Senior Partnerships Director

About IDP

IDP is the global leader in international education services, delivering global success to students, test takers and our partners, through trusted human relationships, digital technology and customer research. An Australian-listed company, we operate in more than 50 countries around the world.

Our team is comprised of over 7,000 people of various nationalities, ages and cultural backgrounds. Proudly customer-first, our expert people are powered by global technology. Together, we offer unmatched services, helping local dreams become realities, all over the world.

Learn more at www.careers.idp.com

Role purpose

Location: Melbourne, Brisbane, or Sydney preferred 

At IDP, our partnerships sit at the heart of our growth strategy. We're seeking a commercially minded, relationship-driven leader to take ownership of a portfolio of strategic institutional partnerships across the APAC region. 

This is a rare opportunity to join a high-performing team where you'll influence growth strategy, partner with senior university leaders, shape go-to-market initiatives and deliver measurable commercial outcomes across one of the world's most respected international education organisations. 

About the role 

As Senior Partnerships Director, APAC, you will lead a portfolio of high-value strategic partners, developing trusted executive-level relationships and identifying opportunities to grow revenue, increase partner value, and unlock long-term commercial success. 

Working closely with the Director, Partnerships & External Engagement, you will play a key role in portfolio strategy, forecasting, commercial planning, investment decisions and market growth initiatives. 

This role suits a senior partnerships professional who enjoys balancing strategic thinking with hands-on commercial leadership, building influential stakeholder relationships and driving results through collaboration and insight. 

What You'll Be Doing

• Managing and growing a portfolio of strategic university partnerships across APAC 
• Developing executive relationships with senior university stakeholders 
• Identifying commercial opportunities that drive sustainable revenue growth 
• Leading partnership negotiations, renewals and commercial agreements 
• Shaping portfolio growth plans and go-to-market strategies 
• Using CRM and commercial insights to drive forecasting, reporting and decision-making 
• Partnering with internal teams to deliver exceptional client outcomes 
• Representing IDP at key industry events and strengthening sector relationships 
• Contributing to regional growth initiatives, expansion opportunities and new client acquisition 

What You'll Bring

• 15+ years' experience in partnerships, strategic account management, business development or commercial leadership within international education 
• Proven success managing large, complex client portfolios and delivering growth outcomes 
• Exceptional relationship-building and stakeholder engagement capability 
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking skills 
• Experience negotiating high-value agreements and managing long-term partnerships 
• Ability to work with senior executives and influence decision-making 
• Strong analytical capability with experience using CRM, forecasting and performance data 
• A growth mindset, entrepreneurial approach and passion for creating partner value 

Why join us? 

You'll have the opportunity to influence strategic partnerships at scale, work with some of the region's leading education institutions, and play a meaningful role in shaping growth across APAC. 

While Melbourne or Sydney are our preferred locations, we are open to considering exceptional candidates based in Brisbane or Perth.