Associate Director Business Development

Overview

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.

• 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 aligns 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, identifying new opportunities and enhance competitive advantage
• Deliver timely, accurate and commercially focused reports to senior leadership on partnership activities, pipeline progress and market opportunities

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field; 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 relevant 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 educational 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 additional Southeast Asian languages (e.g. Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Vietnamese, Thai) is a plus, as you will be required to liaise with stakeholders in Indonesia and Vietnam frequently
• Strong leadership acumen with the ability to inspire and influence both internal teams and external partners in a fast-paced and results-driven environment

We regret that only shortlisted applicants would be notified

EA License No: 25C2690