Director, U of A Yuma Strategic Partnerships & Institutional Initiatives

University Initiatives Leadership

• Provides strategic leadership and oversight with developing and implementing U of A Yuma strategic short and long-term goals and initiatives with university leaders to advance our vision for academic, research and community engagement programs in Yuma.
• Lead and advise senior university leadership on regional trends, risks, opportunities, and strategic investments related to Yuma operations.
• Collaborate and work with internal and external partners to advance the implementation of University of Arizona Yuma-focused initiatives and projects, ensuring alignment with the university's mission and compliance requirements.
• Conduct ongoing needs assessments across all University of Arizona units in Yuma and provide advice to UA leadership related to strategy, policy and organizational effectiveness in Yuma.
• Accountable for tracking and analyzing outcomes across academic, research, workforce, and community initiatives in Yuma to generate insights that inform continuous improvement and strategic planning.
• Develop and lead a cross-functional team in Yuma within a matrix organization of staff and faculty that have reporting lines connected to leaders in Tucson.
• Encourage a positive working environment in Yuma that stimulates growth, opportunity, innovation and collaboration with campus partnerships.
• Guide and support the identification, development, and implementation of research partnerships and grant-funded projects that leverage Yuma's agricultural, environmental, healthcare and community assets, ensuring alignment with university-wide research priorities and compliance frameworks.

Academic-Focused Leadership

• Strengthen and align University of Arizona academic programs in Yuma by identifying opportunities, addressing resource gaps, and informing funding priorities, while fostering cross-unit coordination and advancing partnerships and innovative educational pathways with regional high schools and community colleges (e.g., Arizona Western College and Imperial Valley colleges) to support student success and meet evolving workforce needs.
• Work with deans, department heads, faculty, U of A Yuma Academic Director leads, and the Office of the Provost to ensure excellent, efficient and effective delivery of academic programs.
• Lead the development and implementation of academic systems to support a thriving and sustained physical campus presence and enrollment for the University of Arizona Yuma.
• Lead and support the University of Arizona- Yuma staff in the daily coordination and problem-solving regarding academic programs and student success.
• Collaborate with University Analytics and Institutional Research (UAIR) to track, analyze, and report student outcomes including enrollment, persistence, graduation, transfer success, and job placement-to drive continuous improvement and align programs with workforce needs.
• Ensure equitable access, retention, and completion of academic programs for various student populations in the Yuma region.
• Collaborate in budget planning and resource allocation to sustain and grow academic programs and identify and pursue external funding opportunities (grants, partnerships).
• Oversee operational coordination between Yuma and main campus units to ensure seamless academic delivery.
• Support infrastructure planning (space, scheduling, technology-enabled learning environments).

Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

• Serve as a University of Arizona's key point of contact with our strategic educational, research, industry, and community partners in Yuma.
• Work with Yuma based U of A affiliates to build and strengthen partnerships with state, county, and city officials; community organizations, particularly growers and military partners; health and corporate partners; and other key stakeholders to advance initiatives.
• Increase the university's visibility, impact and reputation in the Yuma County region.
• Facilitate strong partnerships with university leaders, deans, department heads, chairs, and directors, faculty, governance bodies, and administrative units to align priorities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to effectively communicate across populations, including students, faculty, staff, community and industry partners, policymakers, and university administrators.
• Leadership skills in cross-functional, collaborative environments.
• Change management skills.
• Proven ability to engage with senior executives and provide actionable, high-impact data insights.