Strategic Partnerships and Engagement Specialist

Role type: Full-time

Location: Goodyear, Arizona

Salary: $50,000 to $60,000

Global University Systems (GUS) is an international education group that empowers students to transform their lives through education. We believe education drives careers, lives, and society forward, enabling a brighter and more sustainable future for all.  Our institutions offer the broadest range of industry-relevant skills through inclusive, accessible and digital-first learning.  We offer a choice of career-enhancing certificates, degrees and post-graduate level qualifications, equipping our thriving multi-national community of students for lifelong success.  Our world-leading network and state-of-the-art institutions power the upskilling of our students worldwide.   

Avila University Arizona (AUA) is a proud part of GUS. At AUA, we believe education transforms lives. As the University Relations & Partnerships Specialist, you will play a meaningful role in expanding educational access by building lasting relationships throughout the community and connecting students with opportunities to achieve their academic and professional goals.

This position offers the opportunity to make a visible impact while representing a growing institution committed to academic excellence, innovation, and community engagement. Every partnership you cultivate and every student you inspire contributes to strengthening our mission and shaping the future of higher education in Arizona and beyond.

Summary of role:

Avila University Arizona is seeking a dynamic and relationship-driven University Relations & Partnerships Specialist to expand the University's presence, strengthen strategic partnerships, and connect prospective students with meaningful educational opportunities. This role directly supports the University's domestic recruitment strategy and its enrollment goals across a growing portfolio of career-focused programs.

This role serves as a key ambassador for the University, representing Avila at recruitment events, community engagements, corporate meetings, educational institutions, and partnership initiatives. The successful candidate will cultivate long-term relationships with employers, nonprofit organizations, military partners, government agencies, high schools, community colleges, and other strategic stakeholders to increase awareness of Avila University Arizona and support sustainable enrollment growth. The role reaches students across all geographic, social, and economic backgrounds, including traditional and transfer undergraduates, graduate candidates, military-affiliated students and veterans, adult learners, and underrepresented populations.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional communicator, confident public speaker, and proactive relationship builder who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys connecting people with opportunities that transform lives.

Key Responsibilities:

University Representation & Community Engagement

• Serve as a professional ambassador for Avila University Arizona at college fairs, educational conferences, community events, networking functions, and other recruitment-related activities.

• Represent the University's mission, academic offerings, and student services with professionalism and enthusiasm.

• Develop and maintain a strong presence throughout Arizona and neighboring states by actively participating in community and industry events.

• Deliver engaging presentations and information sessions to prospective students, families, educators, employers, military personnel, and community organizations.

Strategic Partnerships & External Relations

• Identify, cultivate, and maintain strategic partnerships with: Corporate employer; Nonprofit organizations; Government agencies; Military installations and affiliated organizations; Workforce development organizations: Community colleges: High schools; Educational partners; and Community leaders and professional associations.

• Develop collaborative initiatives that increase awareness of Avila University Arizona and create educational pathways for prospective students.

• Build long-term relationships that support workforce development, continuing education, transfer opportunities, and community engagement.

• Represent the University in partnership meetings and assist in developing new outreach initiatives that align with institutional goals.

Student Engagement & Enrollment Support

• Serve as a trusted resource for prospective students throughout the admissions journey, from initial inquiry through enrollment.

• Conduct individual consultations, campus visits, and virtual or in-person information sessions.

• Guide prospective students through the admissions process by providing accurate information regarding academic programs, admission requirements, enrollment procedures, and available resources.

• Maintain regular communication with prospective students to ensure an exceptional student experience and to support movement through the recruitment funnel.

• Collaborate closely with Admissions, Academic Affairs, Student Services, Financial Aid, Marketing, and other University departments to facilitate a seamless admissions experience.

Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain productive working relationships with school counselors, transfer advisors, corporate HR professionals, military education officers, government representatives, and community leaders.

• Identify opportunities to expand Avila University's visibility through strategic collaborations and community engagement.

• Maintain ongoing communication with existing partners while identifying opportunities to develop new relationships.

Event Planning & Coordination

• Coordinate and participate in recruitment events, open houses, workshops, presentations, employer visits, and partnership meetings.

• Assist with planning and executing University-sponsored events that support student engagement and community partnerships.

• Ensure all events are professionally organized and effectively represent the University's brand and mission.

Data Management & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of prospective students, partnership activities, and engagement efforts utilizing University systems and CRM platforms.

• Track and report on individual contribution to inquiry, application, and enrollment goals, and monitor progress against established recruitment targets and funnel conversion benchmarks.

• Prepare reports summarizing partnership development, outreach activities, event participation, and market trends.

• Monitor partnership effectiveness and recommend strategies to strengthen community engagement and institutional visibility.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution required; Master’s degree preferred.

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in higher education, admissions, partnership development, community/corporate relations, or workforce development; experience in higher education preferred.

• Demonstrated success building and maintaining professional networks and collaborative relationships with external stakeholders (experience collaborating with employers, military, government, nonprofits, or educational institutions is preferred).

• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills, featuring strong public speaking and facilitation abilities, particularly with diverse audiences.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to work independently while collaborating across multiple departments.

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel 40–50% throughout Arizona and neighboring states, with flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends for recruitment and community events.

• Ability to transport, set up, and staff recruitment displays and materials (may involve lifting up to 25 pounds).

• Experience working within higher education and familiarity with admissions or enrollment processes preferred.

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) or the ability to engage effectively with Spanish-speaking students, families, and communities preferred.

• Experience using CRM or student information systems, as well as familiarity with digital, social media, and search-supported recruitment strategies preferred.

• Familiarity with military and veteran education benefits (e.g., GI Bill, SkillBridge) and experience serving military-affiliated populations preferred.

What we offer:

• Competitive Compensation: A base salary of $50,000–$55,000 annually, with a results-driven incentive structure.

• Performance-Based Commission: Based on established organizational and individual performance objectives.

• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance.

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and University-recognized holidays.

• Travel reimbursement for approved business-related travel.

• Diverse and inclusive workforce: We celebrate diversity, individuality, ideas and experiences – everyone has a voice.

• Start-up spirit on a global scale: We have the agility, ambition and ideas of a start-up but the size, scale and reputation of a Group.

• High employee retention and loyalty: We are proud to retain incredible talent leading exciting careers with us.

• Collaborative leadership: A leadership team committed to innovation.

If you feel this is the role you are looking for, please click below to apply for the role! 

We will screen all applicants and select candidates whose qualifications meet our requirements. We will carefully consider your application during the initial screening and will contact you if you are selected to continue for the next stage of the recruitment process. We wish you every success in your job search.

Avila University Arizona is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all employees and students. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and campus needs, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law.

Our data privacy policy can be viewed here.