Careers at RMU

Position Department: Collaborative Learning Institute

Position Type: Staff Full-Time

Robert Morris University (RMU) seeks a dynamic and entrepreneurial leader to serve as the Executive Director of the Collaborative Learning Institute (CLI). The CLI is the university’s primary hub for strategic partnerships with corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors, driving workforce development, professional education, and collaborative innovation. The Executive Director will be responsible for providing leadership and operational oversight for all facets of the Institute, focusing on expanding revenue, deepening regional engagement, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, market-driven programs. This is a senior management position reporting to the Chief Outreach & Impact Officer that requires a proven ability to lead a team, manage budgets, and successfully generate revenue through strategic partnerships and solution-based sales.

• Strategic Leadership & Institute Management: Provide leadership for the CLI, ensuring goal alignment with RMU's mission and regional economic needs. Oversee the operations of the Institute, which includes the Career & Professional Development Center, Corporate Partnerships, the Bayer Center for Nonprofit Management, and the Covestro Center for Community Engagement. Manage the Institute's annual budget, ensuring fiscal responsibility and achieving aggressive revenue targets. Lead, mentor, and manage the Institute’s staff, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and client-focused service.
• Professional Development & Corporate Training: Assist in identifying prospects for customized corporate training, professional development, and executive education programs. Oversee the development and delivery of custom-tailored training programs for organizations, leveraging RMU’s academic expertise in areas such as business, IT, engineering, communications, and healthcare. Ensure that programming incorporates innovative learning methods, such as immersive, simulation-based experiences. Continuing Education: Develop and manage programs that offer continuing education credits (CEUs), certifications, and other professional credentials to meet the licensure and upskilling needs of various industries.
• Workforce Development & Funding Acquisition: Expand RMU’s role in workforce development by strengthening relationships with employers to address talent acquisition needs through internships, co-ops, project-based learning, and the Preferred Partner Program. Lead efforts to seek, secure, and manage external funding through grants, contracts, and government programs (local, state, and federal) specifically for workforce development and training initiatives. Act as one of the external faces of the CLI, promoting its services to industry, nonprofit leaders, and government officials.
• Collaborative Innovation: Facilitate strategic partnerships that connect corporate partners with RMU faculty and students for collaborative innovation, applied research, and industry-focused special projects. Leverage RMU’s premier academic centers (e.g., Center for Sales Excellence, RISE Center for Simulation-Based Learning) to create distinctive and market-relevant offerings.

• Master’s degree required (relevant fields such as Business Administration, Education, Organizational Leadership, or related discipline strongly preferred).
• Minimum of 7-10 years of progressive professional experience, with significant time spent in a leadership role within a continuing education, corporate learning, or university outreach environment.
• Extensive Management Experience: Proven success in leading and managing diverse teams, including full-time staff, contract trainers, and faculty partners.
• Budget and P&L Experience: Demonstrated ability to manage, and execute complex departmental and project budgets, with a track record of meeting or exceeding revenue goals.
• Corporate Training Expertise: Significant experience conducting and managing corporate training and executive education programs, including program design, content delivery, and client relationship management.
• Sales/Business Development Track Record: Demonstrated sales experience with the ability to identify client needs, negotiate contracts, and close high-value deals with corporate and organizational partners.
• Funding Acquisition Experience: Proven experience seeking, writing, and securing funding (grants, contracts, etc.) for workforce development, training, or educational programs.
• Continuing Education Expertise: Direct experience managing or developing programs that provide continuing education credits (CEUs/CPEs) or professional certifications.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Strong understanding of adult learning principles, the higher education landscape, and regional workforce needs.
• A collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to navigate a university setting and build consensus across academic and administrative units.
• Proficiency in financial planning, budgeting, and CRM systems.

Exemption Status: Exempt

Act 153 Clearance Required: No

Required To Pass a Motor Vehicle Report Check (If driving on behalf of the University): No

Required to Pass a Credit Check: Yes

Additional Posting Information: None

Special Applicant Instructions: None

RMU complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws and provides equal opportunity in all educational programs and activities, admission of students and conditions of employment for all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, sex, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please email humanresources@rmu.edu or call us at (412) 397-6270 if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job.