📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Associate Director, Partnerships
🔹 Company: University of Central Florida
🔹 Location: Orlando, FL (Main Campus)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Higher Education
🔹 Date Posted: July 16, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Building and strengthening strategic partnerships across various corporate engagement channels
- Collaborating with internal stakeholders and external clients to align with UCF's goals
- Facilitating multi-channel, interdisciplinary engagements
- Identifying new corporate leads and opportunities for impactful partnerships
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of collaboration, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills to succeed in a dynamic university environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Serve as the point person for Discovery Days and VIP campus visits, curating experiences for executives to explore UCF’s capabilities across research, education, innovation, and philanthropy.
✅ Collaborate with campus stakeholders and corporate partners to identify strategic opportunities and develop customized partnership plans that align with UCF priorities.
✅ Partner with the Advancement & Partnerships team to facilitate multi-channel, interdisciplinary engagements—supporting everything from agreements and strategy sessions to internal communications and external partner alignment.
✅ Support identification of new corporate leads by leveraging campus research teams, LinkedIn, and other prospecting tools—mapping campus assets to uncover opportunities for impactful partnerships.
✅ Assist with tracking, reporting, and follow-up efforts to ensure progress toward partnership goals and alignment with the university’s strategic vision.
✅ Perform related duties and special projects as assigned to support the success of the Partnerships team.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, relationship management, and operational tasks to ensure successful partnerships.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's or Master's degree
Experience: 4+ years of relevant experience
Required Skills:
- Proven experience in building and maintaining strategic partnerships
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to navigate large organizations and align efforts with institutional priorities
- Familiarity with corporate giving, sponsored research, or executive education programs
- Proven success in managing events or high-level meetings for executives and key decision-makers
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working in higher education, advancement, or nonprofit settings
- Experience facilitating complex, multi-stakeholder partnerships or corporate engagement strategies
- Ability to use tools like LinkedIn, CRM systems, and research databases to identify new prospects and qualify potential partners
ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a related field is required, the university values relevant experience and transferable skills from other backgrounds.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $64,518 - $80,648 (Anticipated)
Benefits:
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program
- Paid time off, including annual and sick time off and paid holidays
- Retirement savings options
- Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions
- Education assistance
- Flexible work environment
Working Hours: Monday-Friday; 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This role is onsite.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on the job posting and industry standards for similar roles in higher education. The final offer may vary based on the candidate's qualifications and experience.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Higher Education
Company Size: 201-500 employees
Founded: 1963
Company Description:
- The University of Central Florida (UCF) Office of Research sets the standard for excellence in service to its stakeholders by supporting research, commercialization, and economic growth.
- UCF's research enterprise is fueled by more than $1 billion in funding over the last decade and is ranked among the top 25 universities in the world for patent production.
- UCF is a public research university committed to providing high-quality education and opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to achieve their personal and professional goals.
Company Specialties:
- Economic Development
- Research
- Education
- Investment
- Startup
- Technology Transfer
- Growth
- Venture Lab Accelerator
- Business Incubation
- Innovation
- and Entrepreneurship
Company Website: http://www.research.ucf.edu
ASSUMPTION: UCF is a large, dynamic university with a strong focus on research and innovation, providing ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level management
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Executive Director of Partnerships and collaborates with internal stakeholders and external clients
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with a flexible work environment
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance within the Advancement & Partnerships team or explore other opportunities within the university
- Chance to work on high-impact projects and initiatives that align with UCF's strategic vision
- Opportunity to develop and refine skills in partnership development, strategic planning, and relationship management
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of strategic and operational responsibilities, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: University campus
Office Location(s): UCF Main Campus, Orlando, FL
Geographic Context:
- Orlando is a vibrant, multicultural city with a strong economy and numerous attractions
- The UCF Main Campus is a large, bustling campus with a diverse student body and faculty
- The campus offers a range of amenities, including dining options, recreational facilities, and cultural events
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday; 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with flexibility for occasional evening or weekend events
ASSUMPTION: The UCF Main Campus provides a dynamic, engaging work environment with ample opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- On-campus interview with a panel of stakeholders
- Final interview with the Executive Director of Partnerships
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and partnership development skills
- Communication and relationship-building abilities
- Understanding of UCF's mission, vision, and values
- Alignment with the university's strategic priorities
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Demonstrate your understanding of UCF's mission and the responsibilities of the Associate Director, Partnerships position
- Showcase your ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships through specific examples and achievements
ATS Keywords: Partnership Development, Corporate Engagement, Relationship Building, Strategic Planning, Higher Education, Nonprofit, Event Management, Research, Collaboration, Prospecting, Reporting, Interdisciplinary Engagement, Philanthropy, Executive Education
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role may be competitive, and candidates should emphasize their relevant experience and skills to increase their chances of success.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics)
- Research databases (e.g., LinkedIn, Bloomberg, FactSet)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Microsoft Project)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they enable effective partnership management and collaboration.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Excellence in service to stakeholders
- Diversity and inclusion
- Strategic partnerships and collaboration
- Integrity and ethical decision-making
Work Style:
- Dynamic, fast-paced environment
- Strong focus on collaboration and teamwork
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Flexible work arrangements
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment with a strong focus on strategic partnerships?
- Are you comfortable navigating large organizations and aligning efforts with institutional priorities?
- Do you have a proven track record of building and maintaining strategic partnerships in a higher education or nonprofit setting?
ASSUMPTION: A strong cultural fit for this role involves a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and a passion for building and maintaining partnerships in a dynamic university environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple partnerships and priorities simultaneously
- Navigating a large, complex university organization
- Balancing strategic planning with operational tasks
- Occasional evening or weekend events and meetings
ASSUMPTION: While this role presents numerous opportunities for professional growth and development, it also comes with its own set of challenges that candidates should be prepared to face.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other partnership development roles, this position requires a strong understanding of the higher education landscape and the unique priorities of a large research university
- UCF's focus on interdisciplinary engagement and collaboration sets this role apart from similar positions in other industries
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into more senior leadership positions within the Advancement & Partnerships team or exploring other opportunities within the university
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be aware of the unique aspects of this role and how it differs from similar positions in other industries or organizations.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a customized partnership plan for a Fortune 500 company, aligning with UCF's strategic priorities and the corporation's philanthropic goals
- Coordinating a VIP campus visit for a group of executives, showcasing UCF's capabilities across research, education, innovation, and philanthropy
- Identifying and qualifying new corporate leads through targeted prospecting and relationship-building efforts
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and operational aspects of the Associate Director, Partnerships role at UCF.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall strategic vision for UCF's partnership development efforts?
- What are the key priorities for the first 90 days in this position?
- How does the Advancement & Partnerships team collaborate with other departments and stakeholders across the university?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and the broader university context?
- How does UCF support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, informed questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in and understanding of the role and the university's mission.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare for your interview by researching UCF's mission, values, and strategic priorities
- Follow up with the hiring manager within one week of your interview to express your continued interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
