Director of Urban Partnerships

Job Title

Director of Urban Partnership

Department

Thrive

Worker Type

Regular

Pay Type

Salary

Position Salary Minimum

$90,000

Position Salary Maximum

$110,000

Salary will be commensurate with the level of the position, education, and experience.

Scheduled Weekly Hours

40

Benefit Eligible

Yes

Screening Date

2026-02-23

Job Description Summary

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.

Job Description

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.

Additional Position Information (if applicable)

This position will be located in Cleveland.

Required Application Documents

Resume and Cover Letter

Special Instructions (if applicable)

N/A

Additional Information

A criminal background check is required. All campuses are smoke- and tobacco-free campuses.

This organization participates in E-Verify.

Remote Work
For positions that are approved for remote work: Remote work is not a right, it is a work arrangement that can be modified or revoked by Miami University at any time for any reason, including the convenience of the University.

Reasonable Accommodations
Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to [email protected] or 513-529-3560. Questions and follow-ups regarding requests should also be directed here.

Miami University Values Statement
Miami University is a scholarly community whose members believe that a liberal education is grounded in qualities of character as well as of intellect. We respect the dignity of other persons, the rights and property of others, and the right of others to hold and express disparate beliefs. We believe in honesty, integrity, and the importance of moral conduct. We defend the freedom of inquiry that is the heart of learning and combine that freedom with the exercise of judgment and the acceptance of personal responsibility.

For more information on Miami University’s mission and core values, please visit the Mission and Core Values webpage.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement
Miami University, an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, encourages applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Miami University prohibits harassment, discrimination and retaliation on the basis of age (40 years or older), color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, military status, national origin (ancestry), pregnancy, race, religion, sex/gender, status as a parent or foster parent, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status in its application and admission processes, educational programs and activities, facilities, programs or employment practices. Requests for reasonable accommodations for disabilities related to employment should be directed to [email protected] or 513-529-3560.

Clery Act
As part of the University’s commitment to maintaining a healthy and safe living, learning, and working environment, we encourage you to read Miami University’s Annual Security & Fire Safety Report at: http://www.MiamiOH.edu/campus-safety/annual-report/index.html, which contains information about campus safety, crime statistics, and our drug and alcohol abuse and prevention program designed to prevent the unlawful possession, use, and distribution of drugs and alcohol on campus and at university events and activities. This report also contains information on programs and policies designed to prevent and address sexual violence, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. Each year, email notification of this website is made to all faculty, staff, and enrolled students. Written notification is also provided to prospective students and employees. Hard copies of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report may be obtained from the Miami University Police Department at 513-529-2223.

Labor Law Posters for Applicants

Please visit our Labor Law Posters webpage to access all relevant and applicable labor law information.