Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Client Success - Executive Education

NYU Abu Dhabi has partnered with executive search firm Perrett Laver to support these appointments. All applications will be shared with Perrett Laver for consideration. 

Applications should consist of a covering letter, a full CV detailing academic and professional qualifications, employment history, current remuneration, and relevant achievements.

Perrett Laver would be delighted to speak with interested individuals and welcomes confidential exploratory conversations. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further or have any questions about the role, please contact Ellie Beveridge at Ellie.Beveridge@perrettlaver.com, quoting reference number 8457.

Applications are welcome from all qualified candidates. In line with UAE regulations, Emirati candidates are encouraged to apply.

NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) seeks to appoint a Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Client Success reporting to the Vice Provost, Executive & Professional Education. 

The Manager, Strategic Partnerships & Client Success is a pivotal revenue-generating role within the Office of the Vice Provost, Executive and Professional Education. The incumbent is responsible for identifying, securing, and nurturing high-value relationships to build a robust client base for NYU Abu Dhabi’s executive education and open enrollment portfolios. This includes driving enrollment for both on-ground and online modalities, with a primary focus on establishing long-term Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with UAE government ministries, global corporate entities, and premier educational institutions.

Acting as a bridge between the university and the professional world, this role ensures that NYUAD and Stern at NYUAD meet their short-term revenue targets and long-term strategic growth goals. The Manager will operate with a global mindset, collaborating closely with colleagues at NYU New York and NYU Shanghai to align on international initiatives and cross-campus opportunities. By blending business development grit with sophisticated client success management, the incumbent ensures that every partnership is not only legally and financially sound but also delivers transformative educational value to the partner.

Key Responsibilities: 

Business Development & Market Expansion

• Identify and solicit new business leads; pitch executive programs to HR directors and government heads
• Example: Presenting a custom leadership offerings suite to a UAE Ministry to secure a 3-year training contract

Strategic Partnership Management

• Negotiate and execute MSAs and MOUs; manage the "Client Success" lifecycle to ensure renewal
• Example: Navigating the legal approval process for a long-term partnership with a UAE Ministry or Corporate firm to secure re-engagement

Global Network Collaboration

• Coordinate with NYU New York and NYU Shanghai on joint ventures and global initiatives to meet revenue targets
• Example: Partner with NYU Shanghai to recruit corporate sponsors from the Asian banking sector, allowing for a "dual-continent" immersion experience that justifies a premium price point

Revenue Tracking & Strategy

• Monitor revenue goals and market trends; adjust outreach strategies based on enrollment data for on-ground vs. online
• Example: Analyzing Q3 revenue gaps and launching a targeted campaign for online micro-credentials

Internal Advocacy & Reporting

• The liaison between external clients and internal faculty/curriculum teams to ensure program feasibility
• Example: Briefing the Vice Provost on the specific training needs of the Abu Dhabi government, creating a program list or menu of `OEE and Stern offerings, identifying faculty expertise for product development
• Example: Collaborate with NYU and NYUAD Stern School of Business to secure top-tier faculty and utilize their existing curriculum frameworks, ensuring the program has "brand-name" appeal to drive high-ticket enrollment

Required Education: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, International Relations, Marketing, or a related field

Preferred Education: 

• Master’s Degree (MBA or MPA) or an advanced degree in Higher Education Administration

Required Experience: 

• Proven track record in B2B sales or partnership management
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in business development, corporate relations, or partnership management, preferably within a higher education or professional training context
• Advanced negotiation and contract management skills
• Strong understanding of the UAE business landscape and government procurement
• Exceptional communication skills (English is required)
• Ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects across different time zones

Preferred Experience: 

• Certified Business Development Professional (CBDP), Project Management Professional (PMP), or certifications in Strategic Account Management
• Proven track record of securing multi-year contracts with UAE government entities or large-scale multinational corporations. Experience working within a global "portal" university system (e.g., NYU's global network)
• Fluency in Arabic (written and spoken) to facilitate high-level ministry
• Familiarity with Executive Education CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce)
• Deep knowledge of "Stern at NYUAD" specific program offerings and value propositions

About NYUAD

NYU Abu Dhabi is a degree-granting research university with a fully integrated liberal arts and science undergraduate program in the Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, Humanities, and Engineering. NYU Abu Dhabi, NYU New York, and NYU Shanghai, form the backbone of NYU’s global network university, an interconnected network of portal campuses and academic centers across six continents that enable seamless international mobility of students and faculty in their pursuit of academic and scholarly activity. This global university represents a transformative shift in higher education, one in which the intellectual and creative endeavors of academia are shaped and examined through an international and multicultural perspective. As a major intellectual hub at the crossroads of the Arab world, NYUAD serves as a center for scholarly thought, advanced research, knowledge creation, and sharing, through its academic, research, and creative activities.