Role/Title: International Officer – supporting Cardiff University
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
About Us
Acumen, established in 2008 under the Sannam S4 Group umbrella, is a premier internationalization partner for educational institutions worldwide. Originating in India, we have expanded our services across Asia, North America, and beyond, providing comprehensive support to universities and organizations embarking on their global journeys.
Our Mission and Approach
Driven by research and rich data insights, Acumen offers innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of each partner. Our end-to-end services empower educational institutions to establish and enhance their international presence, ensuring they receive trusted guidance and expertise at every step.
Global Reach and Services
With a strong presence in India, South and Southeast Asia, and North America, Acumen delivers excellence in education consulting, advisory, and implementation. Our services include in-country representation, high school engagement, agent management, enrollment services, and strategic consulting, all designed to help institutions thrive in today's competitive international education landscape.
The Opportunity
We are looking for an International Officer supporting our client Cardiff University – a leading UK University seeking to diversify its international student cohort from a range of agreed growth markets. The role will be based in Malaysia. The primary role of the International Officer will be to work with the international team in implementing recruitment activities in the South East Asia region, ensuring that the activities are aligned with the University's International Student Growth Strategy.
*Cardiff University
Cardiff University is a global, ambitious and innovative university with a bold and strategic vision located in a beautiful and thriving capital city. With over 8,000 international students from more than 100 countries, our campus offers a diverse and truly international environment, attracting the best students and staff from around the world. We develop and support a culture which encourages international exchanges and collaborations, with over 17% of our undergraduate students spending time abroad. Our strategic partners and links with over 200 institutions worldwide highlight our global reputation and international outlook.
Role Summary:
Based in Malaysia, the International Officer will report directly to the Regional Manager and work closely with internal and external stakeholders to represent the global presence of the Cardiff University in the region. The job-holder's primary focus will be to develop and leverage recruitment networks, building on the existing Cardiff brand to grow numbers sustainably through an integrated multi-channel strategy in Malaysia and Indonesia
The role requires an individual who can work with trust, integrity, consistency and is proactive in engaging with all stakeholders, including students, parents, counsellors and recruitment partners. The position involves frequent, sophisticated interaction with international clients and significant travel time is required.
Key Responsibilities:
- Implement recruitment plans for Malaysia and Indonesia, to achieve the University's student recruitment goals. This will include: Agent Management; High school and university business development; Industry and Sector business relationship building
- Develop and drive marketing/business plans in line with Cardiff's regional recruitment strategy with a focus on achieving student enrolment targets.
- Represent the University at events, conferences and meetings to build profile and awareness of the University brand.
- Work collaboratively with other UK universities on recruitment opportunities, operating as part of wider consortium activity.
- Build strong internal relationships across the University, understanding internal processes and channels to support recruitment outcomes.
- Build strong working relationships with recruitment agents, including telephone and email communication. Conduct regular visits (virtual and in-person as required) to agent offices in to interview prospective students and engage with agency staff, providing training and guidance.
- Conduct school and institution partner visits to build sustainable relationships with staff and delivering presentations advising high school, college and university students about applying to the University.
- Plan and deliver conversion activities to increase enrolment.
- Manage email and telephone enquiries from prospective students and parents for Foundation, UG, PGT and PGR courses.
- Provide outstanding standards of service and partnership to all stakeholders across the University's faculty and divisions, including prospective and continuing international students, alumni, fellow staff members and external representatives.
- Identify opportunities for utilising faculty members for market development and take ownership of planning and delivering faculty visits, including building detailed itineraries, identifying the suitable institutions, and partners to engage with and ensuring visits are well executed and productive.
- Conduct market research to identify opportunities and challenges for the University, in competitive markets, particularly in areas where the university has less presence.
- Maintain a thorough knowledge of relevant standards, legislation and political frameworks (both the UK and that of emerging markets). Provide high-level advice and guidance on the business practices, protocols, principles, ethics in the emerging markets.
- Prepare and submit monthly and quarterly reports. Review collated statistics to inform planning and strategy, as requested by the senior University staff. Track expenses and manage a budget.
- Contribute to the annual market plan for Southeast Asia in consultation with the Regional Manager. Provide regular, informed market feedback to support international recruitment strategy, including market insight, competitor activity, entry requirements and emerging opportunities.
- Management responsibility for the Assistant International Officer, including planning and coordination of activities.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Completion of a degree and/or relevant combination of skills and experience.
- Demonstrated experience in international education recruitment or experience in sales and meeting/or exceeding targets with the ability to quickly acquire knowledge on international education.
- Experience of the higher education sector in UK preferably including study abroad, through work or study.
- Experience managing education agents and representing institutions in-market is highly desirable.
Knowledge, Skills and Competencies:
- Demonstrated knowledge of the SEA higher education sector and relevant high school and university sectors.
- Strong knowledge and understanding of the education system and understanding of the range of issues relevant to students contemplating study in UK.
- Sound knowledge of processes and procedures underpinning successful international student interest, such as enquiry management, admissions, immigration issues.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Creative and innovative approach to strategic thinking, problem solving, and market development.
- Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills including the ability to communicate and present effectively to groups, and with a diverse range of people and organisations.
- Excellent organisational skills including the ability to prioritise tasks and perform a diverse range of tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Demonstrated ability to work as a member of a matrix structure team, as well as work independently using initiative and judgement.
- Fluent in English.
- A valid passport with the ability to travel around South East Asia and internationally.
Benefits:
- Competitive compensation package
- Be part of a globally recognized organization in international education
If you're eager to work with a world-class team of professionals, passionate about international education and student mobility, and driven to make a meaningful impact in this exciting and dynamic field, we encourage you to apply.
