Manager / Assistant Manager – Corporate Relations / Strategic Partnerships

Department: Industry Relations, Strategic Partnerships, Entrepreneurship & Alumni Relations

Location: AAFT, Noida

Level: Assistant Manager / Manager

Function: Corporate Relations & Partnerships

About the Role

We are looking for a smart, energetic and highly organised professional to strengthen our Industry

Relations & Strategic Partnerships.

The role will focus on building and managing relationships with corporates, industry professionals,

organisations, startups, founders and other external stakeholders, while ensuring that partnerships are

effectively converted into meaningful opportunities and executed smoothly.

The position requires a balance of business development, relationship management and internal

operations. The ideal candidate should be equally comfortable initiating a conversation with a senior

industry stakeholder and managing the internal follow-through required to deliver a successful

engagement.

The role will also support the Entrepreneurship Cell (E-Cell) by developing relevant industry and

entrepreneurial connections and facilitating programmes, interactions and opportunities for students.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, develop and manage strategic partnerships aligned with AAFT's academic and

institutional objectives.

• Build a strong pipeline of prospective partners through research, networking, outreach,

referrals and existing industry relationships.

• Initiate conversations, prepare proposals, coordinate meetings and drive partnerships towards

closure.

• Develop partnerships that create tangible opportunities such as industry interactions,

workshops, masterclasses, internships, live projects, mentorships and other relevant student

engagements.

• Manage the complete partnership lifecycle — lead generation, outreach, proposal, internal

alignment, and relationship management.

• Support the functioning of the E-Cell by connecting with founders, entrepreneurs, mentors,

investors, incubators and relevant industry networks.

• Coordinate industry and entrepreneurship-led activities, ensuring stakeholder coordination,

timelines, participation and execution.

• Coordinate with the Department Head for senior-level meetings, including scheduling,

briefing, agenda preparation, stakeholder coordination and follow-up.• Maintain structured partnership databases, trackers, proposals, meeting records, follow-ups

and engagement reports.

• Ensure timely follow-ups and closure of commitments with both internal and external

stakeholders.

• Identify new opportunities, networks and industry trends that can strengthen AAFT's

corporate connect, student exposure and institutional partnerships.

• Provide regular updates to Head of the Deptt. on the partnership pipeline, active engagements,

opportunities and outcomes.

What We Are Looking For

The ideal candidate should be:

• Relationship-oriented but strongly execution-focused.

• Comfortable speaking with external stakeholders and conduct meetings.

• Confident and professional communicator; fluency in English will be preferred.

• Good at initiating conversations and building professional relationships.

• Good negotiation and stakeholder management skills, with a practical understanding of

industry relations.

• Strong in follow-ups — someone who does not allow opportunities to remain stuck at the

conversation stage.

• Organised and capable of handling multiple partnerships and departmental activities

simultaneously.

• Curious and research-oriented, with the ability to explore organisations, industries, people and

new opportunities independently.

• Should be open to travel, external meetings and field visits for business development,

partnership closures and relationship management.

• Quick learner with the ability to understand new industries, business requirements and

opportunities quickly.

• Proactive, energetic and comfortable working in a fast-paced academic-industry environment.

• Experience in corporate relations, business development, strategic partnerships, industry

engagement or higher education will be an advantage.

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who can convert ideas into action.

Preferred Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of relevant experience in areas such as corporate relations, strategic

partnerships, business development, higher education or event-led partnerships.Experience of working with universities, educational institutions, corporates or professional networks

will be an advantage.

Candidates from business development, partnerships, corporate relations, or higher-education

engagement roles may also be considered, provided they demonstrate strong relationship-building

and execution capabilities.

Education

• Graduate / Postgraduate in Management, Business, Communications, Marketing, Education

or a relevant discipline.

• MBA / PGDM or equivalent qualification will be an advantage but is not mandatory for a

strong candidate.

Core Skills

Business Communication | Stakeholder Management | Business Development | Event & Programme

Reporting | Basic AI literacy

Manager - Corporate Relations