IELTS & Govt Relations Manager - China

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

The Government & Public Relations Manager is responsible for building, maintaining and strengthening strategic relationships allied to both business and education related regulatory bodies, to support and protect IDP China’s businesses.

The role plays a critical external engagement and advisory function, ensuring that IDP’s operations, positioning and advocacy are effectively represented in China.

Key accountabilities

【Government & Regulatory Engagement】

• Act as IDP’s primary point of contact with education authorities, and business bureaus and other relevant government and regulatory bodies in China.
• Build trusted, long‑term relationships with government officials and policy influencers to support IELTS recognition, delivery, and growth.
• Represent IDP and IELTS in formal meetings, briefings, consultations, and official forums with stakeholders.
• Support engagement with other agencies where relevant.

【Policy Monitoring & Advocacy】

• Provide timely advice to the Country and Regional - leadership team on regulatory developments, risks, and opportunities, drawing on a deep understanding of relevant education, testing, data, and foreign cooperation policies impacting IDP’s operations in China.
• Develop and deliver strategies that align IELTS with China’s education and internationalization priorities.

【Business Support – IELTS China】

• Work closely with the IELTS China leadership team to ensure government engagement supports commercial and operational objectives.
• Assist in safeguarding IELTS test and institutional partnerships.
• Support issue management and resolution relating to government or regulatory concerns.
• Contribute to risk mitigation planning and scenario management for regulatory or policy change.

【Internal Advisory & Coordination】

• Advise internal stakeholders on government protocol, engagement strategy, and regulatory expectations in China.
• Coordinate government relations activities across IDP China together with the lead for key AU government agencies in China to ensure consistency of messaging and approach.
• Support executive visits, senior meetings and official events involving stakeholders.
• Prepare high‑quality briefings, reports and updates for regional and global leadership as required.
• Advise the business team on suitable events to promote IDP IELTS in China.

Required experience

【Essential requirements】

• Minimum 8 years of demonstrated experience in government relations, public affairs, and regulatory engagement in China.
• Strong understanding of the Chinese education policy environment, particularly higher education and/or English language testing.
• Proven ability to engage credibly with senior government officials and manage sensitive issues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Mandarin Chinese and English.
• Strong judgement, discretion, and policy acumen.
• Willingness to be hands on.

【Desirable requirements】

• Experience working with or within multinational organizations or international education providers.
• Familiarity with IELTS, English language testing, or international education policy.
• Experience operating in a matrix or regional reporting environment.

【Qualifications】

• Tertiary qualification in public policy, international relations, education, law, communications, or a related field.
• Relevant professional experience and connections may be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.

【Key Competencies】

• Strategic relationship management
• Policy analysis and engagement
• Stakeholder influence and negotiation
• Risk awareness and issue management
• Cultural and regulatory sensitivity
• Collaboration across diverse internal teams