Director, External Partnerships - Schwarzman Scholars
| Req Number: | GV13WU |
| Location: | New York, NY |
| Posted: | 9/8/2026 |
| Category: | Government/Not-For-Profit : Not-For-Profit |
| Job Type: | Permanent |
| Compensation: | USD 240,000.00 - 280,000.00 Yearly - 0 |
About the Organization
Schwarzman Scholars was established in 2013 by Founding Trustee Stephen A. Schwarzman and Tsinghua University and is the first scholarship program of its kind created to respond to the geopolitical landscape of the 21st century. As China’s role in global trends continues to grow, the success of future leaders in any sector depends upon an immersive understanding of the country and its culture. Schwarzman Scholars is a one-year, fully funded master’s program in Global Affairs at Schwarzman College, Tsinghua University in Beijing, designed to build a global community of future leaders who will strengthen understanding between China and the rest of the world.
Each year, around 150 candidates from around the world are selected to join a diverse cohort. Schwarzman Scholars are selected through a rigorous and thorough selection process where successful applicants demonstrate an excellent academic record as well as readiness to embrace other cultures and perspectives, drive global progress and lead with integrity.
Schwarzman Scholars’ dynamic curriculum—focused on China, leadership, and global affairs–is designed to provide Scholars with the knowledge, skills, and firsthand experience needed to navigate the complexities of the evolving global landscape. In addition to participating in our cutting-edge core curriculum, Scholars choose elective courses to individualize their academic experience. They will complete a Capstone project, the culmination of their Schwarzman Scholars academic experience.
CORE CURRICULUM
- A choice of courses designed to analyze leadership characteristics from interdisciplinary perspectives and in multiple cultural and professional settings
- A course on the past 40 years of China’s political, economic and social reform
- A course introducing students to current and future challenges in global affairs and the global governance system
IMMERSIVE LEARNING EXPERIENCE:
- Deep Dive: This course readies Scholars with a broad understanding of China through a series of introductory lectures and cultural excursions around Beijing. Scholars will then have the opportunity to explore economic, political and social topics by visiting companies, government agencies, villages and cultural sites during the week-long trip in November.
- Chinese Language Instruction: Language courses are mandatory in Module One, then become optional. International students can take Chinese language instruction at any level, from beginner to advanced. Chinese and international students can take advanced English language classes, focusing on academic and business writing.
- Internships: Scholars are encouraged to take advantage of the strong relationships the Schwarzman program has with diverse organizations based in Beijing. Students may arrange an internship on their own or reference the job portal for available intern and volunteer opportunities.
- Personalized Mentorship: Each Scholar will select a mentor from a pool of leaders in business, academic, government and NGO communities, primarily based in Beijing. These mentors provide a space for students to learn and experience various leadership styles and gain new perspectives on China and China’s role in the world.
Upon completion of the program, all Scholars receive a Master’s Degree in Global Affairs, awarded by Tsinghua University. Learn more about Schwarzman Scholars at www.schwarzmanscholars.org.
Key Responsibilities & Role Overview
Schwarzman Scholars seeks a visionary, results-oriented leader to shape and execute its external partnerships strategy with employers, donors, and programmatic organizations. In this pivotal role, you will craft and implement a comprehensive vision for the growth of employer relationships (domestic and international), steward philanthropic partnerships, and expand programming opportunities for Schwarzman Scholars and alumni/ae.
Reporting directly to the Executive Director and working closely with Directors of Career Services and Global Alumni Engagement, you will be responsible for building lasting relationships with global public, private and non-profit organizations to employ our graduates. You will also work to build strong relationships with academic institutions, think tanks and research institutes with whom the Program can partner on continuous education and training programming for our alumni/ae focused on our three programmatic pillars of leadership, global affairs, and China. Finally, you will work with the Executive Director to drive institutional fundraising efforts and donor engagement, leveraging data, market insights, and global trends to ensure long-term organizational impact and sustainability.
Specific Responsibilities include:
- Strategic Partnerships & Employer Engagement: Designs and leads a global employer engagement strategy that creates meaningful career pathways for Scholars and alumni. Builds and sustains cross-sector partnerships domestically and internationally to expand opportunities for our graduates. This work will include overseeing technology platforms used for employer outreach, sourcing and posting job opportunities/recruiting events, maintaining contacts and an employer CRM system, moderating employer-Scholar employment sessions, and providing strategic regional insights to Scholars about employment opportunities. Collaborates with internal teams in New York and Beijing to drive and align employer engagement efforts with strategic goals.
- Donor Development & Fundraising: Serves as the primary relationship manager for individual donors, foundations, and corporate partners. Develops and implements strategies for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. Represents Schwarzman Scholars externally to elevate visibility, strengthen credibility, and attract new programmatic and financial supporters.
- Program Design & Delivery: Designs and delivers innovative programming that engages employers, partners, and Scholars, creating mutual value and sustained impact. Continuously assesses, refines, and streamlines business processes to maximize efficiency and elevate stakeholder experience.
- Research & Market Insight: Conducts ongoing research into marketplace employment trends, programmatic priorities, and global issues impacting graduate-level education foundations, aligning these trends and priorities with Schwarzman Scholars’ mission. Analyzes data and key performance metrics to optimize engagement strategies.
- Leadership & Collaboration: Fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture grounded in growth and measurable outcomes. Serves as a strategic thought partner to senior leadership, contributing to long-term planning and organizational vision.
MINIMUM AND PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in stakeholder engagement, career and/or business development, fundraising and external relations.
- Proven ability to cultivate and manage high-level relationships with employers, donors and external partners.
- Skilled in data analysis and outcome reporting, with a demonstrated ability to adapt strategy based on results.
- Sophisticated interpersonal skills, including discretion, empathy, and judgment, and able to navigate sensitive or high-profile situations with professionalism.
- Deep understanding of and commitment to Schwarzman Scholars’ mission and its role in strengthening global leadership through education.
- A record of accomplishment for building strong alliances and coalitions with organizations that share common objectives globally.
- Global mindset and cultural sensitivity with demonstrated success navigating complex, multicultural environments with members and volunteers located in myriad regions across the world.
- International experience highly desirable. Knowledge and experience working on China-related issues, including Chinese language skills, a plus.
Travel Requirements
The Director, External Partnerships is expected to travel regularly to represent Schwarzman Scholars at global events and engage with prospective partners, including periodic travel to China. Travel will include overnight stays and occasional weekend commitments. Flexibility to accommodate varying schedules and time zones is required. Estimated travel is approximately 15 percent annually. Must maintain valid travel credentials such as a passport and driver’s license.
Education
Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s or other relevant advanced degree strongly preferred.
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Korn Ferry shall provide equal employment opportunity to all qualified candidates, and will refer candidates without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status or any other legally protected basis. Artificial Intelligence tools may be used in connection with the recruitment process for this position.