Higher education Jobs in Abilene, TX

Industry Relations Specialist

The Industry Relations Specialist will lead efforts to fortify and expand connections with a diverse range of stakeholders. This role is pivotal in fostering relationships with statewide companies and employers, streamlining and consolidating TSTC's engagement with key industry players. The primary focus is to promote TSTC as an enterprise, showcasing our comprehensive capabilities to larger statewide employers, associations, and organizations. This role is essential in streamlining relationships with major employers and facilitating collaboration between TSTC and the wider business community.

Essential Functions:

• Demonstrate TSTC Core values of Excellence, Accountability, Service, and Integrity with internal and external stakeholders, customers, students, and members of the community.
• Working with the TSTC External Relations team, coordinate and execute statewide cultivation and stewardship activities for business, industry, and other constituents to foster and cultivate mutually beneficial relationships.
• Collaborate with statewide and regional civic/community organizations, Chambers of Commerce, Economic Development Corporations, Associations, and others to promote and advance brand awareness of TSTC and identification of potential high-yield opportunities for External Relations.
• Proactive outreach to identify and propose strategic client relationships that expand the TSTC's industry profile and subsequently the External Relations engagement portfolio.
• Drive creation and support the strengthening of industry relationships, resulting in a strategic pipeline of best-fit opportunities.
• Support future growth through analysis of functional operations and competencies and identification of corrective and organizational development actions.
• Assist in facilitating new campus expansions, ensuring alignment with industry needs, and collaborating with internal stakeholders to incorporate industry insights into educational programs.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategic initiatives, identifying and communicating key partners to enhance TSTC's impact in the business community and prioritize recognition for strategic collaborators.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with government entities, industry leaders, donors, community organizations, and other key stakeholders to advance TSTC's mission and strategic priorities.
• Establish and grow relationships with individual businesses, industry leaders, and trade associations across the state to build advocacy for TSTC.
• Represent TSTC at external events, conferences, and meetings to build awareness, enhance the college's reputation, and foster collaboration with external partners.
• Collaborate with internal departments, including student learning, the TSTC Foundation, workforce training, sponsored programs, and career services, to align external relations efforts and maximize collaboration and resource-sharing opportunities.
• Provide guidance and support in developing and managing strategic partnerships and collaborations that enhance TSTC's ability to meet the needs of students, employers, and the community.
• Monitor and analyze trends and developments in higher education, workforce development, and related industries to identify opportunities for innovation and strategic positioning.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• 5+ years of experience in workforce development, higher education, sales, or community/industry-based fundraising.
• Previous management experience preferred.
• Extensive experience can be substituted for education.
• Strong understanding of higher education and workforce development landscape.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiences.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills to build and nurture relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Persuasive, high-energy, initiative-taking self-starter.
• Strong analytical prowess, presentation skills, and ability to analyze and formulate solutions to complex problems.

Critical Competencies:

• Relationship Building: Proven track record in establishing and nurturing relationships with key stakeholders to advance organizational goals.
• Self-motivated: Exhibits proactive initiative and a strong work ethic, consistently taking ownership of tasks and working independently to contribute to organizational success.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to think critically, analyze data and trends, and develop innovative strategies for external relations.
• Effective Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to articulate TSTC's value proposition and engage stakeholders.
• Collaboration: Strong aptitude for collaborating across departments and functions to achieve shared goals and maximize impact.
• Ethical Conduct: Commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting integrity in all external relations activities.
• Innovation: Ability to identify emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in external relations and apply them strategically to advance TSTC's objectives.
• Sales Goal Oriented: Demonstrates a results-driven approach to sales, setting and exceeding ambitious targets through strategic planning, effective negotiation, and a customer-centric focus to build lasting relationships and foster repeat business.

Note: This job description is intended to provide an overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and requirements. The Industry Relations Specialist may be assigned additional duties and responsibilities as deemed necessary by the supervisor or institution.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Texas State Technical College (TSTC), as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination. TSTC is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

Employment Eligibility Verification

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at TSTC.

Background Checks

A criminal history background check will be required for the finalist(s) under consideration for this position.