Regional Strategic Partnership & Business Development Manager

International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) is the pre-eminent international school operating in South Vietnam. Educating 1500+ students across Grades KG-12, ISHCMC celebrates a truly international community of over 60 nationalities, consistently seen as making up the school.ISHCMC is recognized as the first international school of the city, with a legacy of over 30 years of success. As a premium school in the city, it is regarded as having some of the best facilities and resources available to students and the school community. ISHCMC was the first IB continuum program school in HCMC and continues to champion the holistic nature of the IB curriculum and educational values. To strengthen the existing ISHCMC pathways to graduation, the school is currently investigating the introduction of the Advanced Placement (AP) Program to complement the strength of it IBDP provision. ISHCMC is recognized as one of the top schools within the global Cognita family of schools, and although aligned to Cognita’s vision of non-selective entry, ISHCMC consistently sees IBDP averages of 34+ and cohort destinations across North America, Europe, Australia, and Asia.Explore more information about ISHCMC on School Website and Annual ReportPosition Objective:The Strategic Partnership & Business Development Manager plays a key role in expanding partnerships across the international education ecosystem, driving business growth, and increasing student recruitment across key markets. As part of a dynamic and results-driven team, you will engage with diverse industries and build strategic partnerships both locally and globally. Your efforts will directly contribute to the success of our Cognita Asia schools, leveraging market insights and operational expertise to develop sustainable growth strategies. Your homebase defines the business focus prioritising enrolment growth of schools in the homebase country, while supporting growth for other Cognita schools. This role focuses on cultivating long-term relationships with corporate clients and other commercial partners to enhance student acquisition and retention, positioning our schools as the top choice for expatriate and local families seeking high-quality international education. The ideal candidate will have a strategic mindset, track record in translating partnerships into tangible ROI and outcomes, possess exceptional communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex business landscapes with confidence.ResponsibilitiesReports to:Regional Strategic Partnership & Business Development Lead Cognita Asia In Addition: Dotted Line to Head of School, ISHCMC,Vietnam (indirect report)Scope of duties include but is not limited to:Key ResponsibilitiesBuild purposeful, happy, professional, and engaged commitments across a range of relationships and teams.1. Strategic Partnerships & OutreachDevelop and/or manage partnerships with multinational corporations, embassies, chambers of commerce, relocation agents, early childhood education providers, universities and other key enrolment partners.Establish preferred school agreements with key employers and relocation firms.Provide training to key partners to ensure message clarity and consistency.2. Market Development & Lead Generation (main focus towards Vietnam Schools)Create targeted business development plans aligned with enrolment goals.Identify new market segments and feeder opportunities (e.g., preschools).Drive inbound interest through strategic placement in partner channels (e.g., property welcome packs at serviced apartments, parent networks, expat associations, parenting platforms, embassy directories).Achieve assigned sales and student recruitment targets to support institutional growth.Cultivate new marketing opportunities and strategic initiatives based on market insights.Build and grow education agent partnerships in countries without local team representative which have been allocated to you until local representative is secured.Manage assigned partnerships with student placement agencies operating in homebase country (either for enrolment at schools within the country or in Cognita schools in other countries in the region).3. Stakeholder CollaborationWork closely together with the Education Agent Partnership Territory Managers to ensure full alignment on school recruitment strategies, priority customer segments, agent goals and performance tracking, optimised marketing efforts (agent training, events, incentives, PR spend, etc.) and lead source recognition.Work closely with academic leaders, marketing, and admissions teams to align business development efforts with institutional goals (e.g. school strategic priorities such as university partnerships, feeder schools, etc.)Work closely with schools to drive corporate-sponsored events and lead key stakeholder discussions for acquisition and retention.Work closely with school managing directors, operations directors and finance leads to establish scope of commercial agreement offerings.4. Event & Activation SupportCo-organize and support enrolment-focused events such as open houses, transition workshops, and partner-hosted sessions.Attend and speak at community events, family fairs, and relocation briefings to represent the school brand.Attend industry conferences, education fairs, and networking events to enhance brand awareness and market positioning.Represent the school at networking events, expos, and family relocation briefings.5. Reporting & CRMMaintain accurate records of partnership activities and lead sources in the CRM.Track ROI and conversion metrics from partnership and business development channels.Provide regular updates and performance reports to leadership.Research and analyze market trends, competitor insights, and internal school data to inform strategy and decision-making.Ensure all recruitment activities comply with local immigration and visa requirements6. Any other responsibilities as assigned by the Regional Strategic Partnership and Business Development Lead.Position RequirementsAt least 5 years in business development, partnerships, client relations, or B2B sales, ideally in education, relocation, or premium services.Strong network or proven experience working with multinational corporations, relocation agents, or international families is highly desirable.Strong relationship management and negotiation skills with external partners.Experience in creating corporate engagement opportunities and not just responding to leads.Experience working in international and multicultural environments.Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written) in English.Experience with data-driven decision making to maximize ROI in events, promotions, and business partnerships.Self-motivated, results-driven, and proactive in identifying new opportunities.Strong organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple projects effectively.Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.Ability to use a variety of software, with preference for candidates experienced in Microsoft Dynamics and Canva. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word).QualificationsBachelor’s Degree in Business, Education, Marketing, or a related field (preferred).Experience with K-12 schools, higher education institutions, and/or other education companies is beneficial.ContactsAdmissions and Marketing teams in Asia school and regional office Head of School and ISHCMC Executive leadership teamOther members of the regional office and schoolsExternal parties, consultants and specialists.Working ConditionsBased in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam Extended working hours to meet deadlines / regional or global meetings / attend events as requiredAbility to travel to schools or work events as neededAnnual leaveMedical insurance cover Terms of EmploymentCognita Schools are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff, volunteers and other third parties to share this commitment. Safer recruitment practice and pre-employment background checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed.Visit Internal Careere Site, choose Vietnam to view all available positions at Cognita Vietnam.