Associate Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships

Company: Rutgers University
Location: Newark
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Posting Summary Rutgers University -Newark Center for PreCollege Programs ( CPP ), seeks a strategic, resourceful, and relationship-oriented development professional to serve as the Associate Director for Strategic Partnerships, Development, and Evaluation. CPP serves over 2,000 students among all its precollege programs and special initiatives. Reporting to the Director/ Associate Dean of CPP the Associate Director serves as the liaison for CPP and campus, community, and corporate partnerships. The Associate Director (AD) anticipates the needs of and addresses a diverse range of challenges endemic to a complex functional unit and provides leadership that reflects a comprehensive understanding of sound administrative and management principles, applicable regulations, and university policies and procedures. The AD leads and manages ongoing fund development and partnership operations for the Center for PreCollege Programs. The Associate Director will bring the creativity needed to identify and engage prospects and donors; the ability to build, nurture and manage relationships; an authentic and collaborative approach that creates trust; and professionalism. The ideal candidate brings significant gift fundraising and donor engagement experience with a track record of success in establishing long-standing partnerships with high-net-worth individuals. They think strategically, demonstrate a high level of discernment and good judgment, and present as natural relationship builders with the ability to identify opportunities in every challenge. The AD interprets, communicates, and implements policies and practices for addressing the differing needs of a diverse student population. This AD will research and benchmark best practices for developing effective strategies and resolutions to guide the program in addressing the complex problems and/or needs of the populations served which may require creativity, especially for non-traditional and urban students. Additional markers of the successful candidate include the ability to collaborate with academic partners working on new programs and research; superior verbal and written communication skills to effectively articulate values, information, and compelling cases to multiple audiences, one-on-one, and through formal proposals and/or presentations; and the flexibility to work independently but also as part of a team. An accessible and collegial leadership style is desired, as is the creativity and energy to convince and persuade varying constituencies to consider new ideas and directions. This position is responsible for and not limited to the following: Manages substantial financial resources and leads all coordination of the university RAPSS proposal and contract processes. Coordinates partnership engagement for CPP programs to enhance opportunities for students, families, and schools who are supported by CPP . Develops, facilitates, and manages assessment and evaluation functions for CPP and its programs to ensure compliance and outcome attainment Coordinates meetings with the CPP Director, Chancellor’s Office Leadership, and relevant RU-N faculty and staff as relevant to CPP operations. Leads the coordination of relationships with external stakeholders and community members in Newark and beyond, to build synergy and facilitate joint events as well as accelerator programs. Supports grant and donor fundraising efforts to sustain ongoing programs and support new initiatives. Ensures compliance across different programs (e.g., IRB compliance for research initiatives) and maintains relationships with a broad array of stakeholders, all while maintaining consistency in policies and practices across stakeholders and programs. Oversees marketing and communication and event planning for the Center and its programs Serves as lead administrator in the absence of the Director/Associate Dean of the Center for PreCollege Programs. Overview The Center for PreCollege Programs administers precollege and pipeline programs designed to educate, inspire, and prepare students for success in secondary and post-secondary education while promoting a college-going culture. Preferred Qualifications The successful candidate is expected to have a proven track record in fundraising and donor engagement They must demonstrate the ability to identify and cultivate donors, and steward long-standing partnerships, particularly with high-profile individuals, and community leaders. Must demonstrate an interest, commitment, and dedication to supporting students and families who participate in precollege programs Five to seven years of program management and grant writing experience Experience designing systems to track data and outcomes to ensure student and program success Track record of fundraising from a variety of audiences, including experience in non-constituent outreach The candidate will offer excellent organizational and interpersonal skills including impeccable verbal and written communication

Keywords: Rutgers University, Levittown , Associate Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, Administration, Clerical , Newark, New York