Role/Title:
Director – Partnership Development
Location:
United Kingdom (Work from Home)
Start Date:
As soon as possible
Reporting To:
Executive Director, UK, Europe & North America
About Us
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, and partnership development, allowing us to act as an extension of our partners’ teams in over 20 countries worldwide.
We are proud to partner with more than 80 educational institutions, including leading universities in the UK and Europe and to serve international governments on their higher education strategies. At our core, we are committed to helping our partners achieve success, fostering lasting relationships, and driving impactful results.
The Opportunity
The Director of Partnership Development will play a pivotal role in Acumen’s UK-based team. The position focuses on identifying, nurturing, and securing new business opportunities while strengthening relationships with existing partners, particularly in the higher education sector. The role involves consulting with universities, advising on strategic international education projects, and delivering solutions that enhance enrolment processes and build institutional capacity.
We are seeking an experienced professional with a deep understanding of university ecosystems and decision-making processes. A strong network of senior contacts within the sector and a demonstrated ability to build and maintain trusted partnerships are essential.
Responsibilities
The following responsibilities are at the core of the role of Director – Partnership Development.
* Identify, create, nurture and act upon new business opportunities for Acumen, predominantly in the international Higher Education sector.
* Respond to enquiries and tender opportunities, nurturing such leads to a positive conclusion.
* Identify, develop and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders across the Higher Education sector in the UK and the EU such as (but not limited to); Heads and Directors of International, PVCs of International, Regional Recruitment Directors, Marketing, Admissions, Legal and Finance leads. Specifically for target institutions.
* Collaborate closely with colleagues within the UK and Europe team as well as delivery teams in India, Southeast Asia and North America in order to assist in the delivery of ambitious objectives and growth targets.
* Maintain a small portfolio of university accounts, and collaborate closely with international colleagues from within Delivery Success teams to ensure that Acumen’s services are being delivered to the defined portfolio of partners to the highest possible standards.
* Identify/create and act upon opportunities to broaden and deepen Acumen’s product and services delivery within each of the partners that fall within your portfolio.
* Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of the challenges and opportunities (for Acumen) to deliver services across the sector, to new clients within each of the partners that fall within your portfolio, and ensure that Acumen is well placed to address challenges and seize opportunities.
* Ensure that accurate records are created in the CRM and maintained for each partner, enabling Acumen to track revenue, margin and key relationships in real-time.
* Ensure effective information collation and analysis of market opportunities, and provide information to develop reports of performance against agreed targets, budgets and metrics (including pipeline, revenue and profitability).
* Capture and relay appropriate higher education sector knowledge and data to partner contacts to ensure a value-add service is being provided to each partner within the Acumen portfolio.
* Hold appropriately regular meetings with partners and delivery teams to ensure that service delivery expectations are being met.
* Promptly respond to enquiries from partners and resolve issues as quickly as possible (with the support of other Acumen staff members).
* Set benchmarks and lead by example in providing outstanding standards of service and partnership with all stakeholders across the partner’s stakeholder group.
* Maintain a thorough knowledge of relevant standards, legislation and political frameworks (both the UK and European markets).
Person 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 (including public speaking at conferences).
* 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.
* 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 performance-based bonus (20%).
* Private healthcare and Pension Scheme
* 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/