Description
POSITION OBJECTIVE
The Senior Director of Global Partnerships and Market Development leads Weatherhead's international business development strategy to expand global market presence, diversify revenue, and create new growth opportunities. Working with senior leadership and external stakeholders, this position develops, negotiates, and executes strategic partnerships across universities, corporations, government entities, and other organizations. The role is accountable for building a portfolio of high-value international opportunities that generate measurable revenue through executive education partnerships, customized learning solutions, strategic institutional collaborations, and other market-driven growth initiatives. Success is measured through revenue generation, market expansion, partnership execution, and long-term institutional impact.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Lead international revenue growth and diversification. Develop and execute Weatherhead's international growth strategy to expand the school's presence in priority global markets and diversify revenue through executive education partnerships. Identify, negotiate, and secure high-value international partnerships that generate measurable financial outcomes. Manage a portfolio of strategic growth opportunities with accountability for partnership development, execution, and revenue realization. Advise senior leadership on growth opportunities, partnership investments, and market priorities. (40%)
Develop new international markets. Evaluate emerging global markets and identify opportunities for revenue growth and market expansion. Conduct market and competitive analyses to inform market prioritization and partnership strategy. Recommend target markets and go-to-market approaches based on revenue potential, institutional alignment, and risk assessment. Represent Weatherhead at international conferences, industry forums, and executive-level meetings. (20%)
Negotiate and execute complex strategic partnerships. Lead complex negotiations involving universities, corporations, government agencies, and other strategic organizations. Structure and secure partnership agreements that advance revenue growth, market expansion, and institutional priorities. Lead stakeholders through partnership evaluation, approval, and implementation. Advance long-cycle opportunities involving multiple decision makers and complex organizational environments. (20%)
Provide strategic leadership and cross-functional execution. Advise senior leadership on international growth opportunities, partnership investments, market priorities, and emerging global trends. Prepare executive briefings, market assessments, and partnership business cases to support strategic decision-making. Serve as a subject matter expert on international partnership strategy and market development. Influence stakeholders across academic, executive education, advancement, research, and administrative functions to advance partnership objectives, drive execution, and ensure successful implementation and long-term growth of strategic partnerships. (20%)
NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Leverage data and analytics for strategic decision-making. Utilize CRM and other business systems to track partnership activity, pipeline performance, and revenue outcomes. Prepare reports, presentations, and business analyses to support strategic decision-making and ensure accurate documentation of partnership activities and agreements. (5%)
Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)
CONTACTS
Department: Continuous contact with the dean, associate deans, executive directors, faculty, and administrative leaders to develop, evaluate, and advance strategic partnership opportunities.
University: Frequent contact with university leadership (Government Relations, International Affairs), research, advancement, corporate engagement, and other administrative units to align partnership opportunities with institutional priorities.
External: Continuous contact with c-suite executives, senior government officials, university leaders, industry associations, strategic intermediaries, and global partners to develop opportunities, negotiate partnerships, and advance institutional growth objectives.
Students: Little or no contact with students.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position may supervise business development managers and student workers
QUALIFICATIONS
Experience: 10 years of progressively responsible experience in international markets in the areas of business development, strategic partnerships, market development, consulting, executive education, corporate engagement, or related fields.
Education: Bachelor's degree required. Master's degree preferred.
REQUIRED SKILLS
Demonstrated success developing, negotiating, and securing complex partnerships that drive measurable revenue growth, market expansion, and strategic value.
Experience influencing executive-level stakeholders within large, matrixed organizations required. International business development, market expansion, or global partnership experience strongly preferred.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, professional judgment, and ethical standards.
Strong written, verbal, presentation, and executive-level communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to develop strategic partnerships, negotiate complex agreements, and influence stakeholders at all organizational levels.
Proven business development and market development skills, with the ability to generate revenue and convert opportunities into measurable outcomes.
Strong commercial acumen and experience managing growth opportunities, partnership portfolios, or revenue pipelines.
Strategic thinker with the ability to prioritize, make decisions in ambiguous environments, and execute effectively.
Ability to lead complex initiatives through influence rather than formal authority.
Strong organizational, project management, and relationship management skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to effectively leverage emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve productivity, decision-making, and business outcomes.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Proven ability to interact effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Ability to demonstrate successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
Ability to meet consistent attendance.
Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face to face.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Fast paced constantly changing working environment requiring adaptability and flexibility. Job may require long hours, including evenings and weekends. Job requires international travel, must have a valid passport and reliable form of transportation to attend regional client appointments.
