Business Development

Job Purpose:

To lead and drive the university's business growth, strategic partnerships, and government relations agenda. The Director will play a key role in expanding institutional collaborations, securing funding opportunities, and strengthening engagement with government agencies and statutory bodies such as MARA, PTPTN, JPA, and MOHE. This role ensures that the university's strategic initiatives are aligned with national education priorities, industry needs, and long-term institutional sustainability.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Business Development

• Develop and implement strategic business plans to support institutional expansion and diversification.
• Identify and secure new business opportunities including joint ventures, franchising, international collaborations, and industry-driven programmes.
• Conduct feasibility studies and market analysis to evaluate potential projects, programmes, or partnerships.
• Collaborate with Deans, Heads of Schools, and senior management to align business initiatives with academic priorities and growth targets.
• Build relationships with corporate and industry partners to promote internship placements, research collaboration, and workforce upskilling initiatives.
• Support the creation of income-generating programmes such as executive education, professional certifications, and short-term training courses.

Partnership Management and Institutional Collaboration

• Establish, manage, and nurture partnerships with higher education institutions, professional bodies, corporations, and NGOs—locally and internationally.
• Lead the process of developing, negotiating, and formalising MoUs/MoAs, ensuring alignment with institutional strategy and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee partnership implementation, monitoring, and evaluation to ensure effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
• Create frameworks for academic articulation, student mobility, research collaboration, and dual certification programmes.
• Strengthen alumni and industry networks to support student employability and corporate engagement.
• Maintain partnership databases, dashboards, and reports for performance tracking and strategic decision-making.

Government Liaison and External Relations

• Serve as the official liaison between the university and key government bodies (e.g. MARA, PTPTN, MOHE, MOF, JPA, HRD Corp, MDEC, state education foundations, and embassies).
• Build strong institutional relationships to secure student sponsorships, grants, scholarships, and capacity-building projects.
• Represent the university in dialogues, committees, and events organised by ministries, government-linked corporations, and accreditation bodies.
• Ensure compliance with all government regulations, circulars, and reporting requirements related to funding, accreditation, and student aid.
• Facilitate agency visits, audits, and inspections to maintain positive institutional standing.
• Advocate for university interests in education policy discussions and national initiatives.

Strategic Leadership and Institutional Representation

• Lead and mentor a team responsible for partnership coordination, government engagement, and project management.
• Provide strategic advice to the Vice-Chancellor and senior management on partnership trends, funding opportunities, and policy developments.
• Develop and maintain effective internal coordination to ensure partnership activities are aligned across academic, administrative, and marketing functions.
• Represent the university in conferences, trade missions, and stakeholder forums both locally and internationally.
• Prepare reports, proposals, and presentations for university leadership and external stakeholders.
• Promote the university's brand, reputation, and achievements through partnership events and government-linked platforms.