Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships
Portland State University
Portland, OR, USA
7/21/2026
Full Time
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Portland State University
Position Details
Position Details Proposed Start Date09/01/2026Classification TitleAcademic ServicesRankN - No RankWorking TitleExecutive Director of Strategic PartnershipsDepartment270101 - EAS MCECS Dean Maseeh CollegePosition NumberD99126RepresentationUU - Unclassified UnrepresentedRenewableRenewableEnd date, if applicable 06/30/2028Position FTE1.0Tenure StatusF - Fixed Term
Position Summary Brief Description of PSU/School/DeptPortland State University is Oregon’s most innovative, diverse, and affordable public research university, located in one of the nation’s most desirable places to live, and the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science is your testing ground for putting new ideas into action. We believe in involving everyone—from freshmen to faculty to community—in solving the problems facing our region and our world.
Maseeh College includes five departments, 132 faculty members, and more than 2,700 students. We offer academic programs that provide transformative opportunities within the classroom and beyond. Our faculty includes six National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award winners and two members of the National Academy of Engineering. When you join our college, you’ll be at the heart of an intellectually-challenging, personally rewarding, and purposefully inclusive environment, connected to Portland’s “silicon forest,” a nexus of growing, innovative industries and agencies.Position SummaryMaseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science seeks a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and relationship-driven leader to advance the College’s strategic partnerships and external engagement efforts. The ideal candidate is a skilled convener who builds trust across diverse constituencies, identifies opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration, and translates strategic vision into measurable outcomes that support the College’s mission and long-term growth.
The Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships leads and advances initiatives that strengthen the College’s connections with industry, government, educational institutions, alumni, and community stakeholders. Working in close partnership with the Dean’s office leadership team, the Executive Director identifies and develops opportunities that support enrollment, workforce development, research collaborations, innovation, and community engagement. As a central coordinator for strategic initiatives, the Executive Director aligns internal priorities with external opportunities to expand the College’s impact and advance institutional goals.
This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month unclassified position reporting to the Interim Dean of Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science. The incumbent serves as a strategic ambassador for the College, fostering meaningful collaborations and advancing initiatives that enhance institutional visibility, strengthen external partnerships, and support the College’s long-term success.Minimum Qualifications Education & Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field and 7+ years of progressive professional experience, OR
- Master’s degree in a related field and 6+ years of progressive professional experience.
- Experience working with industry, government, educational institutions, or workforce development organizations.
- Experience in business development, economic development, higher education administration, corporate relations, workforce development, or nonprofit leadership.
- Strong relationship-building and networking skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with executives, community leaders, educators, and government representatives.
- Experience managing partnerships, strategic initiatives, or external relations activities.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
- Understanding of higher education, workforce development, and regional economic trends.
Key Cultural Competencies
- Create an environment that acknowledges, encourages, and celebrates differences.
- Function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds.
- Seek opportunities to gain experience working and collaborating in diverse, multicultural, and inclusive settings with a willingness to change for continual improvement.
- Adhere to all of PSU’s policies including the policies on Prohibited Discrimination & Harassment and the Professional Standards of Conduct.
The starting annual salary for this position will be between $100,000 – $105,000 but may be negotiated above this rate dependent upon the factors above, the budget of the hiring department, and approval from HR.
An excellent benefits package includes 95% premium paid healthcare; a generous retirement and vacation package; and reduced tuition rates for employee, spouse or dependent at any of the Oregon University System schools : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/benefits-overview
Please visit our total compensation calculator to see the full value of our benefits package : https://www.pdx.edu/human-resources/psu-total-compensation-calculator
Search Details Posting Close DateProjected Close Date for PostingOpen Until FilledApplication screening begins08/01/2026Quick Linkhttps://jobs.hrc.pdx.edu/postings/50277
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
- * How did you first find out about this position?
- PSU Website
- Indeed.com
- HERCJobs
- Urban League of Portland
- Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
- Oregon Employment Department
- Social Media
- Person Referral
- Career Builder
- Glass Door
- Other - Please describe in the next Question
- If you selected Other, please describe.
(Open Ended Question)
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
- Resume
- Cover Letter
- Professional References
PI285953258