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Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships & Workforce Engagement
Reports to: Chief Marketing Officer
Location:
This position is based in Norman, OK with hybrid work options.
Shape the Future of Online Learning with OU Education Services:
OU Education Services (OUES) is a nonprofit corporation established to manage and expand online learning for the University of Oklahoma System. As a growing education technology organization, we are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions that enhance learning outcomes, improve student experiences, and support the university's mission of providing high-quality education to learners everywhere.
At OUES, we prioritize collaboration and provide opportunities for our teams to work closely to deliver meaningful, impactful results. Being part of our vibrant community fosters richer collaboration and a stronger alignment with OU and the OUES mission.
Position Overview
We are seeking a strategic, entrepreneurial Senior Director of Corporate Partnerships & Workforce Engagement to lead OU Online’s efforts to cultivate and convert employer partnerships into high-quality student pipelines. This is a business development leadership role focused on building, nurturing, and scaling corporate and workforce relationships that generate enrollment, create shared value, and advance the University of Oklahoma’s mission to serve learners across the state and beyond.
Position Summary:
The ideal candidate will bring a strong track record in employer partnerships, business development, or workforce strategy, particularly within higher education, upskilling, or nonprofit sectors. You’ll work closely with chambers of commerce, corporate HR and L&D leaders, healthcare systems, tribal governments, and state agencies to co-design partnerships that lead directly to learner engagement and enrollment. You understand how to land and grow multi-year partnerships—and are energized by translating partnerships into impact at scale.
Key Responsibilities
Partnership Development & Enrollment Strategy
· Design and lead OU Online’s employer partnership strategy, with a clear focus on building new partnerships that drive enrollment.
· Identify and prioritize high-potential industries and anchor employers across Oklahoma and neighboring states (e.g., healthcare, tribal nations, aerospace, energy, public service).
· Lead outreach to HR, talent development, and C-suite executives to secure tuition benefits partnerships, workforce training programs, and custom educational offerings.
· Create scalable approaches to onboarding and servicing employer partners—ensuring clear alignment between workforce needs and OU Online offerings.
· Represent OU Online at workforce councils, chambers of commerce, and employer roundtables to elevate our institutional presence and uncover new opportunities.
Partner Relationship Management & Retention
· Serve as the senior relationship owner for key employer accounts—building trust, understanding their workforce needs, and co-creating solutions over time.
· Partner with marketing and admissions to build outreach strategies that activate employees within partner organizations.
· Establish and run a structured account management model, with regular partner check-ins, outcomes tracking, and cross-sell opportunities for additional programs or cohorts.
· Translate partner insights into program innovation opportunities (e.g., new certificates, flexible learning formats, micro-credentials).
Measurement, Reporting, and Continuous Improvement
· Define and track KPIs tied to employer partnership growth and learner enrollment.
· Collaborate with internal analytics, enrollment, and finance teams to assess partner ROI and long-term value.
· Regularly report progress, partner wins, and pipeline status to OU Online leadership.
· Use data and qualitative insights to optimize targeting strategies, deepen relationships, and increase conversion rates from employee engagement to student enrollment.
Behavioral Expectations
· Builder’s Mindset – You’re energized by creating something new and scalable from the ground up.
· Accountable to Outcomes – You understand that partnerships must drive measurable value—especially enrollment and revenue.
· Externally Oriented – You thrive in external-facing roles, developing high-trust relationships and navigating complex stakeholder landscapes.
· Collaborative Operator – You’re comfortable working cross-functionally with internal teams (marketing, academic units, enrollment ops).
· Mission-Aligned – You believe in the role of public institutions in supporting workforce mobility and educational access.
Qualifications
Required:
· Bachelor’s degree in business, Communications, Public Affairs, or a related field.
· 10+ years of experience in corporate partnerships, workforce development, or business development, with 5+ years in a leadership role.
· Demonstrated success in building and scaling employer partnerships that drive enrollment, revenue, or workforce outcomes.
· Based in the state of Oklahoma (Norman, Oklahoma City, Tulsa)
Preferred:
· Master’s degree in business, Higher Education, or Public Administration.
· Familiarity with Guild, InStride, Coursera for Business, or similar employer-facing models.
· Knowledge of Oklahoma’s business, tribal, and public workforce landscape.
Benefits:
· Competitive salary and benefits package
· 401(k)
· Volunteer days
· Wellness reimbursement
· Opportunities for professional development and career growth.
· Hybrid work environment promoting work-life balance.
$100,000 - $130,000 a year
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