The Director of Industry and Strategic Partnerships leads K-State Olathe’s (https://olathe.k-state.edu/) efforts to develop and expand strategic relationships with corporations, industry partners, employers, community organizations, and regional stakeholders. The position is responsible for identifying, developing, and converting external partnership opportunities into measurable outcomes that advance enrollment growth, workforce development, applied research, fee-for-service activities, and diversified revenue generation for K-State Olathe.
Working closely with the K-State Office of External Engagement and other university partners, the director identifies organizational and community needs, connects partners with university expertise and resources, and collaborates across campus to develop customized education, workforce, research, and engagement solutions. The position also strengthens K-State Olathe’s role as a trusted civic and regional partner by supporting initiatives that expand learner access, address workforce and community needs, and create measurable regional impact.
The director represents the Dean and CEO in selected corporate, civic, community, and university settings and supports the implementation of K-State Olathe’s strategic priorities through relationship management, partnership development, data-informed planning, and cross-campus collaboration.
Success in this position is measured by the development and conversion of partnership opportunities into tangible outcomes, including enrollment growth, workforce-training revenue, fee-for-service activity, industry -sponsored research, and other strategic partnerships that advance K-State Olathe’s mission and financial sustainability.
Specific Job Responsibilities
A. Industry Partnerships & Business Development - 60%
B. Civic, Community & Regional Engagement - 25%
C. Strategic Partnerships & Executive Representation - 10%
D. Special Projects & Strategic Initiatives - 5%
Kansas State University Olathe, founded in 2011, is the newest campus in the K-State system and serves Johnson County and the Greater Kansas City region. As a partner in the Johnson County Education and Research Triangle, the campus supports higher education through a unique local investment. K-State Olathe focuses on industry-ready education, professional development, applied research, and regional workforce needs, with programs and partnerships in areas such as food science, animal health, advanced manufacturing, supply chain, community health, and food as medicine. Through academic programs, professional workshops, research facilities, and event space, the campus connects students, professionals, businesses, and community partners to education and innovation that create real-world impact.
This position is Hybrid eligible. This position is hybrid eligible; however, we require the first 90 days to be 100% on-site to allow for training and onboarding. After that period, hybrid eligibility will be discussed with the supervisor. It is important to note that when duties require in-person attendance, this position requires a commitment to being in the office.
All employees must reside in the United States when they begin working to comply with state law. K-State is unable to provide remote or hybrid work opportunities for residents of the state of Idaho.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Requires a high school diploma (or equivalent)
• Ten years of relevant experience
• Requirements may be met through a combination of education and experience
• Valid Driver's License
Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree or higher
• Excellent writing and executive communication skills with a focus on business communications and presentations as evidenced by application materials.
• Demonstrated success developing partnerships that resulted in measurable organizational growth, revenue generation, enrollments, contracts, sponsored programs, or other quantifiable outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop opportunities from prospect identification through implementation, resulting in measurable business, educational, workforce, research, or revenue outcomes.
• Experience managing a business-development, employer-engagement, or partnership pipeline.
• Experience developing proposals, scopes of work, partnership agreements, or service contracts.
• Demonstrated ability to translate organizational capabilities into externally funded opportunities.
• Experience working with industry associations, chambers of commerce, workforce-development organizations, or economic-development entities
• Experience working in a complex organization with multiple stakeholders across both internal and external clients
• CRM proficiency for tracking pipeline and partner engagement
• Attention to detail
• Proven ability to execute multiple projects and meet tight deadlines
Additional Role Information:
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, with a minimum of three on-site days per week after 90 days.
• Must be able to work some nights and weekends as needed to support events, conferences, and industry or community engagements.
• Travel between K-State campuses in Olathe, Manhattan and Salina as well as within the greater Kansas City region as needed. Occasional state and national travel. A valid motor vehicle operator’s license with an acceptable driving record required as well as the ability to travel by air.
Sponsorship eligibility:
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship.
Please submit the following documents:
• Cover Letter or Letter of Interest indicating your qualifications and interest in the position
• Resume
• Three (3) Professional References with contact information
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
Applications close on: November 1, 2026. Application review will begin on or after the close date.
$85,000 - $95,000
Kansas State University offers a supportive and inclusive community, dedicated to your professional growth. While specific benefits may vary by position, many roles come with comprehensive packages that support your well-being and work-life balance, including health and life insurance, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. To learn more about benefits that are available for various positions, visit our benefits overview page.
Employees must be authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment. International candidates who require employer-sponsored work authorization are welcome to apply. Eligibility for visa sponsorship depends on several factors, including but not limited to, the job’s occupational requirements, specific duties, wage level, the candidate’s qualifications (such as degree field) and available departmental resources. As a result, not all positions or applicants will be eligible for sponsorship.
Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.
Some positions are eligible for remote or hybrid working arrangements. An employee who is working in a remote or hybrid capacity for K-State must reside within the United States in order to comply with all federal and state laws, filings, or tax requirements. Remote and hybrid work arrangements are not available for anyone who resides in the state of Idaho.
Kansas participates in the MakeMyMove program, which connects eligible newcomers with participating communities offering financial incentives, housing support, and local perks to help make your move easier and more rewarding. If relocating from outside the state of Kansas you can visit the site to apply online for the program incentives.
Upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment, a candidate may be subject to a background check per K-State’s background check policy.
Kansas State University honors interview preferences for qualified applicants who are veterans or individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, submit all required application materials, and submit required preference documentation by the closing date on the job advertisement will be granted a first-level interview.
The disability and veteran interview preferences do not apply to student employment positions, temporary positions, athletics positions, academic and administrative department heads*, positions that require licensure as a physician, and positions that require that the employee be admitted to practice law in Kansas.
*Heads of Departments refers to any individual holding a primary leadership role responsible for the overall strategic direction, management and operational oversight of a recognized academic or administrative unit within the university.
To learn more about interview preferences at K-State, please visit our interview preferences page.
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