University Engagement Manager, Explore in England
University Engagement Manager, Explore

University Engagement Manager, Explore in England

England Full-Time 50000 - 60000 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage university partnerships and drive strategic growth through data-driven insights.
  • Company: Join Explore, a dynamic brand under Manifest Global, transforming international student recruitment.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Be part of a rapidly evolving landscape with excellent career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of global university engagement and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in university partnerships or related commercial roles, with strong data storytelling skills.

The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.

This position is with Explore, one of the brands under Manifest Global, which also includes Cialfo, BridgeU and Kaaiser. Explore was formed in 2025 as our university‑facing brand, bringing together the Cialfo and BridgeU platforms that sit under Manifest Global to connect universities with a global network of K‑12 students and counsellors. Through these platforms, we support students and their counsellors throughout the university application journey, while helping universities engage earlier, understand performance more clearly, and make more informed decisions about their international undergraduate recruitment strategies.

Role Overview

This is a strategic, commercially‑driven partnership role, not traditional account management. You will own relationships with a portfolio of universities, acting as a trusted advisor and growth partner — helping institutions:

  • Understand performance through data
  • Make better recruitment decisions
  • Unlock greater value from their investment with Explore

You will combine commercial ownership, data storytelling, and strategic thinking to drive both partner success and revenue growth.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Relationship Management & Commercial Growth
    • Own senior relationships with university partners, driving retention, expansion, and long‑term value
    • Lead commercial conversations, including renewals, upsells, and multi‑year agreements
    • Build and manage a robust pipeline, with clear forecasting and revenue accountability
    • Develop tailored international recruitment strategies aligned to institutional goals
  • University Success & Platform Engagement
    • Translate platform data into clear, actionable insights and ROI narratives
    • Conduct data‑led performance reviews and strategic planning sessions
    • Identify engagement gaps and drive improvement across the partner lifecycle
    • Act as a strategic advisor, not just a delivery partner
  • Campaign & Activity Delivery
    • Oversee execution of campaign activity across your portfolio
    • Collaborate with internal teams to ensure high‑quality, measurable outcomes
    • Manage multiple priorities with strong ownership and accountability
  • Voice of the Customer
    • Feed structured insights into product and marketing teams
    • Shape product evolution based on real partner needs
    • Build compelling case studies and success narratives demonstrating ROI
    • Partner with marketing to communicate value in language universities understand
  • Commercial Discipline
    • Maintain accurate pipeline visibility in CRM
    • Track performance, risks and opportunities across your portfolio
    • Collaborate with the broader commercial team on high‑priority accounts and strategy

What Success Looks Like

  • First 90 Days
    • Complete a full portfolio audit (usage, contracts, goals, risks)
    • Establish structured quarterly business reviews (QBRs)
    • Build strong working relationships with key stakeholders
  • By 6 Months
    • Positive trends in engagement, retention, and value delivery
    • Early upsell and expansion opportunities identified and progressing
    • Strong credibility with both operational and senior stakeholders
    • Clear, actionable feedback loop established with product teams

About You

  • 5+ years experience in:
    • University partnerships / account management
    • International education / student recruitment
    • Or related commercial roles in higher education
  • Strong understanding of:
    • Undergraduate admissions and recruitment dynamics
    • University stakeholder expectations and pressures
  • Highly comfortable with data and storytelling
  • Able to turn metrics into strategic narratives and decisions
  • Commercially driven with the ability to:
    • Own revenue conversations
    • Drive expansion and retention
  • Thrives in ambiguous, evolving environments
  • Can help define “what great looks like,” not just execute

Why Join Explore

Explore sits at the centre of a rapidly evolving international student mobility landscape. As part of Manifest Global’s ecosystem — including Cialfo, BridgeU, and Kaaiser — you will work with:

  • A global network across 150+ countries
  • Deep access to K‑12 and university ecosystems
  • A platform combining data, distribution, and engagement

This is a moment of real momentum, with the opportunity to shape:

  • How universities engage globally
  • How data informs recruitment strategy
  • What best‑in‑class partnerships look like

University Engagement Manager, Explore in England employer: Cialfo

Explore, a dynamic brand under Manifest Global, offers an exceptional work environment for the University Engagement Manager role. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative culture, you will have the opportunity to shape international student recruitment strategies while working alongside a global network of universities. The company values data-driven insights and fosters innovation, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the education sector.
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Contact Detail:

Cialfo Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land University Engagement Manager, Explore in England

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the university sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that University Engagement Manager role.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your data storytelling skills! Prepare to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. Bring examples of how you’ve turned metrics into actionable insights. This will really resonate with the hiring team at Explore.

✨Tip Number 3

Be ready for commercial conversations! Brush up on your negotiation skills and think about how you can drive revenue growth for universities. They’ll want to see that you can not only manage relationships but also expand them.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Explore team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

We think you need these skills to ace University Engagement Manager, Explore in England

Strategic Relationship Management
Commercial Growth
Data Storytelling
Performance Analysis
International Recruitment Strategies
Campaign Management
Stakeholder Engagement
CRM Proficiency
Data-Driven Decision Making
Account Management
University Partnerships
Communication Skills
Adaptability
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the University Engagement Manager role. Highlight your experience in university partnerships and data storytelling, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission at Explore!

Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role involves a lot of data-driven decision-making, don’t shy away from showcasing your analytical skills. Include examples of how you've used data to drive commercial growth or improve partner engagement in your previous roles. We love a good data story!

Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships with university partners, so showing your genuine passion for international education and student recruitment will definitely set you apart. Be yourself!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us that you’re proactive and really interested in joining the Explore team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Cialfo

✨Know Your Data

Since this role involves a lot of data storytelling, make sure you brush up on relevant metrics and how they impact university recruitment. Be ready to discuss how you've used data in past roles to drive decisions and improve outcomes.

✨Understand University Needs

Familiarise yourself with the challenges universities face in international recruitment. Think about how your experience can help address these issues and be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully partnered with educational institutions before.

✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking

This isn't just about account management; it's about being a strategic advisor. Prepare to discuss how you've developed tailored strategies for partners in the past and how you can apply that thinking to the role at Explore.

✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders

Relationship management is key in this position. Practice how you'll establish trust and credibility with university partners. Think of ways to demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and engage with various stakeholders during the interview.

University Engagement Manager, Explore in England
Cialfo
Location: England

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