Director of Community & Educational Partnerships

Western Dakota Technical College is seeking a dynamic, relationship-driven leader to serve as the Director of Community & Educational Partnerships. This position plays a vital role in strengthening WDTC’s visibility, outreach, and collaboration across western South Dakota.

The Director will develop, cultivate, and sustain partnerships with regional high schools, families, community organizations, industry partners, and local government to support WDTC’s mission, enrollment goals, and community presence. This role leads outreach efforts with K–12 leaders, community stakeholders, and workforce partners to strengthen educational pathways, promote WDTC programs, and expand opportunities for both prospective and current students.

The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator who excels at building meaningful relationships, identifying opportunities for collaboration, and connecting students and communities with technical career pathways. Serving as a visible ambassador for the college, the Director ensures WDTC remains responsive to community needs while aligning outreach efforts with regional workforce, educational, and economic development priorities.

Supervises: Director of Western Statewide CTE Consortium
High School Outreach Specialist

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, exempt position and most of the work to be performed will be done in usual office working conditions. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. However, there may be times when travel is required or when after-hours work is required for events, meetings, training, and other responsibilities. These responsibilities may require evening and weekend hours.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Work is primarily sedentary and requires regular use of a computer and phone, with the ability to sit, stand, and move throughout the workday as needed. This role requires frequent use of hands and fingers for typing, filing, and operating standard office equipment, as well as the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, including hearing and speaking. The employee must be able to lift and transport office materials, such as files, boxes, or supplies, up to 20 pounds on an occasional basis, and must have sufficient visual ability to read printed and electronic documents.

High School & K–12 Engagement

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with high school administrators, counselors, teachers, and career advisors.
• Lead outreach efforts to increase awareness of WDTC programs, dual-credit offerings, career pathways, and technical careers.
• Coordinate WDTC representation at high school events, career fairs, classroom visits, and parent-focused activities.
• Support early college, CTE partnerships, high school matriculation, and other pipeline initiatives.
• Develop communication tools and materials for high school audiences.

Community Partnerships

• Establish and cultivate relationships with community groups, nonprofit organizations, civic leaders, tribal entities, and business associations.
• Identify opportunities for WDTC to participate in community initiatives that align with the college’s mission.
• Serve as a liaison for events, presentations, and community-driven projects.
• Represent WDTC at regional meetings, committees, task forces, and outreach events.

Enrollment & Outreach Support

• Collaborate closely with Admissions, Marketing, Academics, and Student Services to support recruitment and retention strategies.
• Work with WDTC faculty and program leadership to highlight program strengths, career pathways, and hands-on learning opportunities.
• Contribute to campus-wide outreach campaigns, including open houses, summer academies, workshops, and youth programs.
• Use data to inform outreach strategies and measure engagement effectiveness.

Program & Event Coordination

• Plan and coordinate on-campus and off-campus engagement events, including high school visits, community days, and partner appreciation events.
• Develop resources, presentations, and engagement strategies that reflect WDTC’s values and brand.

Communication & Relationship Management

• Serve as a primary point of contact for high schools and community partners seeking collaboration with WDTC.
• Maintain a comprehensive CRM (Community Relationship Management) or tracking system of partner engagement, activities, and outcomes.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and updates for internal leadership regarding outreach impact and opportunities.

• Bachelor’s degree required (master’s preferred) in communication, public relations, education, leadership, business, or a related field.
• Five or more years of progressive experience in education, community outreach, workforce development, recruiting, or related fields. Higher education experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in community engagement, outreach, education, or partnership development.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and externally with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to travel throughout western South Dakota as needed.

• K–12 education systems, career and technical education (CTE) pathways, and dual-credit or early college programming.
• Workforce development trends and the role of technical education in supporting regional economic and industry needs.
• Relationship building and partnership development with high schools, community organizations, industry partners, and civic leaders.
• Outreach strategy development, community engagement planning, and program promotion.
• Event planning and coordination for outreach activities and community engagement initiatives.
• Professional communication, public speaking, and presentation skills for diverse audiences including students, families, educators, and community leaders.
• Cross-departmental collaboration to support enrollment and outreach goals.
• Data-informed decision making and the ability to analyze outreach engagement and partnership outcomes.
• Organizational and project management skills with the ability to coordinate multiple initiatives, events, and partnerships simultaneously.
• Professional judgment, discretion, and the ability to represent the college as a trusted community partner.
• Utilize AI enabled tools, when appropriate, to support and enhance daily job functions.

The information contained herein is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job, nor is it intended to be an all-inclusive list of the skills and abilities required to do the job. Management may, at its discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Benefit offerings subject to change. Employment is contingent upon background screening consistent with college policy.

Western Dakota Technical College recruits’ candidates who are authorized to work in the United States or who may qualify for employer-sponsored H-1B status. The College does not provide employment-based permanent residency sponsorship.

EOE/Statement of Non-Discrimination/Annual Security Report
WDTC subscribes to the fullest extent to the principle of the dignity of all people and their labors and will take action to ensure that applicants are employed, assigned, and promoted without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, pregnancy, marital status, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, citizenship, political affiliation, disability, status as a veteran, or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law. Every available opportunity will be taken in order to assure that each applicant for a position is selected on the basis of qualifications, merit, and ability. Inquiries may be directed to the Director of Human Resources at 605-718-2407. (07.2025)

ANNUAL SECURITY REPORT/CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act requires that the college’s Annual Security Report which includes crime statistics be made available to prospective employees and prospective students upon request. Western Dakota Tech’s Annual Security Report includes statistics for the previous three years concerning reported Clery crimes that occurred on campus and on public property within or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus. The report also includes institutional policies concerning campus safety and security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault prevention and response, timely warnings, emergency response, and other matters. You may obtain this information through the Western Dakota Tech website at https://www.wdt.edu/assets/docs/uploads/consumer-information/securityreport.pdf. A printed copy of the report may be obtained by writing to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Student Success, Western Dakota 800 Mickelson Dr., Rapid City, SD 57703 or by calling (605) 718-2931.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER - MUST COMPLY WITH THE IMMIGRATION REFORM AND CONTROL ACT OF 1986