Partnership Development Officer

As a member of the leadership team within Business and Institutional Development, the Partnership Development Officer plays a key role in expanding Maryville University’s network of external collaborators. This position identifies, cultivates, and supports new and existing relationships with business, nonprofit, and community partners to advance the university's mission and strategic priorities. The officer works collaboratively across campus to align partnership opportunities with institutional goals and to maximize the impact of these relationships on student, faculty, and community success.

• Prospect Identification Research, identify, and qualify prospective partners whose missions and goals align with those of Maryville University. Stay informed on partnership trends and recommend innovative approaches to engagement.
• Relationship Cultivation Initiate outreach, facilitate introductions, and coordinate meetings with prospective and current partners. Build and nurture mutually beneficial relationships that support collaborative projects and long-term engagement.
• Program Support Assist in the development and implementation of collaborative projects, internships, and experiential learning opportunities that benefit students and the university community.
• Event Coordination Support partnership-related events, including planning, logistics, and follow-up to ensure successful execution and meaningful engagement.
• Communications Prepare partnership proposals, stewardship materials, and communications for both internal and external stakeholders. Ensure messaging is clear, accurate, and aligned with university priorities.
• Data and Reporting Track partnership activity, maintain accurate records in CRM/database systems, and contribute to progress reports and impact assessments.
• Collaboration Work closely with internal stakeholders—including faculty, staff, and advancement teams—to ensure alignment and maximize partnership impact.
• Continuous Improvement Stay current on trends in partnership development and recommend innovative strategies to enhance engagement and outcomes.

• Required Knowledge, Skills, or Abilities
  • 2+ years of experience in partnership development, advancement, external relations, or related fields.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, and networking skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
  • Experience with CRM/database and grant management systems is a plus.
  • Commitment to inclusive engagement and fostering diverse partnerships.
• Required Formal Education
  • Bachelor’s degree required.

Salary Range: $60,000–$75,000 per year (salary paid on an annual basis). The salary offered will be determined based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and internal equity within the university, in accordance with our established compensation practices.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• All employees are expected to remain current in their field and adapt to evolving knowledge and skills.
• An offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background screening.
• Applicants requiring University sponsorship to obtain employment authorization will not be considered for this position.

Maryville University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race/color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other status protected by law. This extends to all aspects of the employment relationship, including recruiting, hiring, training, on-the-job treatment, promotion, layoff, and termination.