Role/Title: Regional Manager – supporting Durham 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, enrolment services, and strategic consulting, all designed to help institutions thrive in today's competitive international education landscape.
The Opportunity
We are looking for a senior international education professional to support our client Durham University in UK, to fulfill its objectives across the Southeast Asia region.
The job-holder's primary focus will be to develop and leverage recruitment networks, building on the existing Durham brand to grow numbers sustainably through an integrated multi-channel strategy for a portfolio of Southeast Asian recruitment markets. Responsibilities include developing market strategy, brand building, agent management and partnership development as directed by the Regional Manager based in Durham, UK. The position involves frequent, sophisticated interaction with international clients and significant travel time is required.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, driven and flexible candidate based in Kuala Lumpur, with recent experience of working in student recruitment or a similar environment. The successful candidate will be an experienced, well-networked recruitment professional able to present a high quality, research-led proposition to the market, also with strong commercial acumen.
Role Summary:
As a Regional Manager, you will implement marketing plans to recruit students from markets within Southeast Asia. Specifically, you will:
- Develop positive relationships with key stakeholders across Southeast Asia such as high schools, education agents, prospective students and parents, scholarship bodies, institutions and other key stakeholders
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders
- Enhance student attraction, conversion and retention
Key Responsibilities:
- Implement Durham's recruitment plans for specific markets within Southeast Asia to achieve the University's student recruitment goals. This will include: Agent Management; High school and university business development; and Industry and Sector business relationship building, supporting HE collaborations with colleges and universities across Southeast Asia
- Develop and drive marketing/business plans in line with Durham's regional recruitment strategy with a focus on achieving student enrolment targets. Conduct market research to identify opportunities and challenges for the University.
- Build an understanding of the University's programmes and USPs.
- Represent the University at events, conferences and meetings to build profile and awareness of the University brand. Develop relationships with government, business and industry, the education sector, the media and wider community interest groups to support Durham's regional objectives.
- Identify, develop and maintain the University's relationships with key stakeholders (colleges, agencies, high schools, alumni, government departments and offices, corporate entities etc.)
- Build strong working relationships with recruitment agents, including telephone and email communication. Conduct regular visits (virtual and in-person as required) to agent offices to interview prospective students and engage with agency staff.
- Conduct school visits (virtual and in-person as required) to build relationships with school staff and deliver presentations advising high school students about applying to the University.
- Conduct follow-ups of enquirers met at recruitment events to increase enquirer-application conversion.
- Answer email and telephone enquiries from prospective students and parents for Foundation, UG, PGT and PGR courses at the University.
- Aid in the identification, selection and maintenance of relevant HE institutions in Southeast Asia for academic partnerships and various collaborations with the University.
- Identify new or underdeveloped recruitment channels beyond direct recruitment through partnership with sponsors or further education institutions.
- Provide outstanding standards of service and partnership with all stakeholders across the University's faculty and divisions, including prospective and continuing international students, alumni, fellow staff members and external representatives.
- 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 based in Durham, UK. Conduct market research e.g. gathering contact information for high school counsellors, competitor institution entry requirements from Southeast Asia.
Qualifications and Experience:
- Completion of a degree and/or relevant combination of skills and experience.
- Minimum 5–6 years experience in international student recruitment or international higher 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:
- 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.
- Good knowledge of Southeast Asian education markets.
- 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.
