We are looking for a talented, dedicated professional to be a Kuala Lumpur-based Program Officer supporting Manchester Metropolitan University via Grok Global Services’ Program Office. The post holder will be the Education Services Manager supporting Manchester Metropolitan University. The post holder will work closely with the Grok team and Manchester Metropolitan University to support the delivery of the international recruitment strategy.
About Grok Global Services
Grok Global Services is a professional services firm that provides support to higher education institutions in accessing and developing important education markets. Grok is not an agency or a pathway provider. By joining our team as an Education Services Manager, you focus solely on supporting Manchester Metropolitan University while working in an environment of like-minded professionals supporting higher education institutions from around the world.
Key Responsibilities:
The post holder will be expected to represent Manchester Metropolitan University in a way that reflects the mission, values, and objectives of the University, and will be required to:
- Work (remotely) with a diverse team of colleagues across Manchester Metropolitan University to support their South East Asia international recruitment and partnership strategy;
- Work proactively and independently on international student recruitment, education partnerships, relationships, growing a network to find opportunities to further Manchester Metropolitan University’s profile across South East Asia;
- Keep on top of international education policies across South East Asia including key policies specific to international mobility and provide regular updates and insights to colleagues.
Main accountabilities:
- To contribute to and support student recruitment in the South East Asian market. This will include achievement of key performance indicators;
- Support the Regional Development Manager to achieve objectives set out in the international strategy for student recruitment in South East Asia;
- Represent the University at external recruitment events and provide specialist advice and guidance to prospective international students, parents, and their advisors on all aspects of studying at Manchester Metropolitan University. This will be through e-mail, phone, social media and face to face;
- Contribute to enhancing brand profile and conversion of enquirers through to enrolment utilising a range of communication methods;
- To support the university’s alumni activity in market in a recruitment capacity;
- Support with account management of established and potential recruitment partners, such as Education Agents, and supporting the development of these partnerships. This will include making recommendations for developing the relationship;
- Although staff will have core responsibilities, staff may be asked to support with additional tasks or projects as required.
This role will involve overseas travel within the designated regions and to the UK, dependent on the business need. Travel within the designated regions will be determined by the business need and in consultation with the Regional Development Manager.
The Most Suitable Background
Essential Specialist/ Relevant Requirements:
- Minimum two years of relevant work experience in education/international education
- Account management experience, specifically maintaining relationships with key accounts and developing new accounts
- Ability to communicate, present to and negotiate with business partners
- Well-organised, able to determine project priorities at all stages, to develop and communicate work plans, to track progress towards goals and use data and evidence to assess achievement
- The post holder will be required to undertake regular visits across South East Asia and must be prepared to travel on a regular basis (often at short notice) which may result in the post holder being away in excess of 12 weeks per year.
- The role will require visits to the university campus in UK for training
- The role may require position holder to work some non-standard hours to accommodate time zone differences with UK and for specific events and activities
- Relationship and stakeholder management
- Planning for brand and market positioning
- Business development
- Analysis and problem solving
- Operational delivery
- Budget management
Education and Training:
- A degree (bachelor’s or postgraduate) and relevant experience;
- Speaking, listening, reading & writing
- English (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)
- Malay Language or fluency in another South East Asian language
- Experience of living/studying/working abroad
The Most Important Traits to Succeed
- Experience in managing a variety of stakeholders
- Experience of financial reporting and budget management
- Understanding and prior experience of international higher education
- Knowledge and understanding of the education landscape in South East Asia and the UK including latest trends in international education
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and diplomacy skills, including the ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with individuals from a broad range of backgrounds and cultures;
- Ability to identify stakeholder requirements, trends, and changes in circumstances, respond quickly, and make recommendations to adjust plans and activities accordingly.
