Director, External Partnership Engagement

Job no: 562420
Work type: Management (MPP)
Location: Chancellor's Office - Sacramento
Categories: MPP, Administrative, At-Will, Full Time

Salary

The anticipated salary hiring range is up to $150,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Work Arrangements

This position is located in Sacramento, CA.

Flexibility to telecommute two days a week, with three days on-site at the main headquarters in Sacramento, California.

Premium Benefits

Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Benefits

Generous vacation plan

15 paid holidays a year

Tuition waiver education program (also applies to eligible family members)

Membership in the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS)

More details here: Comprehensive Benefits Package

Classification

Administrator III

Position Information

The California State University, Office of the Chancellor, is seeking a Director, External Partnership Engagement to serve as a key partner and advisor to the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Strategic Engagement (AVC-SE), provide strategic leadership and coordination for external relations, community relations, industry partnerships, and advocacy-focused engagement on behalf of the California State University (CSU) system.

The DEPE develops and implements systemwide strategies for cultivating, engaging and stewarding external partners to support the CSU's legislative, budgetary and workforce goals. The DEPE builds and strengthens relationships with external constituencies and cultivates CSU champions who advance the CSU's mission, visibility and strategic interests.

The DEPE strengthens regional and statewide collaboration among CSU campuses, building and expanding industry and employer partnerships, and connecting external opportunities to CSU academic, workforce, student success, economic mobility and community engagement priorities. The DEPE will also provide leadership for the CSU Rising Leaders Initiative.

Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Assistant Vice Chancellor, Strategic Engagement, the Director, External Partnership Engagement will perform duties as outlined below:

-Under the direction of the AVC-SE, develop and implement a systemwide strategy to engage external stakeholders in legislative and budget advocacy, as well as in broader strategic initiatives aligned with CSU priorities that further the CSU with third-party external organizations and advocates.

-Collaborate with Advocacy & State Relations, Federal Relations, Systemwide Philanthropy, Strategic Communications & Brand Marketing, Tribal Relations, and other Chancellor's Office units to coordinate and align external engagement efforts.

-Collaborate and provide leadership with the appropriate divisions and offices within the Office of the Chancellor, as well as campus and external relations leaders, to develop and lead strategies, tools and materials that assist campuses in engaging external business, industry, aligned community-based organizations, non-profit organizations and community partners in advocacy, programmatic supports and initiatives, partnerships alignment and development at the regional and statewide level.

-Design, implement and lead engagement strategies and plans targeted to external partners and third-party advocates, including talking points, presentations, messaging, briefing materials, collateral and digital content that promote CSU's budgetary, legislative, workforce and strategic priorities. Provide guidance and consultation to campuses on external engagement strategies, including identification of high-value partnerships, third-party external advocates and regional coalitions aligned with CSU objectives. This is done in collaboration with the appropriate departments at the Office of the Chancellor.

-Foster CSU champions by leading, managing and implementing initiatives under the CSU's Rising Leaders Initiative (RLI), including engaging with political and community leaders, educating them on CSU priorities, and creating pathways for them to serve as visible advocates for the CSU.

-In collaboration with the AVC-SE, work on identifying, involving and incorporating the CSU in meaningful and aligned sponsored programs, partnerships and initiatives by providing recommendations that support activities aligned with the Office of the Chancellor and CSU interests. This includes supporting the activities of the Chancellor, Trustees and campus presidents involved in statewide or national organizations.

-Participate in high impact convenings, conferences, panels and forums that advance CSU's visibility and reputation as a driver of economic mobility and workforce development.

-Monitor and assess the effectiveness of external engagement strategies and initiatives; develop and build upon metrics, dashboards and periodic reports to inform the AVC-SE, Vice Chancellor for External Relations & Communications and other senior leaders.

-Develop and maintain a comprehensive list and portfolio of external partners-including businesses, industry groups, aligned nonprofit organizations, professional associations, civic and policy organizations, caucus-aligned groups and community-based organizations-to target and cultivate as third-party advocates and CSU champions at the national, state and regional levels through measurable metrics, or an accountability framework that aligns with the goals and mission of the CSU.

-Convene campus leaders and external relations professionals regionally and statewide to identify shared partnership priorities and develop coordinated CSU approaches to industry, workforce, civic and community engagement.

-Create regional partnership strategies that leverage multiple CSU campuses around major economic and industry sectors throughout California.

-Develop a systematic process for identifying industry needs and matching those needs with CSU assets, including academic programs, graduates, faculty expertise, research capabilities, workforce programs, internships, apprenticeships and other experiential learning opportunities.

-Build and maintain relationships with senior executives and leaders from business, industry associations, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, workforce development organizations and major employers.

-Develop scalable partnership models that can begin as regional or pilot initiatives and expand across multiple CSU campuses when appropriate.

-Serve as a systemwide connector, helping identify opportunities where multiple campuses can work collectively with employers, industry associations, workforce organizations, civic organizations, nonprofit partners, community-based organizations and other external stakeholders.

-Develop the CSU Rising Leaders Initiative into a structured systemwide program that identifies, engages, develops and maintains relationships with emerging civic, business, community and public-sector leaders who can deepen their understanding of the CSU and become long-term partners and champions of the university system.

-Develop, enhance and implement partnerships with statewide and regional organizations with an emphasis on Central and Northern California.

Qualifications

This position requires:

-Bachelor's degree minimum, master's degree preferred.

-Minimum of 8-10 years of progressively responsible related experience.

-Demonstrated experience working with multicultural, underserved and business communities and governmental agencies.

-Experience with education and higher education is highly desirable.

-Demonstration of progressively responsible positions in government, higher education, community relations or community service.

-Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

-Proven ability to work with government, political and community leaders.

-Demonstrated ability to work with individuals from varied backgrounds and cultures.

Application Period

Priority consideration will be given to candidates who apply by October 6, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the job posting is removed.

How To Apply

Please click "Apply Now" to complete the California State University, Chancellor's Office online employment application.

Advertised: Sep 22 2026 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close:

Whatsapp Facebook LinkedIn Email App