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Director of Learning Partnerships and Contracts (4241)

Working Position Title Director of Learning Partnerships and Contracts (4241)

Classification

Classification Director

Position Number

Position Number 00004241

Open Date

Open Date 06/25/2026

Close Date

Priority Review Date

Priority Review Date 07/14/2026

Employee Class

Employee Class Staff

Full-Time/Part Time

Full-Time/Part Time Full-Time

FTE

FTE 1.00

Position Status

Position Status Regular

FLSA

FLSA Exempt

Job code

Job code 1330SPS04

Union Representation

Union Representation Non-Union

Union Code

Union Code N/A

Unit/Department

Unit/Department College of Education

College/Unit

College/Unit College of Education Dean

Division

Division Academic Division

Location

Location GH 321

Link to Department Website or Custom Search Page

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Position Summary, Requirements, and Qualifications

Overview

With approximately 16,000 students, Northern Illinois University ( NIU ) is one of the largest public universities in the state of Illinois. NIU strives to improve outcomes for all students by identifying and removing barriers that disproportionately hinder the academic achievement and student experience of historically and currently underserved populations. As the direct descendant of NIU’s origin as the Northern Illinois State Normal School opened to prepare teachers, the College of Education continues that legacy as the state’s second largest producer of teachers. Students prepare for, or advance in, professional careers across the P-20 educational spectrum as teachers and administrators and in fields such as counseling, higher education, student affairs, exercise science, athletic training and sport management.

We cultivate an equity-focused, inclusive, engaging and supportive learning environment that inspires students, faculty and staff to strive for excellence. We commit to proactively meeting the changing educational and professional needs of students and their fields while advancing teaching, learning, research, practice and advocacy in our program areas. NIU’s geographical reach extends beyond its main DeKalb campus (65 miles west of downtown Chicago, 60 miles from the O’Hare International Airport, and 40 miles west of Naperville – a booming community with one of the best school systems in the nation) to satellite campuses in Naperville, Chicago and abroad as well as to students online.

Position Summary

The Director of Partnerships and Contracts provides strategic leadership for developing, managing, and expanding contract-based educational programs and partnerships that advance the mission, impact, and financial sustainability of the College of Education. The Assoc. Director serves as the College’s primary liaison to external organizations and internal university partners, identifying and securing opportunities for credit and noncredit programs, grants, and customized educational initiatives at the regional, national, and global levels.

The Director oversees the full lifecycle of contracted programs, from opportunity identification and partnership development through implementation, fiscal management, and quality assurance, while ensuring compliance with College, University, and State of Illinois policies.

Essential Duties and ResponsibilitiesProgram Execution and Contract Management

• Directing and overseeing the operational implementation of all contracted credit and noncredit programs, including courses, institutes, conferences, events, and customized learning initiatives
• Providing strategic direction, supervision, and performance management for staff supporting program delivery, operations, and administrative functions
• Ensuring high-quality program execution through continuous quality assurance, responsiveness to partner needs, and alignment with contractual obligations
• Developing, monitoring, and managing budgets for all cost-recovery contract programs and activities to ensure fiscal accountability and financial sustainability
• Leading with a strong customer service orientation to support positive partner experiences and repeat engagements
• Overseeing the management, integrity, and accuracy of program databases, reporting systems, and electronic file records
• Ensuring compliance with College, University, University Outreach, and State of Illinois policies, procedures, and reporting requirements
• Identifying operational risks and proactively coordinating with appropriate university offices to resolve challenges related to contracts, delivery, staffing, or compliance

Relationship Building and Opportunity Identification

• Engaging educational leaders, business partners, agencies, and organizations to identify emerging learning, workforce, and professional development needs
• Actively identifying and pursuing grant opportunities, requests for proposals (RFPs), and contract-based initiatives aligned with College and University priorities
• Monitoring regional, national, and global education and workforce trends to inform program development and partnership strategy
• Assessing school, district, and agency staffing needs to support targeted program and contract development
• Exploring and cultivating global education and partnership opportunities in collaboration with International Affairs and external partners
• Identifying entrepreneurial and revenue-generating initiatives that strengthen the financial position of the College of Education
• Developing cross-departmental and cross-college collaborations to leverage institutional expertise in response to local, state, national, and global needs
• Collaborating with deans, department chairs, faculty, OERD , and International Affairs to identify, design, and advance contract opportunities
• Serving as the College of Education’s primary liaison with educational service centers, Regional Offices of Education, school districts, government agencies, associations, selected businesses and industries, community colleges, and global partners
• Strengthening internal collaboration across university divisions to support integrated, high-impact programming

Partnership Development and External Engagement

• Engaging educational leaders, business partners, agencies, and organizations to identify emerging learning, workforce, and professional development needs
• Actively identifying and pursuing grant opportunities, requests for proposals (RFPs), and contract-based initiatives aligned with College and University priorities
• Monitoring regional, national, and global education and workforce trends to inform program development and partnership strategy
• Assessing school, district, and agency staffing needs to support targeted program and contract development
• Exploring and cultivating global education and partnership opportunities in collaboration with International Affairs and external partners
• Identifying entrepreneurial and revenue-generating initiatives that strengthen the financial position of the College of Education
• Developing cross-departmental and cross-college collaborations to leverage institutional expertise in response to local, state, national, and global needs
• Collaborating with deans, department chairs, faculty, OERD , and International Affairs to identify, design, and advance contract opportunities
• Serving as the College of Education’s primary liaison with educational service centers, Regional Offices of Education, school districts, government agencies, associations, selected businesses and industries, community colleges, and global partners
• Strengthening internal collaboration across university divisions to support integrated, high-impact programming

College of Education Leadership and Strategic Alignment

• Keeping the Morgridge Office Chair informed of emerging opportunities, risks, and operational issues; meeting regularly with the College of Education Dean
• Providing data, analysis, and strategic recommendations to College and University leadership related to partnerships, contracts, and program performance
• Representing the University on external councils, advisory boards, and committees as assigned (e.g., University Center of Lake County Council of Member Institutions)
• Serving on College, University, and community committees to support institutional priorities and regional engagement

Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service)

n/a

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service)

n/a

Specialty Factors (Civil Service)

n/a

Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service)

n/a

Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS)

• Terminal degree in Education or related field.
• 3 years of experience as an Administrator (or equivalent) in K-12 school setting.

Additional Requirements (SPS)

None

Preferred Qualifications (SPS)

• Previous experience working in K-12 Senior Administration in a school setting.
• Previous experience working with Illinois K-12 schools
• Standing
• Occasional driving to off-campus locations to meet with agencies and partners

Appointment and Compensation Details

Appointment and Compensation Details

Anticipated Appointment Start Date

Anticipated Appointment Start Date 08/01/2026

Anticipated Appointment End Date

Percent of Staff Year

Percent of Staff Year 1.00

Standard Hours Per Week 37.50

Working Hours

Working Hours 8 am - 4:30 pm, Monday - Friday, evening and weekend hours may be required

Applications submitted after 7/14/2026 are welcomed but will be considered as needed.

In accordance with applicable statutes and regulations, NIU is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, age, disability (physical and mental), marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender (identity and expression), political affiliation, or any other factor unrelated to professional qualifications, and will comply with all applicable federal and state statutes, regulations and orders pertaining to nondiscrimination, equal opportunity and affirmative action.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:

Ethics and Compliance Officer, Title IX Coordinator

Health Services Building Room 230

TitleIXCoordinator@niu.edu

815-753-5560

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.

ADA Accommodation

NIU remains committed to ensuring that its recruitment and application procedures include full opportunities for applicants with disabilities. Employment opportunities will not be denied to anyone because of the need to make accommodations for a person’s disability during either the application or interview process. An applicant who believes they require an accommodation to participate in the employment process due to a disability may request that accommodation through the Accommodation Request Form . For further assistance, please contact the office of Afforemative Action and Equal Opportunity ( AAEO ) at ada@niu.edu .

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).