships.

• Bachelor's degree in higher education administration, business administration, public administration, communications, nonprofit management, or a related field required.
• Master's degree preferred

• Minimum of 3–5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in partnership development, experiential learning, workforce development, community engagement, strategic communication or similar fields
• Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to translate complex work into engaging stories for public-facing audiences.
• Working knowledge of social media platforms and content strategies, including experience managing or contributing to institutional accounts
• Knowledge of media production and basic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, video/audio editing platforms)
• Familiarity with podcasting, video, or digital storytelling workflows is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently while collaborating across departments and with external constituencies
• Experience with program assessment, reporting, or outcome tracking related to student learning, engagement, or career readiness
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals from varied backgrounds.