Job Description
ABOUT THE COMPANY
ACUMEN, part of the Sannam S4 Group, is dedicated to supporting globally ambitious education organisations in exploring, entering, and expanding internationally. We offer strategic insights and actionable solutions to universities, vocational training providers, schools, governments, and other education-related institutions. Our services span market research, consulting, student recruitment, admissions and partnership development, allowing us to act as an extension of our partners’ teams in over 20 countries worldwide.
Our market leading reputation, enables us to proudly partner with more than 80 high ranked, globally ambitious educational universities in Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, New Zealand and to be trusted globally serve foreign governments on their higher education, migration and people mobility strategies. At our core, we are committed to helping our partners achieve success, fostering lasting relationships, and driving impactful results.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Acumen’s PACE service has grown rapidly since being established in 2021 and serves global institutions with their enrolment and admissions administration, now serving over 250,000 student applications from over 50 countries. Our team consults with foreign governments on our data, trends and insights to inform better policy and visa administration practice. Our proposition is unique in that it is adopted as part of a go to market solution for many of university partners who use us for their in-country representation and transnational education strategy and implementation programs.
As our Director of Partnership Development you will play a pivotal role in Acumen’s UK-based education team. This position focuses on identifying, nurturing, and securing new business opportunities, strengthening relationships with existing partners, and integrating innovative technology solutions to streamline enrolment services and improve institutional capacity.
We are seeking an experienced professional with a deep understanding of university enrolment and admissions ecosystems, expertise in tech-enabled education solutions, and a demonstrated ability to drive revenue growth through strategic partnership development.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
New Business Development & Revenue Growth
* Promote Solutions: Actively market Acumen’s offerings, including PACE Enrolment Solutions, to educational institutions globally.
* Pipeline Management: Build and maintain a robust sales pipeline by identifying, engaging, and nurturing new leads and tender opportunities.
* Revenue Target Achievement: Drive revenue growth by meeting or exceeding sales and profitability goals.
* Strategic Partnerships: Forge and expand relationships with universities, colleges, and government agencies.
* Market Expansion: Identify and penetrate new markets and service lines, aligning with global education trends.
Consulting & Technology-Driven Innovation
* Advisory Role: Serve as a trusted advisor to partners, guiding them on international recruitment strategies and best practices in enrolment management systems (e.g., Salesforce, SITS, Ellucian).
* Tech Enablement: Leverage innovative tools such as CRM platforms, AI-based assessment tools, and automation software to optimise enrolment services.
Relationship Management
* Partner Engagement: Cultivate long-term, multi-service partnerships, ensuring partner satisfaction and trust.
* Upselling & Cross-Selling: Identify opportunities to enhance partner engagement by introducing additional Acumen services.
* Service Excellence: Collaborate with internal teams to deliver exceptional service and exceed client expectations.
Leadership & Collaboration
* Team Collaboration: Work closely with Acumen’s global teams to share insights and foster innovation and product / service improvement to our PACE service.
* Mentorship: Lead by example, motivating team members to achieve benchmarks and develop professionally.
* Strategic Planning: Contribute to the organisation’s strategic vision, aligning initiatives with market demands and innovative trends.
Operational Excellence
* Ensure accurate data management in CRM systems to support data-driven decision-making.
* Provide detailed reports on performance, including pipeline growth, revenue, and profitability metrics.
PERSONAL SPECIFICATION
Qualifications and Experience:
* Educated to degree level or equivalent (essential); postgraduate or professional qualifications (desirable).
* A minimum of 10 years’ experience in international higher education, focusing on student recruitment, marketing, partnership management, or enrolment services.
* Proven ability to meet and exceed revenue targets through consultative sales and relationship management.
* Experience working with senior stakeholders in complex, matrixed environments.
* Demonstrated expertise in student management systems (e.g., SITS, Callista, Salesforce) and enrolment processes.
* Familiarity with international student recruitment and related policies, including admissions and immigration.
Skills and Competencies:
* Strategic Thinking: Creative and innovative approach to identifying opportunities and solving challenges.
* Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
* Networking: Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to establish rapport with senior stakeholders across universities.
* Data-Driven: Dependence on metrics and performance data to drive results and inform decision-making.
* Leadership: Ability to motivate teams, set benchmarks, and lead by example.
* Tech Savvy: Skilled in CRM systems and other digital tools to support sales and partner management.
Attributes:
* Cultural awareness and experience working with international organisations.
* Highly self-motivated, with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.
* Willingness to travel as needed and work outside traditional office hours when required.
BENEFITS
* Competitive salary and uncapped performance-based bonus.
* Opportunity to work with a leading global organisation in international education.
* Flexible, remote working environment with opportunities for travel and professional development.
If you are passionate about international education and ready to make a meaningful impact in this exciting and dynamic field, we encourage you to apply!
Website Address: www.acumen.education
Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acumen-edu/