Associate Director, Partnerships Development

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 industries

· Demonstrated ability to establish, manage, and grow strategic partnerships with universities, education bureaus, and other education providers

· Strong negotiation and contract management skills, with a track record of delivering measurable business outcomes through strategic collaborations

· Deep understanding of the Southeast Asian higher education landscape, including regulatory frameworks, competitive dynamics, and emerging trends

· Well-connected with key stakeholders in the education sector; able to build and sustain trusted relationships at senior levels across diverse markets

· Outstanding 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 plus, as you will be required to liaise with regional stakeholders frequently

· Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and influence both internal teams and external partners in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.