Executive Director, Strategic Partnership Expansion

Job Title: Executive Director, Strategic Partnership ExpansionReporting Relationship:Associate VP, Strategic Partnerships & ExpansionUnit: National & GlobalDepartment: Partnerships - IWU National & GlobalCampus Location: Online/RemoteSummary of Position:This position leads the development and execution of partnership growth strategies that expand Indiana Wesleyan University's awareness, influence, and lead-generation pipelines through strategic relationships with external organizations. The role is responsible for leading the Expansion Partnership Executive (PE) team, while identifying and advancing innovative partnership opportunities across priority verticals. The Executive Director is responsible for developing and scaling partnership models that create sustainable growth opportunities, increase qualified lead generation, and strengthen the university's presence in strategic markets. Primary focus areas include business-to-business partnerships, military and veteran-serving organizations, workforce development organizations, corporate education benefit providers, professional associations, and other emerging strategic sectors. Working collaboratively with academic leadership, enrollment, marketing, student success, and operational teams, the Executive Director ensures partnership expansion strategies align with institutional priorities and market opportunities while creating scalable pathways for future growth. Duties and ResponsibilitiesTeam Leadership & Organizational DevelopmentLead and develop a high-performing Expansion Partnership Executive team that embodies the mission, values, and strategic priorities of Indiana Wesleyan UniversityProvide leadership and direction to Partnership ExecutivesEstablish performance expectations, accountability measures, and professional development plansFoster a culture of innovation, collaboration, strategic thinking, and continuous improvementEnsure alignment of team activities with institutional priorities and assigned vertical strategiesPartnership Expansion Strategy and Vertical DevelopmentDevelop and execute strategies that expand partnership pipelines and create new growth opportunities across priority verticalsIdentify emerging markets, industries, and partnership opportunitiesEvaluate and launch new partnership models that increase awareness and qualified lead generationDevelop strategies to expand IWU's presence within business, military, education, workforce development, and corporate education benefit sectorsCollaborate with university leadership to align expansion efforts with academic and institutional prioritiesAssess market trends and competitive dynamics to identify future growth opportunitiesMarket Intelligence, Data and InnovationLeverage data, market intelligence and emerging technologies to improve partnership effectivenessAnalyze partnership, market, and lead-generation data to identify trends and opportunitiesUtilize AI-powered tools and analytics to improve prospect identification, market research, outreach effectiveness, and strategic decision-makingPartner with Salesforce and institutional data teams to strengthen reporting and forecasting capabilitiesDevelop recommendations based on market intelligence and performance analysisEvaluate innovative technologies and partnership models that support growthCross Functional Strategy and Market ActivationCollaborate across the university to support successful market expansion and partnership activationParticipate in strategic planning and institutional growth initiativesBuild strong relationships with enrollment leaders, counselors, and support staff to promote enrollment aimsCollaborates with academic leaders to design and execute outreach strategiesPartnership Expansion Strategy & Vertical DevelopmentDevelop and execute strategies that expand partnership pipelines and create new growth opportunities across priority verticalsIdentify emerging markets, industries, and partnership opportunitiesEvaluate and launch new partnership models that increase awareness and qualified lead generationCollaborate with university leadership to align expansion efforts with academic and institutional prioritiesAssess market trends and competitive dynamics to identify future growth opportunitiesStrategic Relationship DevelopmentDevelop executive-level relationships that create pathways for long-term institutional growthIdentify and cultivate relationships with organizational leaders, influencers, and decision-makersFacilitate strategic conversations between external organizations and university leadershipAdvance partnerships that support enrollment pipelines, workforce development, student success, and institutional objectivesRepresent IWU in key industry associations, conferences, and leadership forumsExpand strategic partnerships within assigned verticals and emerging sectorsRecruitment StrategiesAligns partnership development with recruitment strategies that will effectively communicate to an organization’s assoc