Head of Country supporting an Australian university

Role/Title: Head of CountryLocation: New Delhi / BengaluruAbout UsAcumen, 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 ApproachDriven 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 ServicesWith 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 ValuesOur diverse team of over 300 professionals, with a 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 AcumenOur 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.The OpportunitySeeking a dynamic and strategic professional to serve as Country Head for a leading Australian university, driving its engagement and partnerships across India and South Asia. The role will lead student recruitment, institutional collaborations, research partnerships, and alumni relations while representing the university with senior stakeholders across the education, government, and corporate sectors.The ideal candidate will bring strong leadership, relationship management, and market development experience in international higher education. This position requires close coordination with the university’s on-campus teams, proactive stakeholder engagement, and flexibility to travel frequently within India and occasionally overseas. A self-motivated and organized professional, the Country Head will play a key role in strengthening the university’s regional presence and advancing its global strategic priorities.Role Summary :Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Market Development- Lead the implementation of the university’s regional strategy to enhance student recruitment, academic partnerships, and research collaborations.- Develop and execute marketing and outreach campaigns to attract high-quality Indian students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.- Provide quarterly insights on market trends, policy shifts, and factors affecting student mobility, competition, and partnership opportunities.- Oversee the development of country-level business plans, budgets, and performance metrics aligned with the university’s global objectives.Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Building- Build and strengthen relationships with senior leaders of Indian institutions, government bodies, and education agents to support recruitment and engagement objectives.- Represent the university at key education fairs, events, and conferences across India and South Asia.- Support the development of institutional partnerships, articulation pathways, and collaborative research initiatives aligned with the university’s priorities.- Develop and manage an alumni ambassador network to enhance brand visibility and student engagement.Operational Management & Coordination- Serve as the central point of coordination between the university’s on-campus teams and regional stakeholders.- Lead and manage local operations, including event planning, recruitment activities, and reporting.- Ensure efficient use of resources and adherence to institutional policies and compliance frameworks.- Collaborate closely with the university’s admissions, marketing, and global engagement offices to deliver a seamless student experience.Reporting & Insights- Provide regular market intelligence, data analysis, and recommendations to inform university leadership.- Track recruitment outcomes, campaign performance, and conversion rates.- Maintain detailed records of partnerships, leads, and activities for internal reporting.Qualifications and Experience:- Educated to degree level or equivalent.- Relevant postgraduate or professional qualification.- A degree or professional qualification from an Australian university is desirableSkills and Competencies:- 10+ years of progressive experience in international higher education, partnerships, or market development.- Proven track record in student recruitment and institutional engagement within India or South Asia.- Strong understanding of the Australian higher education landscape, NEP 2020, and regional policy frameworks.- Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.- Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and collaborate across global time zones.- IT literacy and adequately conversant with Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.- Knowledge of the Indian Higher Education system.Attributes:- Collaborative working style to motivate teams.- Strong interpersonal, networking, and relationship management skills.- Self-motivated; able to manage high workloads, meet deadlines, and resolve work issues.- Attention to detail.- Understanding of student visa regulations.- Flexible, adaptable, and able to work independently or in a team.- Willingness to work outside office hours and travel as required.If you are eager to Lead and drive the university’s strategic partnerships, student recruitment, and regional engagement across India while managing operations and stakeholder relationships then this opportunity is for you.Website Address: Media: