Business Development Manager

Job Description: Business Development Manager (Academic Partnerships and Marketing)

Title: Business Development Manager (Academic Partnerships and Marketing)

Department: Academic Affairs / Partnerships and Marketing Position

Overview: The Business Development Manager (Academic Partnerships and Marketing) is responsible for managing academic programs in collaboration with external partners and developing marketing strategies to promote these programs. This role involves fostering relationships with academic institutions, corporations, and industry stakeholders, while also overseeing the marketing efforts to drive awareness and enrollment in academic programs. The manager will collaborate closely with internal teams to ensure successful program execution, alignment with market demands, and effective promotion strategies.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Partnership Development & Management:

• Identify and cultivate academic partnerships with universities, schools, corporations, and government bodies to expand the institution's academic reach.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key partners to drive joint program development and collaborative initiatives.
• Collaborate with academic departments to align partner-driven programs with institutional goals, ensuring they meet market demand and academic quality standards.
• Negotiate partnership agreements, including Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and contracts, in coordination with the legal team.

2. Academic Program Management:

• Oversee the development, implementation, and management of academic programs in partnership with external institutions and organizations.
• Ensure that partnership-driven programs are delivered on time, within budget, and meet the quality and academic standards of the institution.
• Monitor program performance and student outcomes, providing feedback to academic teams to ensure continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with curriculum developers and instructional designers to ensure that academic content is relevant, engaging, and aligned with industry trends.

3. Marketing Strategy & Execution:

• Develop targeted marketing strategies to attract prospective students, corporate clients, and academic partners to the institution's programs.
• Leverage digital marketing tools, social media, and traditional marketing channels to enhance visibility and drive program enrollments.
• Collaborate with external marketing agencies, if required, to optimize reach and effectiveness.

4. Enrollment Growth & Student Engagement:

• Develop strategies to increase enrollment in academic programs, working closely with the marketing and admissions teams to attract a diverse range of students.
• Monitor student feedback and engagement in partnership-driven programs, making adjustments to improve retention and satisfaction.

5. Innovation & Market Trends:

• Stay informed of industry trends in education, EdTech, and marketing to identify innovative approaches to partnership and program promotion.
• Explore new opportunities for academic collaborations, leveraging emerging technologies and educational models.
• Identify and integrate new marketing tools, technologies, and strategies to enhance program visibility and enrollment.

6. Event Planning & Representation:

• Represent the institution at academic conferences, webinars, and other industry events to promote partnerships and academic programs.
• Organize and host events, workshops, or webinars to showcase the institution's academic offerings and attract potential students and partners.
• Work with external partners to co-host joint events and promotional activities that highlight collaboration initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Education, Marketing, Business, or a related field. A Master's degree in Business Administration (MBA), Educational Leadership, or Marketing is preferred.

• Experience:

• 2-8 years of experience in academic program management, partnership development, or marketing in an education or EdTech environment/similar.
• Experience managing academic collaborations and partnerships with universities, schools, and corporations.
• Proven experience in developing and executing marketing strategies to promote academic programs.
• Experience in managing online and blended learning programs is a plus.

• Soft Skills:

• Excellent negotiation, communication, and relationship management skills, with the ability to work with a wide range of partners and stakeholders.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and campaigns simultaneously.
• Leadership abilities to drive collaboration across internal teams and external partners.
• Creative problem-solving skills to address challenges in program delivery and marketing campaigns.