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University Partnerships Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Blue Origin, LLC

University Partnerships Lead

Seattle, WA · On-site

$157K - $219K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

As the University Partnerships Lead, you will serve as the single-threaded leader responsible for ... directors * Serve as the front door for institutional partnership requests, including letters of ...

100 LEARFIELD

Commercial Partnerships Director

Dallas, TX · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Partner with university leaders, athletic departments, general managers, and internal stakeholders to evaluate, structure, and advance naming rights opportunities and other premium sponsorship assets ...

Jobtailor

NY · On-site

$120 - $160/hr

Partner with university leaders, athletic departments, general managers, and internal stakeholders to evaluate, structure, and advance naming rights opportunities and other premium sponsorship assets ...

Learfield

Commercial Partnerships Director

Atlanta, GA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role partners closely with universities and internal teams to identify, structure, and secure strategic partnerships while helping shape the commercialization strategy for some of the most ...

Learfield

Commercial Partnerships Director

Dallas, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role partners closely with universities and internal teams to identify, structure, and secure strategic partnerships while helping shape the commercialization strategy for some of the most ...

Learfield

Commercial Partnerships Director

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role partners closely with universities and internal teams to identify, structure, and secure strategic partnerships while helping shape the commercialization strategy for some of the most ...

Learfield

Commercial Partnerships Director

Atlanta, GA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role partners closely with universities and internal teams to identify, structure, and secure strategic partnerships while helping shape the commercialization strategy for some of the most ...

Learfield

Commercial Partnerships Director

Dallas, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

This role partners closely with universities and internal teams to identify, structure, and secure strategic partnerships while helping shape the commercialization strategy for some of the most ...

Archer Systems

Strategic Partnerships Director

Houston, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university, or equivalent work experience. * 2+ years' experience in various B2B sales techniques, including cold phone calling, lead generation, and ...

William Paterson University

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Retirement

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community-designated as both a ... Job Summary Reporting to the Director of the Office of Field Experiences and Partnerships, the ...

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University Partnerships Director information

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$66.5K

$123K

$170K

How much do university partnerships director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for university partnerships director in the United States is $123,000.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,500.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a university partnerships director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a University Partnerships Director, you need expertise in strategic relationship management, higher education operations, and business development, often supported by an advanced degree in education, business, or a related field. Familiarity with CRM systems, partnership management software, and data analytics tools is typically required. Exceptional negotiation, communication, and leadership skills help foster productive collaborations and drive institutional goals. These competencies are crucial for building sustainable partnerships that enhance academic offerings and institutional growth.

How does a university partnerships director typically collaborate with academic and external stakeholders to develop new programs or initiatives?

A University Partnerships Director works closely with academic leaders, faculty, and external partners such as industry representatives, government agencies, and other educational institutions. This collaboration often involves identifying mutual goals, negotiating partnership terms, and coordinating cross-functional teams to design and launch joint programs or research initiatives. The Director facilitates communication, ensures alignment with university objectives, and manages ongoing relationships to maximize the impact of each partnership. Building trust and navigating diverse stakeholder interests are key challenges, but also provide opportunities for professional growth and expanding the university's reach.

What does a university partnerships director do?

A University Partnerships Director is responsible for establishing and managing relationships between a university and external organizations, such as other educational institutions, corporations, and government entities. They develop strategic collaborations that enhance the university’s academic offerings, research initiatives, and student opportunities. This role involves negotiating agreements, overseeing partnership projects, and ensuring that collaborations align with the institution’s goals and values. The director often works closely with faculty, administration, and external stakeholders to maximize the benefits of these partnerships.

What is the difference between University Partnerships Director vs University Relations Manager?

AspectUniversity Partnerships DirectorUniversity Relations Manager
ResponsibilitiesDevelops and manages strategic university partnerships, oversees collaboration initiatives, and negotiates agreements.Maintains relationships with universities, coordinates events, and supports partnership activities.
Required CredentialsBachelor’s degree; often advanced degrees in education, business, or related fields.Bachelor’s degree; experience in education or relationship management.
Work EnvironmentStrategic, high-level planning, often involving travel and negotiations.Operational, relationship-focused, often within university or corporate settings.
Industry UsageCommonly used in higher education institutions and organizations seeking strategic university collaborations.

The University Partnerships Director focuses on establishing and managing high-level strategic partnerships with universities, involving negotiations and long-term planning. In contrast, the University Relations Manager handles day-to-day relationship management and coordination activities. Both roles require strong communication skills and relevant educational credentials, but the director role is more strategic and senior in scope.

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University Partnerships Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various University Partnerships Director job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,000 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

University Partnerships Lead

Blue Origin, LLC

Seattle, WA • On-site

$157K - $219K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Blue Origin rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 91 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Application close date:
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the requisition is closed.
At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!
This role is part of Blue Origin corporate functions, providing centralized support across Blue Origin business unit teams, functions, and locations.
Blue Origin's early career strategy is evolving - from showing up on campus to being embedded in it. As the University Partnerships Lead, you will serve as the single-threaded leader responsible for building the institutional depth that makes Blue Origin indispensable to the academic communities producing our next generation of engineers, operators, and leaders.
This is not a recruiting coordination role. It is a strategic leadership position at the intersection of talent, research, and academic influence - operating with principal-level scope, driving outcomes without requiring direction, and delivering results tied to Blue Origin's long-term technical and business roadmap.
Key Responsibilities
  • Own and evolve Blue Origin's university partnership strategy, including portfolio governance, school tiering, engagement frameworks, and investment evaluation
  • Lead the Blue Scholars program end-to-end - a CEO-championed initiative embedding world-class faculty into Blue Origin technical teams - including faculty selection, funding model design, legal and IP coordination, and talent pipeline conversion
  • Build and maintain a unified view of Blue Origin's sponsored research investments, connecting active engagements to workforce planning priorities and maintaining proactive pipelines of PhD and postdoc talent within funded research groups
  • Own the hiring architecture for MBA and PhD pipelines, including institutional relationships, on-campus presence, candidate routing, and centralized intake infrastructure
  • Lead a feasibility study on a Blue Origin PhD fellowship program, including funding models, IP frameworks, and conversion pathway design
  • Manage advisory board strategy at target institutions and serve as Blue Origin's primary liaison to academic leadership - deans, department chairs, and research directors
  • Serve as the front door for institutional partnership requests, including letters of support, grant collaborations, and novel engagement opportunities
  • Partner with Campus Engagement, Early Career Programs, and senior technical leaders to ensure complementary, non-duplicative ownership across the university portfolio
  • Deliver regular reporting on partnership outcomes, pipeline health, and investment ROI to executive leadership

Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or 10 years of equivalent experience
  • 7+ years in university recruiting, academic partnerships, research program management, or early talent strategy
  • Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with academic and senior internal leadership
  • Deep understanding of university research structures, sponsored research mechanisms, and faculty engagement models
  • Experience influencing compensation frameworks or talent integration models for specialized technical populations
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level presentations
  • Ability to define strategy independently in ambiguous, high-visibility environments
  • Demonstrated ability to leverage AI tools to enhance productivity, accelerate research, and improve the quality of strategic work product; comfort operating in an environment where AI fluency is an expectation, not an advantage

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience scaling a university research partnership, fellowship, or faculty engagement program at a technology or aerospace company
  • Familiarity with sponsored research contracting and university IP frameworks
  • Experience with highly selective graduate leadership programs such as MIT LGO or peer institutions
  • Track record of translating academic investment into measurable recruiting pipeline outcomes
  • Deep technical fluency in aerospace or engineering domains
  • Passion for Blue Origin's mission and a genuine belief in the long-term strategic value of academic investment

Base Pay Range for:
WA applicants is $157,059.00 - $219,882.60
Other site ranges may differ
Culture Statement
Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building an authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Export Control Regulations
Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum.
Background Check
  • Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation
  • Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification (obtained before onboarding), Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.
  • Required for certain Job Profiles: Ability to obtain and maintain Merchant Mariner Credential, which includes pre-employment and random drug testing as well as DOT physical

Benefits
  • Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.
  • Stock Options for all regular employees (working at least 20 hours/week)
  • Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.
  • Dependent on role type and job level, employees may be eligible for benefits and bonuses based on the company's intent to reward individual contributions and enable them to share in the company's results, or other factors at the company's sole discretion. Bonus amounts and eligibility are not guaranteed and subject to change and cancellation. Please check with your recruiter for more details.

Equal Employment Opportunity
Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "Know Your Rights," please see here.
Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation
Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us at EEOCompliance@blueorigin.com. Please note this is a publicly managed inbox. Please do not include any personal medical information in your request.

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About Blue Origin

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Blue Origin is a private aerospace manufacturing and suborbital spaceflight services company based in Kent, Washington, USA. Established in 2000 by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, the company operates in the cutting-edge aerospace industry aiming to build a future where millions of people can live and work in space. They develop a variety of technologies, with a focus on reusable rocket systems which significantly reduce the cost of space travel. Blue Origin's core mission is to make this vision come to life by incrementally building on its successes with an ultimate vision of dramatic cost reduction and increased reliance on reusable spacecraft.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Kent, WA, US

Year founded

2000

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