Director of Strategic Partnerships

• 503523
• Las Cruces, New Mexico, United States
• Staff
• Staff Full-time
• Closing at: May 21 2026 - 23:55 MDT

Department Contact: Wanda Tamez, (575) 646-2755, [email protected]

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.

Recruitment Summary

We are New Mexico’s land-grant institution and a comprehensive research university dedicated to teaching, research public service and outreach at all levels. NMSU is a welcoming community of talented faculty, staff and students who are working together to make a difference. We are a NASA Space Grant College, a Hispanic-serving institution (HSI), a minority-serving institution (MSI) and home to the first Honors College in New Mexico. We offer an accessible education that shapes bright futures.

NMSU provides learning opportunities to a diverse population of students and community members at four campuses, Cooperative Extension offices located in each of New Mexico’s 33 counties, 12 research and science centers, and through distance education.

NMSU Global Campus

Since 1888, NMSU has proudly embodied this tradition, building relationships that last a lifetime while serving students who want to earn their degree and grow in their field. Today, NMSU Global Campus provides flexible, career-focused online education that helps our students transform their lives – and the lives of the people they love – through over 70 degree and certificate programs, skill-building microlearning courses, and career and talent development.

NMSU Main Campus

Located in Las Cruces, NM, New Mexico State University's 900-acre main campus is located at the crossroads of I-10 and I-25 in the Southwestern United States. As a thriving center of higher education, deeply rooted in the regional tradition, its role as a comprehensive university is recognized throughout the state.

Doña Ana Community College

Founded in 1973 in collaboration with local school districts to support occupational education, DACC is now a leading community college that provides transformative educational opportunities that meet the workforce needs of Doña Ana County. With a focus on access, innovation and excellence, DACC offers over ninety degrees and certificates, adult education, specialized workforce training, and small business assistance. 

Alamogordo Campus

Established in 1958 to serve the needs of the airmen and families stationed at Holloman Air Force Base located only 10 miles west of Alamogordo, NMSUA is a community college with a long history of excellence that is supported by a caring community of hard-working students and dedicated faculty and staff. The campus is situated “on the hill” above Alamogordo and provides inspiring views of the city and the Tularosa Basin, offering the perfect venue for creative and motivated learning.

Grants Campus

NMSU Grants was established as a branch of New Mexico State University in 1968 through the cooperative efforts of New Mexico State University and Grants Municipal Schools. As a two-year branch community college, NMSU Grants serves the local communities in Cibola and McKinley counties, including the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni, as well as Tohajiilee, San Mateo, San Rafael, Cubero, the City of Grants, and the Village of Milan.

Special Instructions to Applicants

The electronic application is the *official* document that will be used to qualify applicants. Paper/email documents will not be accepted. Required documents must be attached to this application.

EEO Statement

New Mexico State University does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or other non-merit factor.