Director of Strategic Engagement; Hybrid

Join to apply for the Director of Strategic Engagement (Hybrid) role at Dental Assisting National Board

Join to apply for the Director of Strategic Engagement (Hybrid) role at Dental Assisting National Board

The Director of Strategic Engagement is responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives that build, manage, and deepen relationships with key partners in dental education, professional organizations, and accrediting bodies. This leadership role plays a pivotal part in advancing the recognition, value, and adoption of dental assistant certification, ultimately driving growth in the number of Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) nationwide.

This role follows a hybrid work arrangement with the majority of time worked remotely with regular in-office requirements in our downtown Chicago office. Periodic travel to events and organizational meetings is expected.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

A. Strategic Engagement

• Develop and implement an engagement strategy aligned with the organization's mission to elevate the importance of dental assisting certification.

B.Relationship Management

• Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with dental assisting educators, program directors, state and national professional organizations, and accreditation agencies such as Council on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

C.Outreach and Partnerships

• Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships and alliances that increase certification uptake and expand recognition of Certified Dental Assistants in education, practice, and policy settings.

D.Advocacy and Representation

• Serve as the organization’s representative at conferences, meetings, advisory boards, and public forums. Advocate for the value of certification and the profession of dental assisting.

E.Program Development

• Collaborate internally and externally to develop resources, toolkits, and engagement initiatives that support partner groups and drive certification readiness and adoption.

F.Data & Impact Reporting

• Track partner engagement metrics, collect feedback, and report on outcomes to inform continuous improvement and demonstrate impact.

G.Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with marketing, certification, and education teams to align messaging, campaigns, and initiatives with partner priorities and needs.

Skills and Attributes:

• Deep understanding of the dental assisting profession and its ecosystem (education, certification, regulation, and practice).
• Passion for promoting professional excellence and recognition in the dental assisting field.
• Experience working with professional associations, educational institutions, and/or accrediting agencies.
• Collaborative and mission-driven mindset.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strategic thinker with a proven track record of driving engagement and growth.

Education & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, health education, or related field required.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in partner relations, community engagement, or strategic partnerships required; ideally within healthcare, dental, or education sectors preferred.
• Experience gathering and reporting on data and insights through spreadsheets and KPI dashboards.
• Experience in change management or partner advocacy campaigns.
• Ability to travel periodically to conferences, meetings, and events.

Physical Demands:

Required to sit for extended periods of time; may need to walk or stand in the course of work as well as light (20-30 lbs.) to medium (30-40 lbs.) levels of lifting of supplies and/or equipment.

Work performed in an office environment, either onsite or offsite; periodic travel to be expected.

• Seniority level Director

• Employment type
  
  Full-time

• Job function
  
  Business Development and Sales
• Industries Non-profit Organization Management

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