Senior Manager - University Partnerships

Role Overview

We are seeking a dynamic and well-networked University Partnership Manager to spearhead collaborations with leading universities, institutes, and educational bodies across India. The ideal candidate will have prior experience engaging with marquee institutions such as IITs, IIMs, ISB, NITs, and top private universities, and a proven track record of managing strategic academic alliances in the higher education or EdTech ecosystem.

This is a high-impact, travel-intensive role that requires entrepreneurial drive, relationship-building finesse, and deep understanding of how universities function — both academically and administratively.

Key Responsibilities -

1. University Outreach & Relationship Management -

• Identify, approach, and build strong working relationships with key decision-makers across universities (Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, Deans, Directors, CDOE Heads, etc.).
• Represent upGrad in meetings, seminars, and education fairs to drive institutional collaborations.
• Maintain and grow a healthy pipeline of potential university partners.

2. Partnership Development -

• Pitch partnership models and joint program opportunities (UG, PG, and professional certificate programs).
• Work with internal stakeholders (Academic, Product, Legal, Tech, Marketing, and Finance) to structure mutually beneficial MoUs and business proposals.
• Lead the entire partnership cycle – from lead generation and proposal creation to negotiation, closure, and onboarding.

3. Program Ideation & Execution -

• Collaborate with university faculties to co-create academic programs, aligning university strengths with upGrad's industry expertise.
• Ensure smooth handover of signed partnerships to the internal operations and program management teams for execution.
• Monitor partnership health, resolve issues, and ensure long-term retention and satisfaction.

Key Skills & Competencies -

• Strong university connects: Prior working relationships with IITs, IIMs, ISB, and Top -Tier universities.
• Excellent communication & presentation skills – ability to engage academic leaders and CXOs.
• Negotiation & persuasion abilities – adept at navigating institutional bureaucracy.
• Entrepreneurial mindset – self-starter who can generate leads independently and close them.
• Collaborative working style – comfortable working with cross-functional teams.
• High travel readiness – willingness to travel 10–15 days a month across India.

Qualifications & Experience -

• Graduate / Post-graduate in Business, Education Management, or related fields (MBA preferred).
• 6–10 years of experience in university alliances, academic partnerships, B2B sales, or institutional business development within EdTech, or higher education organizations.
• Demonstrated success in managing partnerships with top universities or government academic bodies.

Why Join upGrad -

• Work with India's most trusted higher-education brand.
• Opportunity to shape the future of online and blended learning.
• High ownership role with freedom to create impact through strategic partnerships.
• Competitive compensation with travel allowance and performance incentives.

Skills Required
Collaboration, Negotiation, Presentation, Persuasion, partnership development, Communication, Relationship Management