Associate Director - Higher Education (Launchpad)

Role Overview

The Associate Director - Higher Education Launchpad will hold a senior leadership position within UKIBC, supporting UK and international higher education institutions operating in India through the Launchpad model. The role combines strategic advisory, account management, team leadership, and budget oversight, while contributing to UKIBC's broader higher education growth and engagement strategy in India.

The postholder will bring deep expertise in the UK Higher Education sector, strong experience in representing international universities (preferably UK-based), and the ability to operate as a trusted advisor to senior institutional leadership.

Key Responsibilities

Client Advisory & Account Management

• Act as a senior point of contact for Higher Education Launchpad clients, ensuring high-quality delivery and long-term relationship management.
• Provide strategic advisory support to UK and international universities on engagement, operations, and growth in India.
• Advise clients across core areas including:
• Transnational Education (TNE) models
• International Branch Campuses (IBC)
• Student recruitment strategies and partnerships in India
• Academic collaboration and institutional engagement
• Serve as Account Manager for a portfolio of key UK Higher Education universities, delivering exemplary client service.
• Identify opportunities to provide additional and value-added services to UKIBC Launchpad clients.

Student Recruitment Advisory (UG and PG)

• Provide consulting advice to UK universities International Office and dedicated team, on student recruitment strategies in India;
• Maintain a high level of market intelligence on student recruitment trends in India (UK Vs other Key International Markets). Positively engage with University delegation and VC / Deans visiting India provide market intelligence and challenges faced by UK Universities against other destinations.
• Work closely and manage UKIBC staff responsible for UKIBC UG engagement activities and outreach to schools and counsellors in India.

Team & Operational Management

• Lead and manage dedicated Launchpad teams supporting Higher Education clients.
• Oversee team performance, workload planning, and capability development.
• Ensure efficient day-to-day operations and timely delivery of client activities.

Budget & Financial Management

• Manage client-specific operational budgets for dedicated Launchpad teams.
• Monitor expenditure, forecasts, and utilisation against approved budgets.
• Work closely with internal finance teams to ensure financial discipline, transparency, and accuracy.

Strategic Projects & Business Development Support

• Support the Head of Launchpad on strategic initiatives, including:
• Advisory projects on TNE and IBC opportunities
• Market intelligence and policy developments affecting UKIndia higher education collaboration
• Student recruitment diversification strategies
• Lead and refine UKIBC initiatives focused on Industry engagement model for UK Universities.
• Work closely with Sales teams and UK-based colleagues to support commercial tenders and convert prospective leads into new contracts.
• Provide strategic advice to UKIBC senior management on business acquisition, client retention, and sector strategy.
• Contribute to thought leadership, proposals, presentations, and sector insights.
• Represent UKIBC at sector events, roundtables, and stakeholder engagements in India. Strong working relationship with stakeholders such as British Council, BUILA, AIU, ACU and similar bodies.

Skills & Experience

Essential

• Significant professional experience within the UK Higher Education sector or in roles representing international universities.
• Strong understanding of:
• UK higher education ecosystem and governance
• Internationalization strategies
• IndiaUK education engagement landscape
• Proven experience in account management, client advisory, or international education services.
• Demonstrated ability in team leadership and budget management.
• Experience in student recruitment strategy and operations in India.
• Excellent stakeholder management, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver strategic outcomes.
• Strong technology skills, including CRM systems (e.g., Pipedrive / Salesforce).

Desirable

• Direct experience working for or representing a UK university or UK-based education organisation.
• Exposure to TNE, IBC development, or institutional partnerships.
• Experience working with government bodies, regulators, or sector agencies in India or the UK.
• Experience running marketing campaigns and managing institution-to-institution partnerships.

Education

• Bachelor's degree from a UK or other international university (preferred).
• Master's degree, ideally MBA or equivalent.

Please email your CV, cover letter, and current compensation details to [Confidential Information].