Associate Director for International Student Recruitment

Global University Systems is an international education group that empowers students to transform their lives through education. We believe education drives careers, lives, and society forward, enabling a brighter future for all. Our network of 30 institutions offers the broadest range of industry-relevant skills through inclusive, accessible, and digital-first learning. We currently educate around 122,000 students on campuses worldwide and have 20M+ unique subscribers to our courses. Our global ecosystem powers accessible digital learning and academic achievement

Position:

We are seeking an Associate Director of Business Development to spearhead strategic initiatives that expand one of our Canadian university’s global presences by cultivating strong B2B agent relationships and institutional partnerships.

This senior-level position is crucial to driving market growth, creating new business opportunities, and fostering international partnerships to enhance the brand’s reputation and global student recruitment efforts. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader, a skilled relationship manager, and an experienced professional in higher education business development.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership:

• Develop and execute comprehensive business development strategies to expand network of agents and institutional partners globally.
• Identify and capitalize on new market opportunities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and market trends.
• Lead innovation in partnership development and management practices.
  
  

Team Leadership and Management:

• Manage, mentor, and inspire a growing business development team, ensuring high levels of performance and alignment with institutional objectives.
• Set clear goals and KPIs for the team, regularly monitoring and reviewing performance to ensure targets are achieved.
  
  

Partnership Development:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with B2B agents, institutions, and other educational organizations to drive international student recruitment.
• Lead contract negotiations with partners, ensuring mutually beneficial agreements.
• Represent at global events, conferences, and exhibitions, showcasing our programs and partnership opportunities.
  
  

Market Intelligence and Expansion:

• Conduct thorough market research to identify trends, competitive landscapes, and opportunities for growth.
• Use insights to refine strategies and ensure responsiveness to market demands.
• Oversee market-specific campaigns to maximize the effectiveness of partnerships.
  
  

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with marketing, admissions, academic, and leadership teams to align business development efforts with institutional goals.
• Work closely with the global institutional group to share best practices and drive unified growth strategies.
  
  

Performance and Reporting:

• Develop and monitor performance metrics for agents, partners, and the business development team.
• Deliver detailed reports on partnership activities, market performance, and revenue growth.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements in international markets.
  
  

Requirements:

Experience And Qualifications

• Leadership Experience: 5+ years in a senior business development or partnership management role, preferably within the higher education sector.
• B2B Expertise: Extensive experience managing agent networks and institutional partnerships, with a focus on international student recruitment.
• Strategic Vision: Proven ability to develop and execute complex business strategies in competitive global markets.
• Market Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of the international education landscape, including trends, regulatory requirements, and cultural nuances.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills in English; proficiency in German or additional languages is a strong advantage.
• Collaboration: Demonstrated success in working cross-functionally and engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Analytical Skills: Proficiency in data analysis, forecasting, and CRM tools to inform decision-making and monitor performance.
• Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree in business, marketing, or a related field strongly preferred.
  
  

Other information:

Global University Systems equal opportunity employer. We provide equal opportunities and are committed to the principle of equality regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability.

The post holder may be asked to undertake different or additional duties in line with business requirements at the request of their line manager.

There is an expectation that all employees will maintain the values of the Group and will comply with the code of conduct as well as equality and diversity, health and safety and safeguarding policies.