We’re looking for … We’re seeking a strategic relationship-builder and passionate advocate for dental assisting. The Director of Strategic Engagement will lead initiatives to build, strengthen, and expand partnerships across dental education, accreditation, and professional organizations. In this role, you’ll shape conversations around certification, represent our organization at key events, and collaborate cross-functionally to advance our mission. If you’re a connector with a deep understanding of the dental assisting landscape and a track record of driving impact through engagement and advocacy, we’d love to meet you. We are … We are the Dental Assisting Board and the DALE Foundation, a small, friendly group that is driven by our mission. Our organizations provide certifications, certificates, and online education for dental assistants, so they can be well positioned to support dental teams and deliver great dental care. We live our values of Service , Respect , Integrity , , and Teamwork .

DEI Statement We support the development and advancement of a diverse dental workforce by removing barriers in our policies, programs, and products. We are committed to engaging a variety of perspectives in our workplace and governance to further foster an equitable and inclusive environment for current and aspiring dental assistants.

Values Service - actively supporting current and prospective dental assistants through equitable and inclusive engagement. Respect - acknowledgment and consideration of the inherent worth and dignity of all individuals. Integrity - adherence to moral and ethical principles, demonstrating honesty, sincerity, and consistency in actions and decisions. - ensuring all individuals, regardless of or backgrounds, are fully engaged and valued members of a community or organization. Teamwork - individuals working together toward a common goal, leveraging each other's strengths.

We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where every individual is valued and celebrated. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome all applicants and ensure fair treatment regardless of , , , , veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We especially encourage individuals from historically underrepresented groups to apply. We offer … We offer great work/life balance with a 37.5-hour work week and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, 100% company-paid dental/vision, flexible benefits reimbursement, generous PTO, 401(k) matching, and professional development support. Located in Chicago's River North neighborhood, our team mostly works on a hybrid schedule. The role is … The Director of Strategic Engagement is responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives that build, manage, and deepen relationships with key partners in dental education, professional organizations, and accrediting bodies. This leadership role plays a pivotal part in advancing the recognition, value, and adoption of dental assistant certification, ultimately driving growth in the number of Certified Dental Assistants (CDAs) nationwide. This role follows a hybrid work arrangement with the majority of time worked remotely with regular in-office requirements in our downtown Chicago office. Periodic travel to events and organizational meetings is expected. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: A. Strategic Engagement Develop and implement an engagement strategy aligned with the organization's mission to elevate the importance of dental assisting certification. B. Relationship Management Cultivate and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with dental assisting educators, program directors, state and professional organizations, and accreditation agencies such as Council on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). C. Outreach and Partnerships Identify opportunities for strategic partnerships and alliances that increase certification uptake and expand recognition of Certified Dental Assistants in education, practice, and policy settings. D. Advocacy and Representation Serve as the organization’s representative at conferences, meetings, advisory boards, and public forums. Advocate for the value of certification and the profession of dental assisting. E. Program Development Collaborate internally and externally to develop resources, toolkits, and engagement initiatives that support partner groups and drive certification readiness and adoption. F. Data & Impact Reporting Track partner engagement metrics, collect feedback, and report on outcomes to inform continuous improvement and demonstrate impact. G. Cross-Functional Collaboration Work closely with marketing, certification, and education teams to align messaging, campaigns, and initiatives with partner priorities and needs. Skills and Attributes: Deep understanding of the dental assisting profession and its ecosystem (education, certification, regulation, and practice). Passion for promoting professional excellence and recognition in the dental assisting field. Experience working with professional associations, educational institutions, and/or accrediting agencies. Collaborative and mission-driven mindset. Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills. Strategic thinker with a proven track record of driving engagement and growth. Education & Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, health education, or related field required. Minimum 7 years of experience in partner relations, community engagement, or strategic partnerships required; ideally within healthcare, dental, or education sectors . Experience gathering and reporting on data and insights through spreadsheets and KPI dashboards. Experience in change management or partner advocacy campaigns. Ability to travel periodically to conferences, meetings, and events.

Physical Demands: Required to sit for extended periods of time; may need to walk or stand in the course of work as well as light (20-30 lbs.) to medium (30-40 lbs.) levels of lifting of supplies and/or equipment.

Work Environment: Work performed in an office environment, either onsite or offsite; periodic travel to be expected.

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