Director of Strategic Academic Partnerships

BUS DEV PROFL 4 (004871)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_2921

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

9/28/2026 8:53:24 PM

Date Last Edited:

9/28/2026 8:53:20 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

10/14/2025

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

8400O

Organization:

CONTINUING EDUCATION                   

Division Code:

8420D

Division:

DEAN, UCLA EXTENSION                   

Department:

563000 - UNEX: ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_2921

Position Description ID

233938

UC Payroll Title:

BUS DEV PROFL 4 (004871)

Personnel Program

Management and Senior Professional (MSP)

Salary Grade:

Grade 25

Job Code FLSA:

Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

99: Non-Represented (PPSM)

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

40342631

Reports to Payroll Title:

ADMIN MGR 1

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

41258354

Department Head Payroll Title:

ACAD PRG MGR 2

GENERAL DIRECTION - Indicates that the incumbent receives guidance in terms of broad goals and overall objectives and is responsible for establishing the methods to attain them. Generally the incumbent is in charge of an area of work, and typically formulates policy for this area but does not necessarily have final authority for approving policy.

PUBL EDUC SUPV 2

004165

PUBL EDUC SUPV 1

004170

POSITION SUMMARY

The Director of Strategic Academic Partnerships (DSAP) at UCLA Extension (UCLAx) is a pivotal executive role. This position is responsible for crafting and implementing a comprehensive partnership strategy that aligns with UCLA Extension's strategic priorities. The DSAP plays a crucial role in nurturing existing partnerships, forging new ones, and driving initiatives that support the division's strategic plan. Collaborating closely with senior stakeholders across Academic Affairs, External Affairs, Business and Financial Services (BFS), and Marketing, the DSP enhances strategic vision, establishes compliance policies, promotes best practices, and develops effective branding and cost/revenue models.

The Director will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following: Develop and implement strategic partnership plans, updating them to meet market and institutional goals; Expand Extension's reach in Southern California and promote continuous improvement; Evaluate new programs and services for impact and ROI, guiding stakeholders with business development expertise; Coordinate and support new programs, services, and partnerships, ensuring compliance and alignment; Collaborate with key stakeholders on strategies, policies, and best practices; Represent UCLAx in high-level meetings, advocating for its interests and enhancing visibility.

Excelling in quality, innovation, and impact, UCLA Extension (UCLAx) is one of the top providers of continuing and professional education in the United States, offering programs and classes to more than 50,000 students per year through approximately 4,500 classes and certificate programs to meet the professional development, continuing education, and personal enrichment needs of the full spectrum of traditional, nontraditional, domestic, international, professional, and continuing education students throughout and beyond Los Angeles.

Strategic Leadership, Execution, Representation, and Advocacy

1) Develop and execute a strategic plan for institutional partnerships that supports the goals of the UCLA Extension strategic plan.

2) Review and refine partnership strategies regularly to ensure alignment with changing market demands and institutional goals.

3) Using a creative and innovative lens, seek out opportunities to broaden Extension's reach into the greater Southern CA community.

4) Foster a culture of continuous process improvement and teamwork.

5) Conducts formal evaluations of new products (academic programs) and services to measure impact and ROI.

6) Apply advanced knowledge of business development practices and operations to guide and influence stakeholders.

7) Leads the coordination of new products (programs), services, and institutional partnerships including changes to services, procurement, and communication strategies.

8) Advises and assists with enterprise initiatives and partnerships.

9) Represent UNEX in high-level meetings and politically sensitive situations, advocating for the division's interests and enhancing its visibility and influence across the university and with external partners.

10)   Work closely with deans, directors, and other key stakeholders in Academic Affairs, External Affairs, BFS, and Marketing to develop and communicate strategies, policies, and best practices that support partnership initiatives.

50%

Partnership & Product Development

1) Identify, evaluate, and pursue new partnership opportunities while maintaining and enhancing existing relationships.

2) Assess risks associated with new and ongoing partnerships, ensuring compliance and alignment with UNEX's strategic objectives.

3) Collaborate with academic and administrative leaders to research, define, design, and implement new products (academic programs) and services that reflect the partnership strategy, enhance UNEX's profile as a collaborator within the campus community, and promote sustainable revenue growth.

4) Researches and identifies opportunities to improve existing academic and entrepreneurial programs and develop new programs and partnerships.

5) Develops comprehensive proposals and project plans.

35%

Compliance and Best Practices

1) Ensure that all partnership activities are conducted in compliance with university policies and best practices, integrating effective branding and revenue models into partnership agreements.

2) Apply advanced knowledge of business development practices, delivery systems, and operations to guide and influence stakeholders.

15%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in related area and / or equivalent experience / training

Required

And

Master's Degree

in Business Administration, Education, Public Administration, or a related field or equivalent experience / training.

Preferred

7 years

Minimum years of experience in a leadership role within a higher education or related setting, with proven expertise in partnership development and strategic planning.

Required

In-depth knowledge and understanding of business development concepts in the higher education landscape, including best practices and trends in continuing and professional education, partnership development, and strategic planning.

Required

Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills with strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities; Able to engage with senior-level stakeholders and advocate effectively for institutional interests.

Required

Ability to manage complex projects and multi-disciplinary teams effectively. Proficient in stakeholder management and project management software.

Required

Advanced ability to conceptualize and execute strategic visions, adapt to changing environments, and achieve significant outcomes through collaboration and influence.

Required

Advanced analytical, critical-thinking and problem solving skills to assess complex issues and develop solutions. 

Required

Advanced planning, project management, change management, process improvement skills.

Required

Advanced interpersonal skills to lead and work collaboratively and effectively with multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams.

Required

Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including ability to positively interact with executives, providers, and staff at all levels.

Required

Advanced ability to develop comprehensive reports and presentations.

Required

Advanced proficiency in standardized business software and database applications (Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).

Required

Demonstrated leadership skills to motivate and influence others. 

Required

Ability to achieve measurable results in a diverse stakeholder landscape balancing competing and conflicting interests.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

Age Requirement: Candidate(s) must be 18 years or older to be eligible to be hired.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Non-University Setting(s)

Location:

UCLA Downtown 433 S. Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90013

•

Commonly used office equipment.

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.