We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
#alert
Back to search results
New

Associate Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships

Rutgers University
life insurance, employee discount
United States, New Jersey, Newark
Feb 19, 2026
Position Details

Position Information
















Recruitment/Posting Title Associate Director of Innovation and Strategic Partnerships
Job Category Staff & Executive - Student Affairs and Services
Department Precollege Programs Center
Overview
The Center for PreCollege Programs administers precollege and pipeline programs designed to educate, inspire, and prepare students for success in secondary and post-secondary education while promoting a college-going culture.
Posting Summary
Rutgers University -Newark Center for PreCollege Programs ( CPP), seeks a strategic, resourceful, and relationship-oriented development professional to serve as the Associate Director for Strategic Partnerships, Development, and Evaluation. CPP serves over 2,000 students among all its precollege programs and special initiatives. Reporting to the Director/ Associate Dean of CPP the Associate Director serves as the liaison for CPP and campus, community, and corporate partnerships. The Associate Director (AD) anticipates the needs of and addresses a diverse range of challenges endemic to a complex functional unit and provides leadership that reflects a comprehensive understanding of sound administrative and management principles, applicable regulations, and university policies and procedures. The AD leads and manages ongoing fund development and partnership operations for the Center for PreCollege Programs. The Associate Director will bring the creativity needed to identify and engage prospects and donors; the ability to build, nurture and manage relationships; an authentic and collaborative approach that creates trust; and professionalism. The ideal candidate brings significant gift fundraising and donor engagement experience with a track record of success in establishing long-standing partnerships with high-net-worth individuals.

They think strategically, demonstrate a high level of discernment and good judgment, and present as natural relationship builders with the ability to identify opportunities in every challenge. The AD interprets, communicates, and implements policies and practices for addressing the differing needs of a diverse student population. This AD will research and benchmark best practices for developing effective strategies and resolutions to guide the program in addressing the complex problems and/or needs of the populations served which may require creativity, especially for non-traditional and urban students.
Additional markers of the successful candidate include the ability to collaborate with academic partners working on new programs and research; superior verbal and written communication skills to effectively articulate values, information, and compelling cases to multiple audiences, one-on-one, and through formal proposals and/or presentations; and the flexibility to work independently but also as part of a team. An accessible and collegial leadership style is desired, as is the creativity and energy to convince and persuade varying constituencies to consider new ideas and directions.

This position is responsible for and not limited to the following:

  • Manages substantial financial resources and leads all coordination of the university RAPSS proposal and contract processes.
  • Coordinates partnership engagement for CPP programs to enhance opportunities for students, families, and schools who are supported by CPP.
  • Develops, facilitates, and manages assessment and evaluation functions for CPP and its programs to ensure compliance and outcome attainment
  • Coordinates meetings with the CPP Director, Chancellor's Office Leadership, and relevant RU-N faculty and staff as relevant to CPP operations.
  • Leads the coordination of relationships with external stakeholders and community members in Newark and beyond, to build synergy and facilitate joint events as well as accelerator programs.
  • Supports grant and donor fundraising efforts to sustain ongoing programs and support new initiatives.
  • Ensures compliance across different programs (e.g., IRB compliance for research initiatives) and maintains relationships with a broad array of stakeholders, all while maintaining consistency in policies and practices across stakeholders and programs.
  • Oversees marketing and communication and event planning for the Center and its programs
  • Serves as lead administrator in the absence of the Director/Associate Dean of the Center for PreCollege Programs.

FLSA Exempt
Grade 07
Salary Details
Minimum Salary 94492.000
Mid Range Salary 119604.000
Maximum Salary 144715.000
Offer Information
The final salary offer may be determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, the candidate's qualifications, experience, and expertise, and availability of department or grant funds to support the position. We also take into consideration market benchmarks, if and when appropriate, and internal equity to ensure fair compensation relative to the university's broader compensation structure. We are committed to offering competitive and flexible compensation packages to attract and retain top talent.
Benefits
Rutgers provides a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees. The specific benefits vary based on the position and may include:

  • Medical, prescription drug, and dental coverage
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and various leave programs
  • Competitive retirement benefits, including defined contribution plans and voluntary tax-deferred savings options
  • Employee and dependent educational benefits (when applicable)
  • Life insurance coverage
  • Employee discount programs

Position Status Full Time
Working Hours
Standard Hours 37.50
Daily Work Shift Day
Work Arrangement
Consistent with the current application of Rutgers Policy 60.3.22, this position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. The flexible work arrangements outlined in Rutgers Policy 60.3.22 are part of a pilot program that is effective September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2024. Therefore, there is no guarantee that this flexible work arrangement will continue beyond that date. Flexible work arrangements are not permanent, are subject to change or cancellation and contingent on the employee receiving approval in the FlexWork@RU Application System. Additional information may be found at https://futureofwork.rutgers.edu.
Union Description Admin Assembly (MPSC)
Payroll Designation PeopleSoft
Seniority Unit
Terms of Appointment Staff - 12 month
Position Pension Eligibility ABP
Qualifications






Minimum Education and Experience

  • Master's degree in education, public administration, business, organizational management or a related field or commensurate experience.
  • At least five years of responsible educational administrative, research, or development experience with demonstrated ability to perform the duties and responsibilities.


Certifications/Licenses
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • The AD must have demonstrated experience and knowledge in the unique needs of students. They must have demonstrated excellent experience in the development and management of creative alternative programming, leadership skills and excellent communication skills, and computer literacy.
  • Strong communication skills with proven ability in building and maintaining relationships with a variety of stakeholders
  • Requires strategic vision, operational acumen, and budgetary skills, to provide leadership on activities ranging from faculty-related research activities to student-related career activities
  • Supervisory experience of other employees, such as graduate and undergraduate student workers, while providing leadership on all programmatic initiatives
  • Demonstrates a high degree of self-motivation and the ability to work
  • Possesses a broad understanding of technology and social media able to utilize digital media as a platform to expand the Center's footprint and create innovation engagement activities

Preferred Qualifications

  • The successful candidate is expected to have a proven track record in fundraising and donor engagement
  • They must demonstrate the ability to identify and cultivate donors, and steward long-standing partnerships, particularly with high-profile individuals, and community leaders.
  • Must demonstrate an interest, commitment, and dedication to supporting students and families who participate in precollege programs
  • Five to seven years of program management and grant writing experience
  • Experience designing systems to track data and outcomes to ensure student and program success
  • Track record of fundraising from a variety of audiences, including experience in non-constituent outreach
  • The candidate will offer excellent organizational and interpersonal skills including impeccable verbal and written communication

Equipment Utilized
  • Beyond Microsoft Office suite (or similar) software, the Associate Director must be familiar with database and statistical software, social networking web applications, as well as, University, State, and Federal applications
Physical Demands and Work Environment

  • Must be able to travel and work evenings and weekends as needed.
  • Light lifting may be required.

Special Conditions
Posting Details






Posting Number 26ST0318
Posting Open Date 02/19/2026
Special Instructions to Applicants
Regional Campus Rutgers University-Newark
Home Location Campus Rutgers University-Newark
City Newark
State NJ
Location Details
Pre-employment Screenings
All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of all pre-employment screenings.


Immunization Requirements

Under Policy 100.3.1 Immunization Policy for Covered Individuals, if employment will commence during Flu Season, Rutgers University may require certain prospective employees to provide proof that they are vaccinated against Seasonal Influenza for the current Flu Season, unless the University has granted the individual a medical or religious exemption. Additional infection control and safety policies may apply. Prospective employees should speak with their hiring manager to determine which policies apply to the role or position for which they are applying. Failure to provide proof of vaccination for any required vaccines or obtain a medical or religious exemption from the University will result in rescission of a candidate's offer of employment or disciplinary action up to and including termination.



Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
It is university policy to provide equal employment opportunity to all its employees and applicants for employment regardless of their race, creed, color, national origin, age, ancestry, nationality, marital or domestic partnership or civil union status, sex, pregnancy, gender identity or expression, disability status, liability for military service, protected veteran status, affectional or sexual orientation, atypical cellular or blood trait, genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing), or any other category protected by law. As an institution, we encourage all qualified applicants to apply. For additional information please see the Non-Discrimination Statement at the following web address: http://uhr.rutgers.edu/non-discrimination-statement


Applied = 0

(web-54bd5f4dd9-d2dbq)