Job Identification: 43315
Job Category: Business Services
Apply Before: 05/18/2026, 09:49 AM
Degree Level: Bachelor’s Degree
Locations: 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL, 33620, US
Hiring Salary: 92,000 to 108,000 annually
Essential Personnel: No
Job Description
Position Summary
The Director of Experiential Learning and Engagement provides leadership for the development, alignment, and advancement of high-impact, innovative community and industry partnerships supporting the university’s mission to drive student success, research excellence, and regional transformation. Reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Community Partnerships within the Office of Strategic Partnerships, this role is responsible for cultivating and managing deep, reciprocal partnerships with community, business, civic, nonprofit, and public sector organizations, with a focus on measurable outcomes and place-based impact.
This position complements the Office’s outreach and engagement efforts by ensuring partnerships are strategically aligned, sustained, and translated into meaningful outcomes for both the university and the communities it serves. Working closely with community engaged faculty, this role is critical to advancing the university’s position as a trusted, responsive, and collaborative community partner and regional anchor institution. By deepening strategic partnerships and aligning them with institutional priorities, the Director of Experiential Learning and Engagement ensures that engagement efforts lead to sustainable, measurable outcomes that benefit students, partners, and the broader community.
Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Engagement
- Identify, cultivate, and manage high-impact, multi-year partnerships with community-based organizations, businesses, and regional stakeholders
- Align partnerships with institutional priorities, including student success, workforce development, and community-engaged learning and research
- Serve as a liaison between the university, with a particular focus on faculty, and key community partners
Community Impact & Place-Based Strategy
- Lead the identification of sites and projects in support of university-wide initiatives for all students to have experiential learning opportunities prior to graduating
- Lead the development and implementation of place-based initiatives advancing community well-being and regional development
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to co-create solutions addressing community-identified priorities
- Identify opportunities for the university faculty to contribute to economic, civic, and social impact in the region
Institutional Alignment & Collaboration
- Partner with colleges, academic units, and administrative offices to connect partnerships with community-engaged teaching, research, and service
- Support faculty and staff in developing and sustaining community-engaged learning initiatives for students
- Facilitate cross-campus coordination to maximize institutional engagement with community partners
Assessment, Metrics & Reporting
- Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to partnerships, engagement, and community impact
- Establish systems for measuring partnership outcomes, including qualitative and quantitative indicators
- Prepare reports and impact narratives for university leadership, external stakeholders, and strategic initiatives
Leadership & Representation
- Represent the university in community, civic, and regional partnership settings
- Serve as a convener to bring together stakeholders across sectors
- Contribute to the strategic direction of the Community Partnerships Unit and the greater Office of Strategic Partnerships
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Master’s degree in higher education, public administration, nonprofit management, or a related field
- Minimum of 5-7 years of progressively responsible experience in community engagement, partnerships, or external relations
- Demonstrated experience building and sustaining partnerships across sectors
- Strong understanding of community-engaged work in higher education or a related field
Degree Equivalency Clause: Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree.
* Senate Bill 1310- The Florida Senate (https://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2023/1310) is conditional upon meeting all employment eligibility requirements in the U.S.
* SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements
* A public employer may include a postsecondary degree as a baseline requirement only as an alternative to the number of years of direct experience required, not to exceed:
* (a) Two years of direct experience for an associate degree;
* (b) Four years of direct experience for a bachelor’s degree;
* (c) Six years of direct experience for a master’s degree;
* (d) Seven years of direct experience for a professional degree; or
* (e) Nine years of direct experience for a doctoral degree
* Related work experience may not substitute for any required licensure, certification, or registration required for the position of employment as established by the public employer and indicated in the advertised description of the position of employment.
* Minimum Qualifications that require a high school diploma are exempt from SB 1310.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D in higher education, public administration, or a related field
- Experience with community-engaged learning and research or place-based initiatives
- Familiarity with frameworks such as asset-based community development or anchor institution strategy
- Experience working in or with various communities, faculty, and stakeholder groups
- Demonstrated ability to measure and communicate impact
Core Competencies
- Strategic thinking and systems-level perspective
- Relationship building and stakeholder engagement
- Collaboration and cross-functional leadership
- Data-informed decision-making and assessment
- Communication and storytelling for impact
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and a list of three professional references.
This position description is designed to outline primary duties and responsibilities but is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all tasks. Other duties may be assigned as needed.
About Us
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF’s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
