[Hiring] Academic Partnership & Portfolio Advancement Manager @Western Governors University

Role Description

Responsible for advancing School of Education (WSE) priorities across three integrated areas: academic portfolio advancement, research and insights, and external engagement.

The role partners closely with the SVP/Executive Dean, Deans, Program Chairs, and cross-functional leaders to strengthen WSE’s academic offerings, partnerships, and institutional readiness.

This position serves as a key liaison to external agencies and education partners to ensure WSE maintains a compelling, relevant, and scalable portfolio aligned to educator preparation needs, workforce demands, and institutional priorities. The role also supports leaders and stakeholders through periods of transition by applying structured change principles as initiatives move from planning into operational execution.

In addition, this role contributes to internal and external communications—including presentations, articles, and award submissions—by translating research, insights, and outcomes into clear, actionable narratives that elevate WSE’s profile and impact.

Through regular engagement with external education stakeholders (e.g., district leaders, boards of education, administrators, and EPP convenings), this role helps WSE refine and reposition programs and services based on evidence, emerging trends, and partner feedback. The role requires strong judgment, adaptability, relationship building capability, and comfort navigating ambiguity while working closely with senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Ability to build relationships and influence effectively at all levels, internally and externally.
• Proven ability to analyze data, identify trends, and translate insights into actionable recommendations.
• Strong organizational, project management, and communication skills.
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop people and teams.
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills.
• Ability to support leaders through complex or evolving initiatives.
• Comfort operating with ambiguity while working closely with executive leadership.

Requirements

• Graduate degree in relevant discipline or 10 years equivalent work experience.
• Minimum 5 years of experience designing and implementing programmatic solutions within an educator preparation or higher education environment.
• Minimum 5 years of experience leading and managing people, teams, or complex projects.
• Experience with competency-based and online education models.
• Experience managing vendor relationships and budgets.
• Experience with data collection, analysis, and executive-level presentation.
• Experience in curriculum development, instructional design, or educational technology.
• Demonstrated success managing relationships across internal and external partners.

Benefits

• Eligible for bonuses.
• Medical, dental, vision, telehealth and mental healthcare.
• Health savings account and flexible spending account.
• Basic and voluntary life insurance.
• Disability coverage.
• Accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity supplemental coverages.
• Legal and identity theft coverage.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Wellbeing program.
• Discounted WGU tuition.
• Flexible paid time off for rest and relaxation with no need for accrual.
• Flexible paid sick time with no need for accrual.
• 11 paid holidays.
• Other paid leaves, including up to 12 weeks of parental leave.