Associate Director, External Affairs & Strategic Partnerships

Position Summary

The Associate Director, External Affairs & Strategic Partnerships will work closely with the Senior Director of Alumni Engagement & Development to develop and enhance Gallatin's visibility, external reach, and long‑term resource base. Now in its 54th year and experiencing unprecedented momentum — anchored by a capital project adding more than 12,000 square feet and more than $20 million already committed — Gallatin is at a pivotal moment of physical and programmatic expansion.

This role is central to translating that momentum into lasting institutional assets.

Responsible for identifying, cultivating, and stewarding a diverse portfolio of corporate, foundation, and institutional partners, the Associate Director will lead Gallatin's shift from transactional giving to ambitious programmatic co‑design. Serving as a key external‑facing representative of the School, this role leads business development functions, contributes to partnership communications and proposals, and manages the full lifecycle of partner relationships — from initial cultivation through long‑term stewardship.

The position reports to the Senior Director and works in close collaboration with Gallatin offices including Experiential Learning, the Gallatin Wet Lab, the Dean of Students, Gallatin Global, and others to ensure that new partnerships are organically connected to the School's ongoing activities.

This is a highly visible position within a dynamic, fast‑growing liberal arts school at a compelling strategic inflection point. The position is expected to show tangible results in the form of new institutional and corporate partnerships, sustained growth in the School's external funding base, and the long‑term underwriting of Gallatin's signature programs and experiential learning initiatives — aligning directly with President Mills' strategic pathways for NYU.

Required

Education:

Bachelor's Degree
Preferred Education: Master's Degree
Required Experience: 5+ years of progressive experience in external affairs, development, corporate partnerships, strategic communications, or a related field — ideally within an academic, cultural, or nonprofit environment
Preferred Experience: 7+ years
Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Demonstrated success in cultivating and closing institutional partnerships or major gifts;
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting proposals, reports, and strategic presentations for senior audiences;
Exceptional relationship management skills and the ability to navigate complex, multi‑stakeholder environments with discretion and professionalism;
Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment with constant and multiple ongoing deadlines;
Ability to work independently and collaboratively;
Ability to think strategically and creatively and work well under pressure;
Ability to prioritize and proactively ensure deadlines are met;
Collaborative and communicative team member;
Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal skills and the ability to interact with corporate leaders, faculty, staff, donors, and volunteers at all levels;
Occasional evenings and weekends may be required. Must be willing and able to travel
Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Abilities: Experience managing volunteers, advisory groups, or alumni communities is a plus;
Deep familiarity with or passion for New York City's cultural, creative, and academic landscape;
Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and thrive in a fast‑paced environment;
Extensive experience in engineering‑focused research with specialized expertise in makerspace operations, rapid prototyping, and STEM‑based problem‑solving;
Demonstrated success in spearheading strategic initiatives and supervising cross‑functional teams to meet project milestones;
Experience developing and implementing strategies for acquiring new leads, and retaining and upgrading existing leads and relationships;
Experience in initiating new and innovative engagement and outreach programs;
Experience working in a setting with changing priorities and an evolving list of stakeholders. The ideal…