Lead International Business Development

Job Description

Te Whiwhinga mahi | The opportunity

The University of Auckland's International Office is central to our global ambition, leading internationalisation activities across recruitment, partnerships, transnational education, and global mobility. We are seeking a strategic, data-driven leader to make a significant contribution to our presence in the global higher education landscape.

The Lead International Business Development is responsible for identifying, developing, and executing strategies that expand the University's global footprint, drive revenue growth, and enhance the operational effectiveness of the International Office.

This role requires a unique blend of strategic planning, people leadership, and financial insight to enhance the performance of our student mobility and partnership teams. Your core responsibilities will include:

Strategy, Insight & Operational Development

You will analyse complex data and international education policy developments to drive continuous improvement.

• Process Transformation: Identify and implement improvements to systems and processes to significantly enhance the operational effectiveness of the International Office.
• Business Intelligence: Deliver market insight, intelligence, and data-led reports to inform the activities of the University through the Internationalisation Framework.
• Revenue Growth: Support the development of new international products and services, write proposals, and assist in setting the annual international tuition fee strategy to ensure international competitiveness.
• Scholarships & Sponsorship: Lead the development of the international scholarships strategy, identify alignment with government and corporate drivers, and manage the global sponsorship programme lifecycle.

Leadership and Global Relationship Management

This role involves significant people leadership and high-level representation of the University.

• Team Leadership: Manage a team of specialists (including project managers, financial analysts, and scholarship specialists), providing visible leadership, coaching, and direction to build high-performing, values-led teams.
• Partnership Cultivation: Cultivate and manage strategic relationships with international partners, sponsors, government agencies, and internal faculties to ensure strategies are aligned and collaborative.
• Global Representation: Represent the University at national and international events (including student mobility, TNE, and partnership conferences).

Please note: This role requires both offshore and domestic travel, and some evening and weekend work is necessary to align with global time zones and events.

A full description of your duties and the role are provided in the position description linked HERE.

He kōrero mōu | About you

We are looking for a confident, strategic professional, focused on international activities and who excels at leading data-driven, service delivery teams within a complex organisation. You must possess the proven ability to analyse data, synthesise insights, and communicate persuasively to influence strategic decisions across diverse internal and external stakeholders.

E rapua ana mātou | We are seeking

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.

Experience: You must demonstrate experience in people management/team leadership, and a minimum of five years' experience in the tertiary international education sector, which includes at least three years of leading a data-driven, service delivery team.

This experience must be accompanied by a proven track record in business development and relationship management within the education sector, specifically showing success in managing scholarships, awards, and/or sponsorship plans, along with experience in developing and implementing processes and systems.

Skills: knowledge of the policy environment impacting international education, combined with the ability to synthesise complex data and communicate persuasively to influence strategic programme development.

Strong presentation and public speaking skills are essential for confidently representing the University in international and high-stakes settings.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Waipapa Taumata Rau | The University of Auckland is New Zealand's leading university. We employ more than 5400 academic and professional staff to support over 41,000 students, making us one of NZ's largest employers.

We cultivate an environment that supports your growth and rewards hard work with a range of excellent benefits, including:

• Competitive salary and five weeks of annual leave.
• Superannuation/KiwiSaver matching up to 6.75%
• Flexible working arrangements, including working from home and adaptive hours.
• Leading and inclusive parental leave options.
• Career development programmes and discounted on-site amenities.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to apply

Please submit your application online by the closing date of Sunday, 7 December 2025. Your application should include:

• A brief Cover Letter explaining why you're interested in this role and how your skills match the requirements.
• Your updated CV.

For a confidential discussion, you are welcome to contact Natasha Ager (AD - Innovation Business Solutions) at

Additional Information

Equity

The University is committed to meeting its obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi and achieving equity outcomes for staff and students in a safe, inclusive, and equitable environment. For further information on services for Māori, Pacific, women, LGBTQIATakatāpuiMVPFAFF+, people with disabilities, parenting support, flexible work and other personal circumstances go to