Business Development Executive

UNIVIVE is seeking a dynamic Business Development Executive with a minimum of 2 years of experience to spearhead our international student recruitment initiatives. The ideal candidate will excel in fostering partnerships, enhancing recruitment strategies, and driving business growth. This role requires strong leadership in team coordination, strategic ideation, and maintaining our competitive edge in global student recruitment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning and Vision: Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic plan to expand UNIVIVE’s global presence, increase international student enrolment, and build essential partnerships with top educational institutions worldwide. Conduct market research to stay abreast of global education trends, analyse competitor activities, and identify new markets for recruitment expansion. Innovate and adapt strategies in response to market dynamics and educational trends, ensuring UNIVIVE’s sustained growth and competitive advantage.
• Partnership Development: Identify, evaluate, and establish strategic partnerships with international universities, educational consortia, and recruitment agencies to enhance international student recruitment. Manage partnership agreements to ensure alignment with strategic goals and compliance requirements, while monitoring their execution and effectiveness. Expand B2B partnerships by engaging with educational agents and universities, strengthening the network for student recruitment, and contributing to the growth of international student enrolment.
• Sales and Marketing: Develop and implement sales and marketing strategies to promote UNIVIVE’s services and offerings to prospective partners and students, including preparing marketing materials, attending industry events, and delivering presentations.
• Student Recruitment: Lead targeted international student recruitment campaigns utilizing digital marketing, direct communication, and active participation in key educational fairs and seminars across global markets. Implement CRM strategies to effectively manage prospective student inquiries from initial contact through to application and enrolment, optimizing conversion rates.
• Collaboration: Work closely with the admissions and academic departments to streamline the application and enrolment processes, ensuring a seamless transition for international students.
• Reporting, Analytics, and Operational Excellence: Develop a robust reporting framework to monitor the effectiveness of recruitment and partnership strategies, using data analytics for informed decision-making. Regularly update senior management and stakeholders on progress, providing insights and strategic recommendations based on detailed analysis. Oversee the student admission process in collaboration with the Admissions department, ensuring efficient processing of applications. Prepare reports and presentations for management meetings, accurately representing pipelines, conversion rates, and other key performance indicators. Manage agent accounts and compile performance reports to assess and optimize their contribution to recruitment goals. Conduct training sessions, mock interviews, and other preparatory activities for applicants, ensuring they are well-prepared for the application process.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing, education, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in international student recruitment within the higher education sector, with a proven track record of achieving recruitment targets.
• Strong understanding of global higher education systems, admissions processes, and student visa regulations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker capable of developing and implementing effective recruitment strategies to attract students from diverse geographic regions.
• Results-oriented with a focus on driving measurable outcomes and achieving enrolment goals.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and CRM software; familiarity with student recruitment platforms and tools preferred.
• Willingness to travel domestically as required.
• Eligibility to work in the UK without sponsorship.