📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Head of Stakeholder Engagement, APAC Partnerships
🔹 Company: IDP Education Pty Ltd
🔹 Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
🔹 Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
🔹 Category: Education Administration Programs
🔹 Date Posted: July 10, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Melbourne preferred, but open to other locations)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Driving strategic stakeholder engagement across Australia and New Zealand
- Shaping partnerships strategy, informing policy, and positioning IDP and IELTS as sector leaders
- Coordinating IDP's strategic advisory board and client advisory panels
- Collaborating with global teams to enhance cross-sector collaboration and transcend stakeholder strategies
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of the international education landscape and policy environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead strategic engagement with government bodies, NGOs, education providers, and sector groups to position IDP and IELTS as trusted leaders
✅ Drive advocacy and inform policy, leveraging data and insights to influence sector-wide decisions
✅ Coordinate advisory panels and strategic boards, bringing together thought leaders to co-create innovative solutions
✅ Shape messaging and outreach, working closely with marketing, communications, and global strategy teams
✅ Represent IDP in high-level forums, consultations, and media engagements, amplifying our voice and vision
ASSUMPTION: This role involves frequent travel and requires the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Education, International Relations, Business, or a related discipline)
Experience: Proven leadership in stakeholder engagement, government relations, and advocacy with a focus on the international education sector
Required Skills:
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with a flair for storytelling through data
- Deep understanding of the international education landscape and policy environment
- Experience in commercial environments, including contract management and strategic partnerships
- Ability to convene senior networks, influence decision-makers, and drive cross-sector collaboration
Preferred Skills:
- Fluency in multiple languages
- Experience working in a global organization
ASSUMPTION: A master's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience may be beneficial but is not required.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: AUD 150,000 - 180,000 per annum (based on experience and qualifications)
Benefits:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Global career opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements
Working Hours: Full-time, with some flexibility for remote work
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: IDP operates in the education administration programs industry, focusing on international education services, student placement, and English language testing.
Company Size: IDP is a large organization with over 5,000 employees globally, providing a diverse and dynamic work environment.
Founded: IDP was founded in 1969 and has since grown into a global leader in international education services.
Company Description:
- IDP is the global leader in international education services, delivering global success to students, test takers, and partners through trusted human relationships, digital technology, and customer research.
- The company offers a range of services, including English language testing (IELTS), student placement, and digital marketing solutions for education institutions.
- IDP is committed to making global success personal by helping local dreams become realities worldwide.
Company Specialties:
- Student Placement
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- English Language Teaching
- Digital Marketing
Company Website: careers.idp.com
ASSUMPTION: IDP's global presence and diverse range of services offer unique opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is a senior leadership position, requiring strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
Reporting Structure: The role reports to the Director, Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement, APAC.
Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid role, with a preference for Melbourne but open to other locations across Australia. The role requires some travel for stakeholder engagement and meetings.
Growth Opportunities:
- Progression to a more senior role within IDP's global organization
- Expanding expertise in international education policy and advocacy
- Developing leadership skills through managing and mentoring team members
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within IDP's global organization.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: IDP's offices are modern and collaborative workspaces, fostering innovation and teamwork.
Office Location(s): IDP has offices in Melbourne, Sydney, and other major cities across Australia and New Zealand.
Geographic Context:
- Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Other locations across Australia
Work Schedule: The role requires a standard full-time work schedule, with some flexibility for remote work.
ASSUMPTION: IDP's offices provide a supportive and inclusive work environment, with opportunities for collaboration and professional development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screening
- In-depth interviews with hiring managers and team members
- Final interviews with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Communication and negotiation skills
- Understanding of the international education landscape and policy environment
- Leadership and teamwork abilities
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and policy-informing work
- Research IDP's organization, mission, and values to demonstrate your cultural fit
ATS Keywords: Stakeholder Engagement, Government Relations, Advocacy, Communication, Negotiation, Data Analysis, Contract Management, Strategic Partnerships, Cross-Sector Collaboration
ASSUMPTION: IDP's recruitment process is thorough and competitive, with a focus on finding the best fit for both the company and the candidate.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., Salesforce, HubSpot)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
ASSUMPTION: IDP provides the necessary tools and technologies for employees to perform their jobs effectively.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Customer-first
- Global
- Inclusive
- Expert
- Innovative
Work Style:
- Collaborative
- Adaptable
- Results-driven
- Data-informed
- Customer-focused
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a proven track record of building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders?
- Are you comfortable working in a global organization and collaborating with diverse teams?
- Do you thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced work environment?
ASSUMPTION: IDP values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration, fostering a supportive and engaging work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The role requires frequent travel and may involve working with tight deadlines
- IDP operates in a competitive and rapidly evolving international education landscape
- The role may involve navigating complex political and policy environments
- IDP's global presence may require working with diverse teams and managing cultural differences
ASSUMPTION: IDP provides the necessary support and resources to help employees overcome challenges and succeed in their roles.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on strategic stakeholder engagement and advocacy within the international education sector
- Similar roles may include Government Relations Manager, Policy Advisor, or Strategic Partnerships Manager, but with a different focus or scope
- Career progression may involve moving into more senior leadership or specialist roles within IDP's global organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to shape IDP's partnerships strategy and position the company as a sector leader.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and implementing a strategic engagement plan for a key stakeholder group
- Convening a thought leadership event to inform policy and drive cross-sector collaboration
- Negotiating a strategic partnership agreement with a government agency or education provider
ASSUMPTION: IDP offers a range of challenging and rewarding projects that allow employees to make a significant impact on the organization's success.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into IDP's global partnerships strategy?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
- How does IDP support the professional development and growth of its employees?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare for them?
- How does IDP foster a culture of inclusion and diversity?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in and understanding of the role and organization.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through the IDP job portal
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare examples of your stakeholder engagement, advocacy, and policy-informing work
- Research IDP's organization, mission, and values to demonstrate your cultural fit
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
