Senior Partnerships Manager, Asia Pacific

About University College Dublin (UCD)

Founded in 1854, University College Dublin (UCD) is Ireland's largest university and one of Europe's leading research-intensive institutions. Home to almost 40,000 students with over 12,000 international students from 152 countries. UCD combines strong Irish roots with global reach and ambition.  The UCD Asia Pacific Global Centre in Kuala Lumpur is part of a global network supporting student recruitment, strategic partnerships, and regional stakeholder engagement across APAC.  

Role Overview

As the Senior Partnerships Manager, Asia Pacific, you will lead collaborative programme development and relationship management across the APAC region to support UCD's Global Engagement Strategy. Working closely with the Regional Director, APAC, you will drive sustainable revenue and student recruitment channels through international partnerships, expanding UCD's presence and profile in key regional markets.  

Key Responsibilities

• Partnership & Business Development: Identify, negotiate, and establish diverse academic partnerships (e.g., progression, articulation, dual delivery, study abroad, and research collaboration).  
• Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate strong relationships with universities, high schools, alumni networks, government bodies, embassies, and corporate entities across the APAC region.  
• Market Intelligence & Planning: Conduct market research, track sector trends, analyze regional data, and develop strategic plans to drive international student recruitment through partner channels.  
• Marketing & Delegation Support: Collaborate with internal marketing teams on campaigns, represent UCD at international sector events, and coordinate senior executive delegations.  
• Travel & Operations: Undertake regular travel throughout the Asia Pacific region (and occasional travel to Ireland).  

Requirements & Qualifications

Essential:

• Right to work in Malaysia.  
• A Bachelor's or Master's degree.  
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Higher Education or a comparable sector, with a proven track record in international partnership development, student recruitment, or marketing.  
• Demonstrated ability to create income-generating academic, government, or industry partnerships.  
• Strong understanding of academic partnership models (articulation, progression, dual degrees).  
• Excellent negotiation, diplomatic, and stakeholder management skills at senior management levels.  
• Strong analytical, qualitative, and quantitative skills for business proposals and market reporting.  
• High level of English language proficiency with exceptional written and verbal communication.  
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly across the Asia Pacific region.  

Desirable:

• Graduate of UCD, an Irish university, or holding study experience in Ireland/UK.  
• An established network of senior education sector contacts across APAC.  
• Direct experience recruiting international students from the APAC region.  
• Postgraduate degree in Management, International Relations, or Marketing from a highly ranked university.  

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their CV and Cover Letter directly to

Dr. Christine Wong, Regional Director, APAC, at [Confidential Information].  

Closing Date for Applications: 15th October 2026