Head of Student Acquisition

Education Centre of Australia (ECA) is a dynamic and diverse education group that stands at the forefront of Australia's higher education sector, boasting campuses in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne and most recently in Adelaide, as well as overseas locations in the UK and India. With a rich history spanning over almost two decades, ECA delivers high-quality education encompassing English language courses, bachelor's and postgraduate degrees, and targeted internships. ECA is a successful Australian-based education organisation offering a comprehensive range of face-to-face and online courses for both international and domestic students. Collaborating with esteemed higher education providers like Victoria University, Charles Sturt University, University of Canberra, University of Tasmania, University of the Sunshine Coast and London Metropolitan University, ECA is committed to delivering a world-class educational experience.

We have got an exciting opportunity for Head of Student Acquisition, ECA – VU to be part of our team at Victoria University Sydney and Brisbane in our Sydney campus. 

About Victoria University Sydney and Brisbane (https://www.vu.edu.au/vu-sydney)

VU is a world-class university, ranking in the top 3% of universities worldwide. Operated in partnership with the Education Centre of Australia, VU Sydney offers globally- recognised, industry-relevant courses to international students at a modern and accessible campus in the heart of one of the world’s most liveable cities. With great places to study, relax or seek advice from our supportive staff, students are equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to succeed at university 

As a key member of the team, you will have the rewarding opportunity to progress your career within the education industry.  We are looking for someone who wants to grow with us and is self-motivated and an enthusiastic 'go-getter'. 

Please note this role will be a maximum-term contract of approximately one (1) year.

Key Responsibilities:

Finance / Growth / Governance / Risk: 

• Develop and implement acquisition strategies including agent and diversity targets to ensure 
• Identify and establish diversity markets to support sustainable growth
• Develop and implement the acquisition budget (marketing
• and recruitment), encompassing all markets and campuses
• Manage acquisition costs within budget
• Represent ECA as a key member of the Join Operations Committee (JOT)

Quality / Operational Excellence & Business Improvement:

• Lead the acquisition team, encompassing marketing, recruitment, admissions and conversion
• Ensure all marketing activities align with the strategic direction of the brand and achieve agreed return on investment (ROI)
• Oversee the admissions function, ensuring it aligns with the university and the strategic direction of the brand
• Ongoing review of market needs, consumer trends, competitor analysis to ensure ECA’s ahead of the market

People / Culture / Leadership: 

• Inspire, coach, develop and nurture staff to build the skills and collaborative behaviours to be exceptional performers
• Maintain key relationships with university partner staff to ensure ECA’s strategies are supported and successful 
• Provide effective leadership and ensure development of appropriately skilled and motivated staff through effective recruitment, appraisal, training and development and performance management across student acquisition functions.   

Customers

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key agents to support sustainable growth in the business
• Engage with the partner university on a regular basis and ensure the ECA message is well received
• Ensure the acquisition function has strong relationships with key stakeholders including agents, campus staff and partner university staff

As the successful candidate you will ideally have:

Qualification: Appropriate qualification or experience at Bachelor level suitable to the position in marketing or operations.

Experience: 

• Minimum 5 years of previous international education sector (higher education / university preferred) in student acquisition functions. 
• Experience influencing senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Target oriented work environment

Knowledge: Strong understanding of ESOS Act, National Code, CRICOS requirements, Student Visa application, GS considerations and visa risk implications. Solid understanding of international qualifications, equivalencies and academic assessment methodology.

Skills: 

• Proven track record in developing and implementing successful acquisition and conversion strategies. 
• Confident negotiator and ability to ‘close the deal’  
•  Strong communication with the ability to influence.   
• Report writing skills (to a level suited to partners and external stakeholders) 
• An effective team leader who can command respect drive performance.
• Strong budget management skills ensuring efficient allocation of resources and cost-effective decision

In return we will offer you:  

• Company-paid parental leave (14 weeks at 100% of current pay or 28 weeks at 50% of current pay)
• Employee assistance program with Uprise (6 session per year for staff and direct family members)
• Support through 25% on the full fees for courses offered by ECA as Staff Education Assistance
• Professional development programs
• Travel insurance discount
• Wellbeing brands discounts
• Free access to LinkedIn Learning

EEO Statement

At ECA, we champion our organisational values which includes ‘Celebrate diversity and inclusion', thus we strive to be a place of growth where everyone can continually thrive.

We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds including but not limited to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, people living with a disability, women, people who identify as LGBTIQA+, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

This position is open to all Australian Citizens, Permanent Residents and applicants who hold a current and valid Visa with full working rights in Australia. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. Due to the expected high volume of responses only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 

For further information on this role, to gain insight into our team or if you need assistance due to a disability, please contact Ritvik Srivastava (ritvik.srivastava@eca.edu.au)

Thank you for your interest in the position with the ECA Group!