Senior Officer – Partnerships and External Relations
Alumni and Career Services Department
American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), UAE
General Information About Institution
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is an independent co-education institution of Higher Education that provides an integrated American-style, undergraduate and graduate education. All programs are accredited by the Ministry of Education of the UAE; additionally, it is accredited by the U.S. regional accreditation association, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The American model of higher education ensures not only skills in specific academic fields, but also a general education curriculum that exposes students to new ideas and ways of thinking critically about local and global issues. AURAK is a young and rapidly growing university. AURAK is located in Ras Al Khaimah, one of the Northern Emirates and a rapidly growing region. The beauty of Ras Al Khaimah is reflected in its traditions and diverse landscapes — its white sandy beaches, the majestic Hajjar Mountains, the expansive desert and its sand dunes, and the many historical sites.
AURAK values diversity, inclusiveness and cultural authenticity where all individuals are treated based on their merits and abilities.
AURAK is proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all qualified applicants irrespective of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or age.
About The Role
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is seeking a highly organized, proactive, and relationship-oriented Senior Officer – Partnerships and External Relations to join its Alumni and Career Services Department.
The role supports the development, coordination, and management of local and international partnerships that align with the University’s strategic priorities. The position will build and maintain effective relationships with corporate, government, academic, nonprofit, and community stakeholders while supporting collaborative initiatives that create opportunities for student employability, internships, graduate employment, research, knowledge exchange, community engagement, and institutional development.
The position will also support the coordination and management of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), partnership agreements, stakeholder engagements, industry collaborations, funding and scholarship opportunities, and partnership-related events and projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the identification, development, and coordination of local and international partnerships aligned with AURAK’s strategic priorities and institutional goals.
- Develop and maintain effective relationships with corporate, government, semi-government, private, academic, nonprofit, and community stakeholders.
- Conduct stakeholder research and partnership mapping to identify potential collaborators, relevant networks, and opportunities for institutional cooperation.
- Coordinate engagement with higher education institutions and external organizations to support joint programs, student and faculty mobility, research collaboration, knowledge exchange, and institutional development.
- Coordinate the preparation, review, approval, activation, renewal, and closure of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and partnership agreements in collaboration with relevant internal departments and external partners.
- Maintain a centralized and up-to-date database of MOUs and partnership agreements, including key contacts, validity periods, commitments, deliverables, and renewal dates.
- Monitor partnership commitments, activities, deliverables, timelines, and follow-up actions and coordinate timely communication with relevant stakeholders.
- Ensure partnership documentation, correspondence, approvals, and related records are complete, accurate, and properly maintained.
- Coordinate meetings, presentations, institutional visits, forums, conferences, networking activities, and other stakeholder engagements.
- Represent and support AURAK at relevant external meetings, conferences, forums, networking events, and partnership activities, as assigned.
- Coordinate engagement with industry partners and employers to identify opportunities for internships, graduate employment, career development, and student exposure to the workplace.
- Support industry-led activities, including career talks, employer presentations, networking events, industry visits, recruitment activities, and other initiatives that enhance student employability.
- Maintain regular communication with industry partners and relevant University departments to facilitate collaborative initiatives and strengthen industry–university engagement.
- Identify and coordinate potential funding, sponsorship, and scholarship opportunities with corporations, foundations, government entities, and other external partners.
- Support the development of funding, sponsorship, scholarship, and partnership proposals and related documentation.
- Maintain records of funding and scholarship opportunities, monitor deadlines and commitments, and coordinate follow-up with relevant stakeholders.
- Coordinate partnership-related events, special projects, and initiatives involving external partners, ensuring effective planning, stakeholder participation, documentation, and timely execution.
- Prepare periodic reports, summaries, and updates on partnership activities, achievements, outcomes, and stakeholder engagements.
- Support the continuous improvement of partnership processes, procedures, records, and reporting mechanisms.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Key Result Areas and Duties
- KRA 1: Strategic Partnership Development (20%)
- KRA 2: Partnership and MOU Management (20%)
- KRA 3: Stakeholder Coordination and Communication (15%)
- KRA 4: Industry Engagement and Career Collaboration (15%)
- KRA 5: Event and Special Project Management (10%)
- KRA 6: Funding and Scholarship Development (10%)
- KRA 7: Reporting, Monitoring, and Documentation (5%)
- KRA 8: Other Duties (5%)
Academic And Professional Qualifications
- Essential: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, International Relations, Education, or a related field.
- Desirable: Master’s degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline.
Work Experience
- 3–5 years of professional experience in partnership development, external relations, stakeholder engagement, international collaboration, or a related field.
- Experience managing local and international partnerships and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
- Experience coordinating with corporate, government, academic, and other external stakeholders.
- Demonstrable experience in organizing partnership, stakeholder, industry, or networking events and ensuring effective follow-up and reporting.
- Strong experience in relationship management and professional communication.
Skills And Knowledge
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
- Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships across different sectors and cultures.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM systems, and digital collaboration tools.
- Skilled in drafting, coordinating, and managing MOUs and partnership agreements.
- Knowledge of partnership development, stakeholder engagement, reporting, and outcome/ROI tracking.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced higher education environment.
- Strong problem-solving, follow-up, and coordination skills.
- High level of professionalism, confidentiality, integrity, and discretion.
Language Proficiency Required
Fluent in English and Arabic.
Working Relationships
AURAK Offices and Departments
- Office of the President
- Office of Institutional Advancement and External Relations
- Alumni and Career Services Department
- Office of Sustainability and Research
- Office of Institutional Strategy and Effectiveness
- Deans, Directors and Managers
- Faculty
- Staff
- Students
- Alumni
External Stakeholders
- AURAK Partners
- National and International Industry and Business Sectors
- Local and Federal Government Entities
- Government and Semi-Government Organizations
- Private Businesses and Corporations
- Higher Education Institutions
- Funding Agencies
- NGOs and Community Organizations
- Industry Associations and Professional Bodies
- Potential Employers and Internship Providers
Key Behaviors
- Service Excellence
- Professional Ethics and Integrity
- Problem‑solving
- Time Management
- Teamwork
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