New York University

Associate Director, External Affairs & Strategic Partnerships

New York University$105K — $125K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree required; Master's Degree preferred
  • 5+ years of experience in external affairs or development, ideally in academia or nonprofits
  • Demonstrated success in cultivating and securing institutional partnerships or major gifts
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage complex relationships and work under pressure
  • Strong strategic and creative thinking with excellent team collaboration skills
  • Experience with stakeholder engagement in fast-paced environments

Responsibilities

  • Lead the development and enhancement of Gallatin's external visibility and resource base
  • Identify and cultivate corporate, foundation, and institutional partnerships
  • Transition partnerships from transactional giving to programmatic co-design
  • Manage the lifecycle of partner relationships from initial engagement to long-term stewardship
  • Contribute to partnership communications, proposals, and strategic initiatives
  • Collaborate with various Gallatin offices to align partnerships with institutional activities
  • Show tangible results through new partnerships and sustained funding growth

Benefits

  • Opportunity to shape strategic partnerships in a dynamic academic setting
  • Participation in a fast-growing liberal arts institution with significant momentum
  • Collaborative work environment with diverse stakeholders
  • Chance to contribute to innovative programming and experiential learning initiatives
  • Opportunity for professional growth and leadership in external affairs
Full Job Description
Position Summary

The Associate Director, External Affairs & Strategic Partnerships will work closely with the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement & Development to develop and enhance Gallatin's visibility, external reach, and long-term resource base. Now in its 54th year and experiencing unprecedented momentum - anchored by a capital project adding more than 12,000 square feet and more than $20 million already committed - Gallatin is at a pivotal moment of physical and programmatic expansion. This role is central to translating that momentum into lasting institutional assets.

Responsible for identifying, cultivating, and stewarding a diverse portfolio of corporate, foundation, and institutional partners, the Associate Director will lead Gallatin's shift from transactional giving to ambitious programmatic co-design. Serving as a key external-facing representative of the School, this role leads business development functions, contributes to partnership communications and proposals, and manages the full lifecycle of partner relationships - from initial cultivation through long-term stewardship. The position reports to the Senior Director and works in close collaboration with Gallatin offices including Experiential Learning, the Gallatin WetLab, the Dean of Students, Gallatin Global, and others to ensure that new partnerships are organically connected to the School's ongoing activities.

This is a highly visible position within a dynamic, fast-growing liberal arts school at a compelling strategic inflection point. The position is expected to show tangible results in the form of new institutional and corporate partnerships, sustained growth in the School's external funding base, and the long-term underwriting of Gallatin's signature programs and experiential learning initiatives - aligning directly with President Mills' strategic pathways for NYU.

Qualifications

Required Education:
Bachelor's Degree

Preferred Education:
Master's Degree

Required Experience:
5+ years years of progressive experience in external affairs, development, corporate partnerships, strategic communications, or a related field - ideally within an academic, cultural, or nonprofit environment

Preferred Experience:
7+ years

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
Demonstrated success in cultivating and closing institutional partnerships or major gifts Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting proposals, reports, and strategic presentations for senior audiences Exceptional relationship management skills and the ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder environments with discretion and professionalism Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with constant and multiple ongoing deadlines Ability to work independently and collaboratively Ability to think strategically and creatively and work well under pressure Ability to prioritize and proactively ensure deadlines are met; Collaborative and communicative team member Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with corporate leaders, faculty, staff, donors, and volunteers at all levels Occasional evenings and weekends may be required. Must be willing and able to travel

Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
Experience managing volunteers, advisory groups, or alumni communities is a plus Deep familiarity with or passion for New York City's cultural, creative, and academic landscape Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and thrive in a fast-paced environment Extensive experience in engineering-focused research with specialized expertise in makerspace operations, rapid prototyping, and STEM-based problem-solving Demonstrated success in spearheading strategic initiatives and supervising cross-functional teams to meet project milestones Experience developing and implementing strategies for acquiring new leads, and retaining and upgrading existing leads and relationships Experience in initiating new and innovative engagement and outreach programs Experience working in a setting with changing priorities and an evolving list of stakeholders The ideal candidate will have the ability to thrive in an intellectually challenging, fast-paced, collegial environment. They will possess political savvy, integrity, discretion, pragmatic consensus-building skills, and mature judgment in handling sensitive and confidential information

Additional Information

In compliance with NYC's Pay Transparency Act, the annual base salary range for this position is USD $105,000.00 to USD $125,000.00. New York University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and organizational considerations when extending an offer. This pay range represents base pay only and excludes any additional items such as incentives, bonuses, clinical compensation, or other items.

NYU aims to be among the greenest urban campuses in the country and carbon neutral by 2040. Learn more at nyu.edu/nyugreen.

About New York University

New York University (NYU) is a private research university based in New York City. Founded in 1831, NYU is one of the largest private universities in the United States, with a total enrollment of over 50,000 students across its various campuses. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, law, medicine, and the arts. NYU is known for its strong academic programs, world-class faculty, and diverse student body. The university has a long history of innovation and has been at the forefront of many important developments in fields such as finance, technology, and the arts.
Learn more about New York University
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