University Engagement Manager, Explore in London
University Engagement Manager, Explore

University Engagement Manager, Explore in London

London Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage university partnerships and drive growth through data-driven strategies.
  • Company: Join Explore, a dynamic brand under Manifest Global, shaping international student recruitment.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional development.
  • Other info: Be part of a rapidly evolving landscape with excellent career growth potential.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in global education and help universities thrive.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in university partnerships or related commercial roles, strong data storytelling skills.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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 London employer: Cialfo

    Explore, a dynamic brand under Manifest Global, offers an exceptional work environment for the University Engagement Manager role. With a focus on strategic partnerships and data-driven insights, employees benefit from a collaborative culture that fosters professional growth and innovation. Located at the heart of the international education sector, Explore provides unique opportunities to shape global university engagement strategies while being part of a supportive team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in student recruitment.
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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 London

    Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the education sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to university professionals on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors that applications alone can't.

    Tip Number 2

    Show off your data storytelling skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive decisions in past roles. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and commercial acumen, which are key for the University Engagement Manager role.

    Tip Number 3

    Prepare for those interviews by researching the universities you'll be working with. Understand their recruitment strategies and challenges. This way, you can tailor your conversations to show how you can add value and help them achieve their goals.

    Tip Number 4

    Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand!

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

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

    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 relationships. We love seeing candidates who can turn numbers into narratives!

    Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships with universities, so showing your genuine passion for education and international recruitment will set you apart. Be yourself, and let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about 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

    Research the specific challenges universities face in international recruitment. Prepare examples of how you've successfully addressed similar issues in previous positions, showcasing your ability to act as a strategic advisor.

    Showcase Your Commercial Acumen

    This isn't just about account management; it's about driving growth. Be prepared to discuss your experience with renewals, upsells, and how you've contributed to revenue growth in past roles. Highlight your understanding of commercial strategies.

    Build Relationships

    Demonstrate your relationship-building skills by sharing stories of how you've developed strong partnerships in the past. Emphasise your ability to engage with both operational and senior stakeholders, as this will be crucial in this role.

    University Engagement Manager, Explore in London
    Cialfo
    Location: London

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