Position:  Partnership and Outreach Manager

POSTING DATE:                     6/18/2025

CLOSING DATE:                    Until Filled

SALARY:                                $90,000-$100,000 annually, DOQ/E       (hourly rate for non-exempt)                               

EXEMPT STATUS:                  Exempt, Full-Time, Benefited

OUR STATEMENT

The San José State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value.

GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION

The Partnership and Outreach Manager will support the implementation of a five-year federally funded education research project designed to evaluate and expand the use of the Green Ninja middle school science curriculum. The primary responsibility of this position is to lead the recruitment and engagement of up to 80 middle schools across the country to participate in a national impact study conducted in collaboration with San José State University, Green Ninja, and WestEd.

This full-time position involves coordinating outreach to school leaders and district personnel, managing communications and logistics related to school recruitment, and supporting the development and delivery of professional development activities. The role also includes contributing to scaling efforts and awareness campaigns in later phases of the project. The position will work closely with the Principal Investigator and other project team members to ensure smooth and timely execution of recruitment goals and project milestones.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Function 1: School Recruitment and Outreach

·       Lead the recruitment of up to 80 middle schools to participate in the research study.

·       Initiate and maintain communication with school and district leaders to explain the study and obtain participation agreements (MOUs).

·       Schedule and facilitate outreach meetings, presentations, and informational webinars.

Function 2: Project Coordination and Stakeholder Support

·       Collaborate with the Principal Investigator, Green Ninja team, and WestEd staff to align recruitment strategy with study goals and timelines.

·       Track outreach activities and school engagement using CRM and project management tools.

·       Organize and manage documentation related to partner schools and signed agreements.

Function 3: Professional Development and Implementation Support

·       Assist in developing and coordinating professional development materials and events for participating teachers.

·       Serve as a liaison between schools and the research team to support onboarding and implementation.

Function 4: Communications and Scaling Support

·       Contribute to broader communication and awareness efforts for the project.

·       Assist in producing outreach materials, supporting dissemination events, and representing the project at conferences or external meetings when needed.

INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS & SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Reports to the Principal Investigator (PI) at San José State University. Works closely with team members at Green Ninja, WestEd, and participating schools. May assist in supervising student assistants hired to support the project.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) from an accredited institution.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.

  • Proficiency with CRM platforms and project management tools.

  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace applications.

Additional Requirements

  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

  • Experience coordinating outreach or engagement activities with schools, districts, or education stakeholders.

  • Ability to document work clearly and maintain accurate records.

  • Comfortable presenting information to individuals and groups in person or via video conferencing platforms.

  • Willingness and ability to travel locally or regionally for meetings and outreach events, as needed.

 Desired Accomplishments

  • Experience working in K–12 education, school partnerships, or educational outreach.

  • Familiarity with science education and project-based learning models.

  • Experience working on grant-funded or research-based education projects.

  • Familiarity with education research organizations such as WestEd.

 PLEASE NOTE: This position is considered a “sensitive” position by SJSURF and California State University (CSU) policy. Consequently, the successful candidate must undergo and successfully complete the Live Scan (fingerprinting) background check as a condition of their employment. This background check must be completed before the actual start of employment.

NOTE: This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant.

BENEFITS

The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes:

a)     Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage).

b)     Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents.

c)     Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities.

d)     14 paid federal & state holidays.

e)     Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately.

f)      Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations.

g)     Employee discounts.

h)     Paid training and professional-development conferences.

Please visit the Benefits & Compensation page on the SJSURF website for more detailed information. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURE

To apply for this position, an applicant must submit a formal application for employment. Select “Apply Now” to complete the SJSURF online employment application. 

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

The SJSURF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, interviewing, and hiring processes. If you are a job seeker with a physical or mental disability, and you require a reasonable accommodation to search, apply, or interview for a job opening or otherwise need a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, please contact us at foundation-jobs@sjsu.edu. In the email message, please indicate your full name, phone number and the type of assistance required. You must not reveal the underlying medical reason for your needed reasonable accommodation or otherwise disclose confidential medical information.

ABOUT THE SJSU RESEARCH FOUNDATION

SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San José State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California.

SJSURF is a non-profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self-supported. The majority of the organization’s funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational-related activities.

SJSURF is an equal opportunity employer, and it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sex, genetic information, sexual orientation, military and veteran status or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. It also prohibits unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics, or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.