Western Washington University
Project Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement
Western Washington University, Bellingham, Washington, us, 98227
Position Title: Project Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement
Western Washington University, with over 15,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs and facilities. The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades Mountain range.
Western Washington University is committed to advancing inclusive success, increasing our Washington impact, and focusing on transformational education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences.
The Decision Sciences Department supports Western’s mission to make a positive impact with a shared focus on academic excellence and inclusive achievement.
Position: The Project Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement manages the strategy, development, and execution of initiatives that strengthen the Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management (MSCM) program’s academic excellence, industry engagement, and community collaborations. This role reports to the Chair of the Decision Science Department.
Hybrid work arrangement with regular on‑campus presence and travel to partner sites or events.
This is a part‑time (50%) project employment position anticipated to end June 30, 2026.
Position Duties and Responsibilities Community College Partnership & Recruitment Outcomes (40%)
Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic partnership strategy that directly increases program enrollment by at least 10% annually.
Cultivate and manage partnerships with community colleges to build robust student pipelines.
Identify strategic community college partners and create clear transfer pathways through articulation agreements, advising collaboration, and early admission opportunities.
Assess partnership effectiveness on recruitment outcomes and make informed, strategic decisions that advance enrollment goals.
Industry Partnerships & Resource Development (40%)
Lead the development of long‑term, mission‑aligned partnerships with industry organizations to advance MSCM program strategic goals, with a primary focus on securing 5 to 10 new additional internship opportunities annually.
Align partnership strategy and curriculum with emerging industry trends, including advanced manufacturing, supply chain innovation, AI, and sustainability, to ensure program relevance and prepare students for the future of work.
Work closely with advancement and corporate relations teams to explore industry investments through partnership agreements, endowed funds, case study team awards, and other sponsorship packages.
Program Engagement & Community Outreach (20%)
Oversee MSCM faculty signature student‑facing program activities such as case competitions, showcases, and applied learning events to drive engagement, promote experiential learning, and highlight industry collaboration.
Provide leadership in the planning and execution of high‑impact community engagement events that promote the MSCM program and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
Manage all aspects of event execution, including planning, logistics, partner coordination, and post‑event evaluation, ensuring a consistent and professional representation of the program.
Supervise two student program assistants and collaborate with faculty and staff on a regular basis.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related field.
Minimum 5–10 years of professional experience working in relevant industry sectors, demonstrating strong business acumen and leadership capability to function at an executive level.
Minimum 5–10 years of progressive experience in partnership development, recruitment, external relations, or strategic initiatives in higher education or related fields.
Proven track record of building partnerships that result in increased program enrollment or student engagement.
Strong data literacy and experience using enrollment metrics to track and improve recruitment outcomes.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in student recruitment, admissions, or enrollment management, especially for transfer student populations.
Grant writing or experience securing external funding to support outreach and recruitment.
Familiarity with academic program development, curriculum alignment, and transfer credit evaluation.
PMP certification or relevant project/partnership management credentials.
Special Requirements Valid driver’s license, ability to travel, ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Conditions of Employment All employees must comply with our immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60‑days of hire. Please reach out to HR@wwu.edu if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations.
Salary Hiring Range $36,584 – $42,071 per year (@50%) depending on qualifications and experience.
Benefits Information Benefits Overview for Administrative Professional Position.
Application Instructions Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume that detail how their education and experience meet the required and preferred qualifications.
Please include the names and contact information of three professional references. References will only be contacted if necessary, with notice provided beforehand.
Closing Date Notes Application review begins November 21, 2025; position is open until filled.
Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with applicable laws, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, citizenship or immigration status, pregnancy, use of protective leave, genetic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed, religion, veteran or military status, disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal (including a service animal in training) by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU’s Policies on Prohibiting Discrimination Based on A Protected Class and Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Sex. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu. WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3751 or 711 (Washington Relay). Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: This report is provided pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“The Clery Act”). It includes statistics for the previous three calendar years regarding reported crimes that occurred on Western’s campus; in certain off‑campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Western; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report in printed or alternate formats by contacting the Office of Student Life at student.life@wwu.edu. The report can be found at: Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check will be conducted on all new hires which includes a sexual misconduct background check.
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Western Washington University, with over 15,000 students in seven colleges and the graduate school, is nationally recognized for its educational programs and facilities. The campus is located in Bellingham, Washington, a coastal community of 90,000 overlooking Bellingham Bay, the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades Mountain range.
Western Washington University is committed to advancing inclusive success, increasing our Washington impact, and focusing on transformational education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences.
The Decision Sciences Department supports Western’s mission to make a positive impact with a shared focus on academic excellence and inclusive achievement.
Position: The Project Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement manages the strategy, development, and execution of initiatives that strengthen the Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management (MSCM) program’s academic excellence, industry engagement, and community collaborations. This role reports to the Chair of the Decision Science Department.
Hybrid work arrangement with regular on‑campus presence and travel to partner sites or events.
This is a part‑time (50%) project employment position anticipated to end June 30, 2026.
Position Duties and Responsibilities Community College Partnership & Recruitment Outcomes (40%)
Develop and implement a comprehensive strategic partnership strategy that directly increases program enrollment by at least 10% annually.
Cultivate and manage partnerships with community colleges to build robust student pipelines.
Identify strategic community college partners and create clear transfer pathways through articulation agreements, advising collaboration, and early admission opportunities.
Assess partnership effectiveness on recruitment outcomes and make informed, strategic decisions that advance enrollment goals.
Industry Partnerships & Resource Development (40%)
Lead the development of long‑term, mission‑aligned partnerships with industry organizations to advance MSCM program strategic goals, with a primary focus on securing 5 to 10 new additional internship opportunities annually.
Align partnership strategy and curriculum with emerging industry trends, including advanced manufacturing, supply chain innovation, AI, and sustainability, to ensure program relevance and prepare students for the future of work.
Work closely with advancement and corporate relations teams to explore industry investments through partnership agreements, endowed funds, case study team awards, and other sponsorship packages.
Program Engagement & Community Outreach (20%)
Oversee MSCM faculty signature student‑facing program activities such as case competitions, showcases, and applied learning events to drive engagement, promote experiential learning, and highlight industry collaboration.
Provide leadership in the planning and execution of high‑impact community engagement events that promote the MSCM program and strengthen stakeholder relationships.
Manage all aspects of event execution, including planning, logistics, partner coordination, and post‑event evaluation, ensuring a consistent and professional representation of the program.
Supervise two student program assistants and collaborate with faculty and staff on a regular basis.
Required Qualifications
Master’s degree in Business Administration or a related field.
Minimum 5–10 years of professional experience working in relevant industry sectors, demonstrating strong business acumen and leadership capability to function at an executive level.
Minimum 5–10 years of progressive experience in partnership development, recruitment, external relations, or strategic initiatives in higher education or related fields.
Proven track record of building partnerships that result in increased program enrollment or student engagement.
Strong data literacy and experience using enrollment metrics to track and improve recruitment outcomes.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in student recruitment, admissions, or enrollment management, especially for transfer student populations.
Grant writing or experience securing external funding to support outreach and recruitment.
Familiarity with academic program development, curriculum alignment, and transfer credit evaluation.
PMP certification or relevant project/partnership management credentials.
Special Requirements Valid driver’s license, ability to travel, ability to work occasional evenings and weekends.
Conditions of Employment All employees must comply with our immunization policies, including Proof of Rubeola Measles Immunity within 60‑days of hire. Please reach out to HR@wwu.edu if you need information regarding medical or religious exemption and applicable accommodations.
Salary Hiring Range $36,584 – $42,071 per year (@50%) depending on qualifications and experience.
Benefits Information Benefits Overview for Administrative Professional Position.
Application Instructions Applicants should submit a cover letter and resume that detail how their education and experience meet the required and preferred qualifications.
Please include the names and contact information of three professional references. References will only be contacted if necessary, with notice provided beforehand.
Closing Date Notes Application review begins November 21, 2025; position is open until filled.
Western Washington University (WWU) is an equal opportunity employer. In compliance with applicable laws, WWU does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, citizenship or immigration status, pregnancy, use of protective leave, genetic status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed, religion, veteran or military status, disability or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal (including a service animal in training) by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, in its programs or activities, including employment, admissions, and educational programs. See WWU’s Policies on Prohibiting Discrimination Based on A Protected Class and Prohibiting Discrimination Based on Sex. Inquiries may be directed to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX Compliance, Title IX and ADA Coordinator, Western Washington University, Old Main 126 (MS 9021), 516 High Street, Bellingham, WA 98225; 360.650.3307 or 711 (Washington Relay); crtc@wwu.edu. WWU is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources Disability Services, 360.650.3751 or 711 (Washington Relay). Annual Security and Fire Safety Report: This report is provided pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (“The Clery Act”). It includes statistics for the previous three calendar years regarding reported crimes that occurred on Western’s campus; in certain off‑campus buildings or property owned or controlled by Western; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus security, such as policies concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. You can obtain a copy of this report in printed or alternate formats by contacting the Office of Student Life at student.life@wwu.edu. The report can be found at: Annual Security and Fire Safety Report. All new employees must comply with the immunization policy and show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizen and Immigration Service before beginning work at WWU. A thorough background check will be conducted on all new hires which includes a sexual misconduct background check.
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