Roles & Responsibilities
Our client is a leading international education provider, committed to empowering students worldwide to achieve their full potential and build brighter futures. Through strong university partnerships and a wide range of face-to-face, online, and hybrid study programmes, they deliver the guidance, resources, and opportunities students need to succeed. With a global network of offices and academic collaborations, they ensure access to world-class educational services and life-changing experiences.
They are currently seeking a seasoned and driven Associate Director, Partnerships Development to spearhead the growth and execution of strategic university partnerships across Southeast Asia.
This role will be central to building and nurturing long-term relationships with higher education institutions in key markets such as Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and beyond. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in expanding the regional footprint, driving sustainable growth, and creating impactful collaborations that shape the future of international education.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement a robust partnerships strategy to establish, strengthen, and expand relationships with universities and key education partners across the region.
- Identify, evaluate, and secure high-impact partnership opportunities that align with business objectives and support sustainable growth.
- Lead negotiations and contract discussions to finalize strategic agreements, ensuring value creation while maintaining compliance with organizational standards.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with university leaders, faculty, and industry partners, positioning the organization as a partner of choice.
- Work closely with product, marketing, admissions, and program management teams to deliver seamless partnership integration and maximize outcomes.
- Monitor KPIs, conduct regular reviews, and provide insights on partnership performance to ensure accountability and continuous improvement.
- Leverage regional insights and emerging trends to inform strategy, identify new opportunities, and enhance competitive advantage.
- Deliver timely, accurate, and commercially focused reports to senior leadership on partnership activities, pipeline progress, and market opportunities
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; an advanced degree is highly desirable.At least 8–12 years of proven success in partnerships, business development, or account management, ideally within the higher education sector or adjacent industriesDemonstrated ability to establish, manage, and grow strategic partnerships with universities, education bureaus, and other education providersStrong negotiation and contract management skills, with a track record of delivering measurable business outcomes through strategic collaborationsDeep understanding of the Southeast Asian higher education landscape, including regulatory frameworks, competitive dynamics, and emerging trendsWell-connected with key stakeholders in the education sector; able to build and sustain trusted relationships at senior levels across diverse marketsOutstanding communication and presentation skills in English, both written and verbal; proficiency in an additional Southeast Asian language (e.g., Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Vietnamese, Thai) is a plusStrong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and influence both internal teams and external partners in a fast-paced, results-driven environmentTell employers what skills you have
Negotiation
Higher Education
Account Management
Management Skills
Product Marketing
Contract Management
International Education
Program Management
Bahasa Indonesia
Value Creation
Analytical Problem Solving
Presentation Skills
Business Development
Strategic Partnerships