Director of Academic Partnerships and Innovation - College of Nursing and Health Sciences

APU is seeking employees who desire to engage in our thriving culture by cultivating community through professional interactions, demonstrating a posture of lifelong learning, and modeling Christ‑like character. Working together, employees at APU commit to establishing a university atmosphere that is pleasing to God and edifying to one another.

The Director of Academic Partnerships and Innovation will play a central role in expanding the influence, reputation, and resources of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences (CNHS) and advancing the College's mission to prepare the next generation of Christian leaders. The director will focus on key initiatives that revolve around recruiting and admissions, clinical and academic partnerships, marketing/branding, college events, and fundraising/advancement, thus helping the college articulate its distinctive qualities and promote its identity.

While reporting to the dean of the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the director will collaborate with the Advancement Office, Strategic Communication and Engagement, Alumni Relations, Admissions Office, and external partners. The director must be adept at networking and building relationships and be able to clearly articulate the mission and vision of the college.

This position reports to the College of Nursing and Health Sciences Dean and works closely with the Associate Deans, Department Chairs, and Directors. The position is located at the Azusa Campus.

• Master’s degree in a related field or equivalent education and experience.

• Seven or more years of progressively responsible professional experience, preferably in either recruitment/admissions, marketing/branding, and/or community engagement.
• Five or more years of experience in a position requiring presentations to public audiences and/or extensive interpersonal interaction with clients/customers/constituencies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex priorities and systems.
• Higher education experience a plus.
• Experience with technology, social media, and digital communication.
• Work well with team members across multiple campuses.

• Develop and execute recruitment strategies to meet or surpass student enrollment goals.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective students and their families, providing consistent, accurate, and timely information about the College of Nursing and Health Sciences.
• Monitor, process, and manage inquiries and applications, utilizing a database to document interactions.
• Exercise judgment in making recommendations regarding student applications.

• Assist with formulating college‑level marketing plans and designing promotional materials.
• Implement and evaluate marketing initiatives.
• Manage web, social media, and print projects – planning, implementing, and evaluating projects.

• Manage and support the college events such as the Annual Research Symposium, Community Partners Breakfast, Alumni Homecoming, Pinning Ceremony, Evening of Excellence, Faculty Retreat & Kickoff, and more.

• Provide support to the dean, helping identify and maintain relationships with College alumni, potential donors among friends, alumni, and family members, and the College community partners.
• Assist the Dean in the management of Advisory Boards for the School of Nursing and the School of Health Sciences.
• Oversee alumni engagement activities in collaboration with College Department Alumni relations staff.
• Will directly supervise the Director of Alumni and Community Partners.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with clinicians, administrators, and clinical partners' administrative staff.
• Identify potential clinical partners, initiate contact, and develop strong working relationships with key decision‑makers within healthcare organizations.
• Support marketing efforts to promote partnerships and reach new potential clients within the healthcare community.

• Write, edit, and proofread material for the College Nursing and Health Sciences such as…