Associate Director Partnerships Development, Southeast Asia

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Associate Director Partnerships Development, Southeast Asia

🔹 Company: Study Group

🔹 Location: Singapore

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

🔹 Category: Higher Education

🔹 Date Posted: July 30, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing a comprehensive partnerships strategy for Southeast Asia
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with universities and key education partners
• Leading negotiations and contract discussions for new partnerships
• Collaborating cross-functionally with internal teams for seamless partnership implementation
• Tracking key performance indicators and conducting regular reviews of partnership progress

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of the higher education landscape in Southeast Asia.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Developing and executing a comprehensive partnerships strategy to establish and maintain strong relationships with universities and other key education partners in Southeast Asia

✅ Identifying, evaluating, and pursuing partnership opportunities that align with the organization's goals and objectives

✅ Leading negotiations and contract discussions to establish new partnerships, ensuring they are compliant with organizational policies and regulations

✅ Building and nurturing relationships with university leaders, faculty, and industry partners across the region

✅ Collaborating cross-functionally with internal teams including product, marketing, admissions, and program management to ensure seamless partnership implementation

✅ Providing ongoing support and communication to partner institutions to drive successful outcomes

✅ Tracking key performance indicators and conducting regular reviews of partnership progress and impact

✅ Preparing timely and accurate reports for senior leadership on partnership activities and outcomes

✅ Leveraging market insights to inform partnership strategies and identify new opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of autonomy and requires strong project management skills to manage multiple partnerships simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field; advanced degree preferred

Experience: 8-15 years of experience in partnerships, business development, or account management, ideally in the higher education sector

Required Skills:

• Excellent negotiation, contract management, and problem-solving skills
• Strong understanding of the higher education landscape in Southeast Asia, including industry trends, competitor analysis, and regulatory environment
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills in English (verbal and written)
• Experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and strong leadership skills to inspire and motivate a team

Preferred Skills:

• Proficiency in one or more Southeast Asian languages (e.g., Bahasa Malaysia, Bahasa Indonesia, Vietnamese, Thai)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a proven track record of successfully establishing and managing strategic partnerships with universities and education providers are highly valued.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on industry standards for a senior-level role in the higher education sector in Singapore, the estimated salary range is SGD 150,000 - SGD 250,000 per annum. This estimate is subject to change based on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Competitive benefits package
• Opportunities for professional development and growth
• Global network of offices and university partnerships

Working Hours: Full-time position with standard office hours, Monday to Friday. Occasional work on weekends may be required to attend events or meet deadlines.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's experience, qualifications, and market conditions.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Higher Education. Study Group is a global leader in preparing students for international academic success and rewarding careers through life-changing learning.

Company Size: Study Group has 1,001-5,000 employees, providing a large and diverse work environment with ample opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: Study Group was founded in 1994 and has since grown into a global organization with a presence in multiple countries.

Company Description:

• Study Group provides education through International Study Centres (ISCs) in collaboration with leading universities
• Their pathway programmes provide the language, academic, and social skills that students need for university progression and continued success in a global society
• Study Group believes that multicultural learning environments are beneficial for all and helps international students from across the world adjust to life at all their partnering universities

Company Specialties:

• Higher Education
• Career Education
• International student recruitment
• International education

Company Website: www.studygroup.com

ASSUMPTION: Study Group's global presence and commitment to international education provide unique opportunities for employees to work on diverse projects and collaborate with colleagues from around the world.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior-level role with significant autonomy and responsibility for driving strategic partnerships across Southeast Asia

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Regional Director of Partnerships and may have supervisory responsibilities for junior partnerships staff

Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time position with standard office hours and occasional weekend work as required

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential for career progression within the partnerships team or other departments within Study Group
• Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and contribute to the organization's growth in Southeast Asia
• Chance to develop expertise in the higher education sector and build a strong professional network

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to make a meaningful impact on the organization's success in the region.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Modern, collaborative office space in Singapore's central business district

Office Location(s): Britannia House, 21 Station Street, Brighton, BN1 4DE, GB; 200 S Wacker Dr Fl 31, Chicago, Illinois 60606, US; 135 Cecil Street, #13-01 Philippine Airlines Building, Singapore, 069536, SG; Bhutani Technopark (Logix technopark), Tower D, 5th Floor, Sector 127, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201313, IN

Geographic Context:

• Singapore is a global hub for higher education, with a vibrant and diverse student population
• The city-state is known for its multicultural environment, excellent infrastructure, and high quality of life
• Singapore's strategic location in Southeast Asia makes it an ideal base for regional partnerships and collaborations

Work Schedule: Standard office hours, Monday to Friday, with occasional weekend work as required

ASSUMPTION: The dynamic and multicultural work environment in Singapore provides a stimulating and engaging setting for this role.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the HR department
• In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and other relevant stakeholders
• Final round interviews with senior leadership

Key Assessment Areas:

• Cultural fit and alignment with Study Group's values
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
• Communication and presentation skills
• Knowledge of the higher education landscape in Southeast Asia

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of the higher education sector and Study Group's mission and values
• Prepare examples of your past partnerships and collaborations to discuss during the interview

ATS Keywords: Partnership Development, Business Development, Account Management, Negotiation, Contract Management, Higher Education, Southeast Asia, Strategic Planning, Stakeholder Management, Market Insights, Cross-Functional Collaboration, Leadership, Relationship Building, Performance Tracking

ASSUMPTION: Study Group's recruitment process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best possible fit for the organization and the role.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Video conferencing tools (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for the higher education sector and can be easily adapted by candidates with relevant experience.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Student-centric
• Collaborative
• Innovative
• Respectful
• Accountable

Work Style:

• Dynamic and fast-paced
• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Results-driven and focused on achieving outcomes

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you have a proven track record of successfully establishing and managing strategic partnerships in the higher education sector?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment and able to manage multiple partnerships simultaneously?
• Do you have strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire and motivate a team?

ASSUMPTION: Study Group values candidates who are passionate about education, committed to delivering exceptional student outcomes, and able to thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work environment.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple partnerships simultaneously, each with its own unique requirements and priorities
• Navigating the complex regulatory environment and cultural nuances of the higher education sector in Southeast Asia
• Balancing the need for strategic, long-term partnerships with the demands of short-term project work
• Adapting to the fast-paced and sometimes unpredictable nature of the higher education sector

ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome by a proactive, strategic, and adaptable approach, leveraging strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to other senior-level partnerships roles in the higher education sector, but with a specific focus on Southeast Asia and the unique cultural and regulatory context of the region
• Compared to other industries, the higher education sector places a strong emphasis on relationships, collaboration, and long-term strategic partnerships
• Career progression in this role could lead to senior leadership positions within Study Group or other higher education organizations

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain expertise in the higher education sector and build a strong professional network in Southeast Asia.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a comprehensive partnerships strategy for a new university in Indonesia
• Negotiating and implementing a multi-year partnership agreement with a major education provider in Vietnam
• Managing a portfolio of existing partnerships, ensuring their ongoing success and identifying opportunities for growth and expansion

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic and operational aspects of the role, as well as the need for strong project management and stakeholder management skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the current partnerships portfolio and how this role will contribute to its growth and success?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does Study Group support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What are the most challenging aspects of working in the higher education sector in Southeast Asia, and how can this role address them?
• How does Study Group measure the success of its partnerships, and how will this role be evaluated?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a proactive and strategic approach to the role, as well as a strong interest in the organization and its mission.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link: https://studygroupuk.applytojob.com/apply/uiiOCHR8uA/Associate-Director-Partnerships-Development-Southeast-Asia
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your past partnerships and collaborations to discuss during the interview
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.