This role defines and operationalizes the annual Partnership Engagement strategy within Detroit Promise’s three-pillar framework (Student Support, Partnership Engagement, Prosperity). The Director establishes partnership standards, oversees MOU governance and compliance, develops partner performance frameworks, and ensures alignment between outreach strategy and student success outcomes.
As a Detroit Promise Zone Authority leadership role, the Director operates with strategic authority for partnership development and performance management, collaborating with Chamber-based education and operation teams where appropriate for coordinated execution. The position plays a critical role in strengthening governance structures and advancing the organization’s transition to full operational independence.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
- Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible leadership experience in nonprofit management, higher education, K–12 systems, or partnership development.
- Demonstrated success building and managing cross-sector partnerships.
- Experience developing and managing MOUs, compliance standards, and performance benchmarks.
- Strong data literacy with experience designing dashboards and reporting structures.
- Experience working with boards, finance committees, or governance bodies.
- Excellent written, analytical, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Strategic mindset with the ability to lead in evolving organizational environments.
- Deep commitment to educational equity and postsecondary completion for Detroit students.
Position Responsibilities/Functions
Strategic Partnership Leadership & Governance
- Define and implement the annual Partnership Engagement strategy aligned to Detroit Promise enrollment, verification, engagement, persistence, and completion targets.
- Establish tiered partnership priorities, including growth, maintenance, and sunset strategies.
- Serve as the strategic lead for institutional, K–12, and community-based partnerships.
- Oversee development, renewal, and compliance monitoring of all MOUs.
- Standardize partnership performance benchmarks and accountability structures.
- Maintain audit-ready documentation in alignment with DPZA governance standards.
- Ensure partnership practices uphold the commitments, standards, and collaborative expectations outlined in the DPZA–Chamber relationship agreement.
Outreach Alignment, Brand Stewardship & Cross-Team Coordination
- Lead the annual outreach and communications strategy aligned to enrollment, verification, engagement, and completion goals.
- Oversee the communications and outreach team to ensure coordinated execution, streamlined messaging, and alignment with strategic priorities.
- Establish and maintain clear messaging frameworks that reflect Detroit Promise’s mission, program capacity, and governance standards.
- Ensure brand consistency across institutional, K–12, community, and public-facing communications.
- Collaborate with Chamber-based Marketing and Community Engagement teams to translate strategy into execution while maintaining DPZA strategic authority and brand integrity.
- Coordinate with Student Support and Prosperity leadership to ensure communications accurately reflect program design and cross-pillar alignment.
Data, Performance Management & Reporting
- Develop and oversee partnership dashboards for CEO and Board review.
- Ensure integrity and consistency of institutional reporting, engagement metrics, and verification data.
- Lead structured partner assessment and performance review processes.
- Prepare quarterly Board reporting narratives and performance summaries.
- Partner with IT and internal teams to strengthen tracking systems and workflow efficiency.
Outreach and Marketing Alignment
- Set annual outreach and engagement priorities aligned to enrollment and verification goals.
- Provide strategic oversight of brand alignment and messaging consistency across partnership communications.
- Collaborate with Chamber-based Marketing and Community Engagement Managers to translate strategic priorities into coordinated campaigns and execution plans.
- Ensure outreach messaging reflects student support capacity and long-term completion objectives.
Team Leadership & Organizational Management
- Provides strategic oversight and direction for partnership, outreach, and engagement staff within the Partnership Engagement pillar.
- Establish annual work plans, KPIs, and performance expectations aligned to strategic priorities.
- Conduct regular meetings, performance evaluations, and professional development planning.
- Lead recruitment, onboarding, retention, and succession planning within the team.
- Foster a culture of collaboration, professionalism, compliance, and student-centered accountability.
- Address performance concerns in alignment with DPZA and Chamber HR policies.
Budget & Resource Management
- Manage the Partnership Engagement team budget in alignment of other pillars with approved organizational parameters.
- Monitor expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility and compliance with policies.
- Align partnership commitments, incentives, and outreach investments with budget.
- Provide budget projections and variance explanations to the CEO as required.
Cross-Pillar Coordination & Organizational Alignment
- Works in close coordination with the Student Supports pillar to ensure outreach, messaging, and partnership expectations accurately reflect student support capacity, navigation strategies, and persistence goals.
- Collaborate with Prosperity initiatives to strengthen early pipeline alignment and workforce integration.
- Works collaboratively across Detroit Promise pillars to ensure clear role alignment, coordinated strategy, and seamless student experience across outreach, student support, and prosperity initiatives.
- Ensure partnership strategy reinforces Detroit Promise’s long-term economic mobility mission.
Performs other duties as required.
Benefits
Detroit Promise Zone Authority offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employee well-being, professional growth, and long-term stability. Benefits currently include access to health, dental, and vision coverage; employer-paid life and disability insurance; paid time off and holidays; parental leave; and retirement plan participation with employer contribution eligibility.
Additional support may include professional development resources and other staff support benefits aligned with organizational policies. Specific benefit offerings are subject to change and may vary based on eligibility and organizational policy
How to Apply
Please apply directly through MNA.