Director of External Partnerships for the School of Engineering and Computing

Title: Director of External Partnerships for the School of Engineering and Computing

Position Type: Staff Full-Time

Days Per Week: M-F

Hours Per Week: 40

VP Area: School of Engineering and Computing

Location: Elon Main Campus

Position Summary

Director of External Partnerships
Working within the School of Engineering & Computing, the Director of External Partnerships (DEP) plays a critical role in enabling the growth of Elon's Engineering and Computer Science industry-sponsored programs and establishing partnerships that align value creation and learning. The DEP supports the execution of Elon’s strategic plan by creating opportunities for students to engage in impact-centered educational experiences, including the Senior Projects in Elon Engineering Design (SPEED) as well as new programs that are currently at the inception or prototype stage.

The DEP’s responsibilities include the full cycle of business development, project development, and partner relationship management. Many responsibilities involve interactions with faculty, students, and staff in other areas of Elon University, as well as external constituents of various kinds (e.g., alumni, non-profit organizations, municipalities and educators at other institutions). These responsibilities will vary over time in response to opportunities and needs with a growing student population.

Benefits of Working at Elon

As an Elon University employee, you’ll join an internationally acclaimed university with a commitment to fostering a thriving community. Ranked among the most innovative, creative and best-run universities in the nation, Elon’s personal approach to education extends to employees, whose growth, professional development and success is a hallmark of our training and advancement opportunities.

Elon University’s home is the charming town of Elon, North Carolina, a small, friendly community located a short distance from the beach and the mountains, and among the vibrant cities of Greensboro, Raleigh and Durham. In addition to the beautiful canopy of historic oak trees iconic to our campus, you’ll find boundless opportunities for family-friendly recreation, cultural events and outdoor activities. Hiking, water sports, fine dining and entertainment are just a few of the many happenings in the Elon area, making the region one of the nation’s premier travel destinations.

Employees at Elon enjoy a generous and comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Free use of campus fitness facilities.

Free admission to musical and theater performances, guest speakers, religious and ethnic observances, recitals, art exhibitions, entertainment and our Division I Phoenix athletics.


Elon values and celebrates the diverse backgrounds, cultures, experiences and perspectives of our community members. As an equal opportunity employer, Elon’s principles of diversity extend to race and gender identity, age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and other aspects of one’s identity. At Elon, our employees respect human differences, passion for lifelong learning, emphasis on personal integrity and an ethic of service.

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree required
• 5-10 years of professional experience in roles requiring technical collaboration, problem definitions, program or project management, and outward facing contact
• An engineering, computing or other technical degree is desirable as it would enable deeper engagement in developing projects for students and faculty.
• Previous success building partnerships, managing relationships, and meeting revenue goals.
• Basic understanding of industry sectors and the connections to technology and employment trends
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, technical skills including a high level of comfort with common software applications, and quantitative skills including basic data and manipulation using spreadsheets.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTORS
The following objectives are essential for success:
• Maintain strong relationships with colleagues in SPDC, Admissions, Deans, department chairs, faculty and staff
• Support and align actions with Boldly Elon 2030 initiatives
• Develop and implement plans for employer outreach
• Show measurable growth in student outcomes
• Build and strategically leverage key campus partnerships
• Foster relationships with stakeholders to identify the needs and expectations of alumni, faculty, staff, and students
• Track and report metrics related to specific outcomes and their impact on Elon Engineering’s growth
• Engage alumni as strategic partners

Job Duties

• Partnership development:
  • Represent Elon Engineering and Computing to potential partner organizations.
  • Support exploration and launch of new industry-sponsored programs and partnerships.
  • Evaluate and pursue revenue-generating relationships.
  • Plan and facilitate meetings of internal and external stakeholders.
  • Draft and execute proposals and agreements for SPEED projects
• Business and project development:
  • Work with Department of Engineering and faculty to develop experiential learning activities, including SPEED projects.
  • Evaluate new industry, non-profit organizations, and municipality sponsored project opportunities.
  • Secure commitments for projects and guide through contracting process
• Relationship management:
  • Cultivate new contacts and manage existing partnerships for SPEED projects.
  • Support Elon’s Student Professional Development Center (SPDC) efforts to build and maintain excellent relationships with external partners.
  • Develop and execute communication programs with external partners Other activities in support of institutional priorities: Engage with other staff and faculty to support student activities related to experiential learning and internship and career development
  • Host external visitors (e.g., academic and industry partners, prospective donors)
  • Proactively improve programs and processes related to SPEED
  • Plan and execute externally facing events to support Elon Engineering brand building for a range of audiences (e.g., prospective students, new partners, technical organizations)

Special Instructions to Applicants: Priority consideration will be given to complete applications received by September 7, 2026.