Business Development Manager, UK (Higher Education) in Oxford

About IFoA

The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) is the UK's chartered professional body dedicated to educating, developing and regulating actuaries based both in the UK and internationally. IFoA regulates and represents over 34,000 members worldwide, overseeing their actuarial education at all stages of qualification and development throughout their careers. We set examinations, continuing professional development, professional codes and disciplinary standards for our members.

Position Overview

We are recruiting a Business Development Manager, UK (Higher Education) on a permanent contract. This hybrid role works from home and in our Edinburgh or Oxford offices. Applicants based in the Midlands/Central UK are particularly encouraged. The successful candidate will spend approximately 15 days per month engaging with stakeholders and face‑to‑face meetings. Travel to the Edinburgh or London hub will be required approximately once per month. Starting salary: £54,055.

Responsibilities

• Help develop and lead the delivery of the UK education and early‑talent engagement plan, with a particular focus on universities and schools.
• Build, strengthen and manage relationships with actuarial and STEM faculties, careers services, academic leaders, school networks and graduate recruitment teams.
• Promote actuarial careers to students, parents, teachers, academics and early‑career audiences through events, presentations, outreach programmes and digital channels.
• Connect universities, schools and employers to support student pathways—such as internships, work‑experience opportunities, career insight sessions and employer engagement.
• Identify opportunities to expand the IFoA’s presence in the education sector and increase awareness of the profession across diverse student communities.
• Train, brief and support IFoA staff, volunteers and ambassadors to deliver consistent and high‑quality representation at education events.
• Support the attraction strategy for IFoA qualifications, contributing to a sustained pipeline of student actuaries.
• Gather insight on student expectations, academic trends and graduate recruitment practices to inform the IFoA’s wider market activity.
• Work with internal teams across Education, Marketing, Public Affairs and Membership to ensure aligned messaging and coordinated outreach.
• Represent the IFoA professionally at university fairs, employer‑led student events, school programmes, professional body activities and regional education forums.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Business, Education, or related discipline and/or substantial business development experience in a strategic account management setting.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Experience working with early‑career programs or talent development initiatives.
• Strong experience in university engagement, graduate recruitment, education outreach or related partnership‑building roles.
• Demonstrable ability to build and manage effective relationships with academics, careers advisers and graduate recruitment stakeholders.
• Excellent presentation skills and the confidence to represent the IFoA at large‑scale education events.
• Ability to train and brief others to represent the IFoA effectively.
• Strong influencing, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines and ensure high‑quality outputs.
• Professionalism, integrity and alignment with IFoA values.
• Flexible and adaptable – able to respond to a developing strategy in a growing area.
• Proficiency in MS Office applications.

Equal Opportunity & Diversity

The IFoA encourages applicants from a variety of backgrounds and experience and welcomes diversity with regard not only to protected characteristics but also diversity of thought. Diversity, equity and inclusion are more than just words for us. That’s why we are committed to creating a culture where everyone feels included and respected, and where no one is unfairly discriminated against. Consequently, we promote diversity, equity and inclusion in all our policies, practices and procedures, and actively encourage applications from a diverse range of potential candidates. All applications for our roles are considered on merit alone, and if you don’t meet all the criteria but believe you have something to offer, we want to hear from you.