Director of Strategic Partnerships

Department Contact:

Wanda Tamez, (575) 646-2755, wtamez@nmsu.edu

Internal or External Search:

External - Open to all applicants

Advertising Summary:

The New Mexico STEM Innovation Network Principal Hub at NMSU seeking Director of Strategic Partnerships to bridge gap between K-12 Education and New Mexico workforce. Interested applicants can view application at https://careers.nmsu.edu/jobs/search.

Position Details Position Title:

Director of Strategic Partnerships College/Division:

College of Hlth, Educ & Soc Trans Department:

350410-INST

FOR EXCEL IN MATH & SCIENCE ED

Location:

Las Cruces Offsite Location (if applicable):

Target Hourly/Salary Rate:

Commensurate with qualifications

Appointment Full-time Equivalency:

1.0

FLSA Status :

Exempt Bargaining Unit Announcement:

This is NOT a bargaining unit position with American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

Contingent Upon Funding:

Contingent upon funding

Standard Work Schedule:

Standard (M-F, 8-5) If Not a

Standard Work Schedule:

Occasional weekend and evenings.

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

The Director of Strategic Partnerships plans, develops, and leads the implementation of partnership-driven initiatives that have significant operational impact within the University and across external systems. These initiatives are often revenue-generating and supported through state, federal, and industry funding sources. This position establishes and advances short- and long-term strategies to develop and sustain high-impact partnerships that support Career Pathway initiatives, including formal agreements for funding collaborations, apprenticeships, and scholarship development. The Director strengthens collaboration among industry, out-of-school-time (OST) programs, K-12 systems, and higher education institutions to create aligned learning systems that connect education with workforce opportunities. The Director serves as a principal point of leadership, collaboration, and expertise for internal and external stakeholders, including state agencies, industry partners, and higher education institutions. The role focuses on building coordinated partnerships that leverage resources, align statewide efforts, and advance New Mexico's workforce and career development priorities. Responsibilities include identifying, pursuing, and securing industry-supported funding to expand teacher professional learning, school-based STEM initiatives, and student career exploration opportunities. The Director also provides leadership and oversight for statewide initiatives such as the Governor's STEM Challenge and related competitions, including partnership development, program coordination, and implementation. The position designs, implements, and evaluates partnership structures and systems to ensure effective achievement of program goals and long-term sustainability. Provides advanced leadership and strategic direction to staff, university partners, and community organizations within a broadly defined area of expertise. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications Required Education and Experience:

Associate's Degree + 10 years of relevant experience or a Bachelor's degree + 8 years of relevant experience. Master's degree or higher preferred.

Equivalent Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree or higher. Extensive knowledge of

K-12 STEM

learning systems including out-of-school time programs connected to STEM career pathways. Knowledge of NM Public Education Systems. Knowledge of industry and government agency funding for student internships and career pathway initiatives Strong communication skills

Special Certification/Licensure:

Working Conditions and Physical Effort Environment:

Work is normally performed indoors.

Physical Effort:

Moderate physical activity.

Lifting Requirements:

Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 25 pounds or standing and/or walking for more than four (4) hours per day.

Risk:

No or very limited exposure to physical risk.