Manager/Senior Manager - School Engagement & Partnerships

About Us
Acumen, established in 2008 under the Sannam S4 Group umbrella, is a premier internationalisation partner for educational institutions worldwide. Originating in India, we have expanded our services across Asia, North America, and beyond, providing comprehensive support to universities and organisations embarking on their global journeys.
Our Mission and Approach
Driven by research and rich data insights, Acumen offers innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of each partner. Our end-to-end services empower educational institutions to establish and enhance their international presence, ensuring they receive trusted guidance and expertise at every step.
Global Reach and Services
With a strong presence in India, South and Southeast Asia, and North America, Acumen delivers excellence in education consulting, advisory, and implementation. Our services include in-country representation, high school engagement, agent management, enrollment services, and strategic consulting, all designed to help institutions thrive in today's competitive international education landscape.
Our Team and Values
Our diverse team of over 300 professionals, with 70% female representation, embodies our core values: Collaboration, Agility, Impact, Empowerment, and Integrity. This commitment to diversity and inclusion fosters a dynamic and supportive environment, enabling us to deliver impactful solutions to our partners.
Why Choose Acumen
Our unique understanding of the education sector, combined with a people-first approach and student-focused insights, has made us an invaluable partner for educational institutions globally. We prioritise your needs, offering practitioner-led expertise and end-to-end support without taking commissions or selling services directly to students, ensuring our focus remains solely on enhancing your institution's success.
Partner with Acumen to navigate the complexities of international education and achieve sustainable growth in the global arena.
Role Summary
Strategic Partnership Development:
Identify, assess, and create access to potential high schools aligned with our mission and objectives.
Develop and implement a strategic partnership roadmap to expand and strengthen our organisation's presence within the education sector.
Relationship Management:
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with high school leaders, counselors, and educators to foster collaboration and partnership growth.
Serve as the primary point of contact for high school partners, addressing their needs and concerns promptly.
Outreach Strategy:
Design, implement, and oversee comprehensive outreach strategies aimed at engaging high schools including all stakeholders – students, educators, career counsellors, school leaders and parents.
Develop innovative and impactful programs and initiatives to connect with schools and students effectively.
Develop new products and services both offline and online to service K12 stakeholders to add value in our high school ecosystem
Collaboration and Cross-Functional Engagement:
Collaborate with other departments, clients and external resources to leverage resources and expertise for successful partnership outcomes.
Work closely with marketing and communications, territory teams and PS teams to promote outreach initiatives effectively.
Leadership:
Guide and support in-country representatives and other teams to help them achieve their high school KPIs.
Resource Allocation and Budget Management:
Manage the department's budget effectively, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently to achieve outreach and partnership goals.
Track expenses, monitor financial performance, and prepare regular reports for senior leadership.
Data Analysis and Reporting:
Collect and analyse data on outreach and partnership efforts to measure their impact and effectiveness.
Prepare reports and presentations to communicate outcomes and insights to internal and external stakeholders.
Required qualifications
Bachelor’s degree/MBA/Master’s degree
7+ years of work experience post-graduation.
Preferred candidates will have worked for 5+ years in the international education industry, with a detailed understanding of the dynamics of K12 sector and international student recruitment across key source markets. Ideally, they should also have some experience of international collaboration between international institutions and K12 schools.
Track record of effectively leading a team; ability to point to specific examples of having developed and operationalised partnership strategies.
Excellence in organisational management with the ability to build relationships and develop high-performing teams and set and achieve strategic objectives.
Past success working with communities and strategic partners, with the ability to cultivate existing relationships.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent interpersonal and multidisciplinary project skills.
Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, community-centred, and innovative approach to organising and community engagement.
Ability to work effectively in collaboration with diverse groups of people.
Desired/Preferred Skills
Quality – Takes accountability for the absolute high standard of client/partner delivery
Ownership – Takes overall accountability of the business, navigating matrix structures within Acumen and with clients/partners
Data Driven – Develops and depends on deep data-driven metrics and performance to drive business goals
Tech Savvy – Has experience and exposure in extracting value from CRM systems
Passion - idealism, integrity, positive attitude, mission-driven, and self-directed.
Benefits
Gain valuable industry exposure, enhance your professional network, and build skills that can boost future career opportunities
Be part of a globally recognised organisation in international education
Website Address: www.acumen.education
Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/acumen-edu/

Work arrangement
No