Director of Partnership Development

The Director of Partnership Development supports The Community Solution Education Systems (The Systems) mission of preparing innovative, engaged, purposeful agents of change who serve our global community.

Reporting to the Vice President of Global Engagement, the Director of Partnership Development works collaboratively with the Global Engagement team and The Systems colleges and universities to coordinate and drive international recruitment (from Canada) and community and engagement activities, focused on regions in Canada.

This position is strategically based in Canada to establish new channels for Canadian student recruitment to The Systems colleges and universities, and to advance partnerships in the development and implementation of long-term and sustainable relationships to support international exchange. Projects include support of study abroad, field experiences, and practicum site development (in Canada) through the enhancement of relationships with Canadian institutions, government organizations, and employers.

This is an on-site position. The ideal candidate must be located in/near Vancouver, B.C., Canada, with the ability to work from the Vancouver office.

As direct supervisor, the Vice President of Global Engagement will provide daily direction and performance feedback. Payroll and HR functions will be managed by an external employer of record.

Position responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Provide market information and establish new channels for student recruitment and partnerships in the region.


• Advise in the development/maintenance of an in-country agent strategy, which may include identifying and training new agent partners.


• Lead international student recruitment activities by implementing international student recruitment plans within agreed budget, targets, and deadlines.


• Represent The Systems colleges and universities in (Canadian) student recruitment activities by attending recruitment fairs/conferences across Canada.


• Work with the Director of Global Engagement to achieve international student recruitment targets and overall international strategy across The System.


• Cultivate, sustain, and advance relationships with Canadian universities to produce opportunities for faculty exchange, student exchange and academic partnerships.


• Identify and establish relationships with government entities and other organizations in the region to support The Systems strategic direction.


• Submit timely updates on activities and opportunities in the region and other reports as needed.


• Preserve and/or enhance the quality of the Vancouver office workspaces and proactively address maintenance needs to ensure a professional work environment.


• Work with other regional consultants as needed.


• Participate and support special projects and other duties as assigned.

Position Requirements:

• Solid understanding of Canadian governmental processes, departments, and regulatory bodies as it pertains to education and training.


• Ability to negotiate and manage complex contracts, and develop and maintain partnership agreements on local, provincial, national, and international levels.


• Proven track record managing projects in a timely manner, including creation of budgets with diverse constituencies and requirements.


• Ability to maintain confidentiality, collegiality, responsiveness, and sound judgment.


• Self-starter with ability to react positively under pressure or ambiguity.


• Self-motivated and able to work with minimal direct supervision.


• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.


• Strong diplomacy and quick-thinking problem-solving skills.


• Detail oriented and high level of organizational skills.


• Dynamic, and enthusiastic team player.


• Must be willing to travel within Canada and occasionally abroad.

Position Qualifications:

• Masters degree in education, or business or marketing-related field, preferred. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.


• Five or more years or more of professional experience working in higher education/academic communities in Canada, with proven ability to work with leaders in the public and private sectors.


• Three or more years experience in international recruitment and agent relationships, with proven track record in developing and leading strategic growth initiatives related to international student recruitment, agent network development and program development.


• Experience working with international education programs, international student services and/or higher education administration preferred.


• Strong and professional written and oral communication skills in English, English proficiency required.


• Technical skills sufficient to use relevant software and websites.