International Development and Sponsorships Manager

University of Sydney; Sydney; On-site; AUD 152,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Sydney invites applications for a senior leadership role to lead Global Partnerships and grow international sponsorship opportunities. You will guide sponsorship programs, including Australia Awards, and act as the key liaison with sponsors and government stakeholders to drive international student enrolments.

You will manage a small team, develop strategic alliances with embassies, DFAT and scholarship bodies, and deliver long-term growth aligned with the University's

Qualifications

• Experience leading international partnerships and sponsorship programs.
• Proven ability to build relationships with government agencies and sponsors.
• Strong strategic thinking and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Grow sponsored student enrolments and expand international sponsorship portfolio.
• Lead and develop a high-performing team delivering partnerships and sponsorship outcomes.
• Build strategic relationships with sponsors, embassies, DFAT, and other stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities and provide strategic advice to support recruitment growth.
• Represent the University at international events and partnership initiatives.
• Collaborate with government agencies and scholarship bodies to secure opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Business development

Strategic partnerships

Team leadership

Job description

Full-time, continuing opportunity Lead Global Partnerships and Grow International Sponsorship Opportunities HE0 9

$152,045 - $160,430 plus 17% Superannuation

About the opportunity

The International Development and Sponsorships Manager is a senior leadership role within Sydney Future Students' International team, responsible for driving the growth and success of the University's international sponsorship portfolio. Leading a small team, you will develop and strengthen relationships with government agencies, scholarship bodies, sponsors and international partners to increase sponsored student enrolments and support the University's internationalisation strategy. Working at a strategic level, you will oversee sponsorship programs, including Australia Awards and other sponsored student cohorts, while acting as the University's key relationship manager for sponsors and government stakeholders. You will work closely with embassies, consulates, scholarship agencies and DFAT to identify new opportunities, strengthen existing partnerships and ensure the University remains a preferred education partner for sponsored students globally. While your team manages the day-to-day administration and support of sponsored students, your focus will be on partnership development, business growth, stakeholder engagement and delivering long-term strategic outcomes. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced international education professional to influence institutional growth, represent the University on a global stage and build meaningful partnerships that create life-changing educational opportunities.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategies to grow sponsored student enrolments and expand the University's international sponsorship portfolio.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with sponsors, government agencies, embassies, consulates, scholarship bodies and other key international stakeholders.
• Lead, coach and develop a high‑performing team, ensuring exceptional service delivery and operational excellence.
• Act as the University's primary liaison with sponsors and government stakeholders, including DFAT, on strategic sponsorship and partnership matters.
• Identify emerging market opportunities, deliver business development initiatives and provide strategic advice to support recruitment growth.
• Represent the University locally and internationally through stakeholder engagement activities, events and partnership initiatives.

About you

Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing high‑performing teams within international education, partnerships, business development or student recruitment environments. Proven success building and managing strategic relationships with government agencies, sponsors, scholarship providers or other complex external stakeholders. Strong business development experience with the ability to identify opportunities, influence outcomes and deliver sustainable growth. Experience engaging with senior stakeholders across diverse cultural environments, with highly developed communication, negotiation and relationship management skills. Strong understanding of the international higher education sector and the factors influencing international student recruitment and sponsorship programs. Relevant tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience, with the ability to travel domestically and internationally as required. Join a globally recognised institution and play a pivotal role in strengthening international partnerships, growing sponsored student opportunities and enhancing the University's global impact.

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

You must have unrestricted work rights in Australia for the duration of this employment to be eligible to apply. Visa sponsorship is not available for this appointment.

Pre-employment checks and declarations

Your employment is conditional upon the successful completion of all pre-employment or background checks required for the role in terms satisfactory to the University. Also, to meet the University’s obligations under the National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Eliminate Gender-Based Violence you will be asked to declare if you have been investigated for, or found to engaged in, sexual harm or gender-based violence in the course of previous employment or in a legal process. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment. This position is designated as involving child-related work. To undertake or remain in this position, you are required to apply for and obtain a Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012.

EEO statement

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion.

Applications Close Sunday 18 October 2026 11:59 PM

Want to know more about working at the University of Sydney? https://www.sydney.edu.au/about-us.html