Associate Director – University Partnerships - Higher Education

Associate Director – University Partnerships

Location : Pan-India (Mumbai / Pune)

Function : University Alliances & Partnerships

Reports to : AVP – University Alliances

Travel : 60–40% Pan-India

About upGrad -

upGrad partners with leading Indian and global universities to deliver high-quality online and blended degree programs and industry-aligned credentials. We co-create programs, integrate technology and student services, and drive scale with measurable outcomes.

Role Summary -

Own and grow strategic alliances with key Indian universities and marquee institutes (IITs, IIMs, ISB, NITs, central / state & tier-1 private universities) . You’ll originate, structure, and close partnerships; co-create academically robust, industry-relevant programs; and orchestrate cross-functional execution on the upGrad platform. This is a hands-on, travel-intensive role for a relationship builder who can open doors, craft value propositions, negotiate complex commercials, and deliver revenue.

Candidates with Indian Armed Forces experience (officer cadre; institutional liaison, training, or education roles) are strongly encouraged to apply.

Key Outcomes (12–18 months)

• Signed Alliances : 6–12 new university MoUs / LoIs with clear commercial terms and governance cadence.
• Program Launches : 8–15 co-created programs / credentials (UG / PG / Executive & credit pathways) live on upGrad.
• Partner NPS : ≥ 60 with zero critical escalations; renewals / expansions with 80%+ retention.
• Pipeline Health : 3× coverage with documented stakeholder maps (VC / Registrar / Dean / Controller / Finance / Legal).

What You’ll Do -

1) Origination & Relationship Leadership

2) Solutioning & Program Co-Creation

3) Commercials & Negotiation

4) Program Launch & Scale

5) Team & Cross-Functional Leadership

Must-Have Qualifications -