About AE
Acknowledge Education is entering an exciting new chapter. With a refreshed leadership team and a renewed focus on innovation, growth, and student success, we are building on our 139-year legacy to shape the future of higher education and VET in Australia.
Acknowledge Education is entering an exciting new chapter. With a refreshed leadership team and a renewed focus on innovation, growth, and student success, we are building on our 139-year legacy to shape the future of higher education and VET in Australia. We deliver programs across health & community services, social work, engineering design & construction, hospitality, and the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), with campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Each year we support more than 8,000 students to achieve their goals.
Now, under new leadership, we are strengthening our academic vision, deepening industry connections, and investing in our people. If you're looking to make an impact in an organisation with momentum, this is the right time to join us.
Job Description
About the role
The Engagement Manager plays a vital role in implementing placement, stakeholder engagement, and career development strategies for higher education and VET programs. Reporting directly to the Engagement Team Leader, this role is responsible for sourcing, developing, and managing partnerships with local industry stakeholders to ensure high quality field placement and career development opportunities for students. The role also involves maintaining and enhancing an industry and career development program, ensuring alignment with the compliance requirements, and supporting students through their placement and career journey.
What we're looking for
We're looking for a proactive Engagement Manager who excels at managing competing priorities and working independently in a fast‐paced environment. You'll bring strong stakeholder engagement experience, a student‐first mindset, and the ability to take ownership, manage your time effectively, and turn relationships into high‐quality placement and career outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
Industry Engagement & Partnership Development
* Source, negotiate, and secure field placement opportunities for students.
* Work collaboratively with senior lecturers/trainers to ensure partnerships comply with regulatory and accrediting bodies, specifically adhering to CWA and ESOS Act requirements.
* Develop new and maintain existing relationships with industry partners to facilitate student placements and career development opportunities.
* Manage and maintain a comprehensive database of industry contacts and maintain linkages with key external stakeholders.
* Manage relationships with alumni and maintain connections with graduates to strengthen the professional network.
* Travel as required, to establish and maintain industry connections.
Student Centric Engagement & Career Development
* Oversee a high quality Industry & Career Development program for students.
* Monitor and support students throughout their placement journey, providing career planning and guidance as needed.
* Collect, analyse, and utilise feedback from hosting organisations to enhance the onboarding and readiness process for students.
* Proactively resolve placement breakdowns and elevate student‐related matters to senior management as required.
* Organise guest speaker programs, industry networking events, and student career readiness sessions.
* Manage and oversee student resume updates, career documentation, and industry placement preparation.
* Develop and manage placement processes, ensuring continuous improvement in the quality of the program.
Key Performance Indicators
Placement Success
* Secure and maintain local industry partnerships.
* Achieve 100% placement of eligible students within stipulated timeframes.
* Pre‐plan placement needs to be in alignment with projected student numbers.
Stakeholder & Student Satisfaction
* Continue to increase student and industry partner satisfaction, as measured by feedback surveys.
Compliance & Data‐Driven Decision Making
* Ensure adherence to accreditation and compliance requirements.
* Utilise data insights to proactively fulfill future placement demands.
Applications will close 24th of Feb, 11.55pm
Qualifications
* Minimum 5 years' experience in industry engagement, stakeholder management, or hospitality community service education.
* Driver's License required
* A diploma or degree in Community Services, Hospitality, Tourism Management, or a related discipline is preferable but not required.
* Experience in building and maintaining industry partnerships and executing stakeholder engagement strategies.
* Proven track record of successful business development and career program management.
* Understanding placement processes and compliance requirements in higher education and VET sectors.
Additional Information
Why join AE
* Opportunities to grow within the organisation
* $1,500 annual professional development allowance
* Incredibly committed and supportive team of student‐centric professionals
* Health insurance discounts through Bupa
* Be part of a fast‐moving, agile private provider where decisions turn into action quickly
* Acknowledge Education is part of UP Education group – a leading education provider: https://www.up.education/
Questions about your identity help us appreciate the diversity of individuals looking to work with us, ensuring we're attracting applications from people with identities and perspectives that are as diverse as our students.
We are an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equity, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.
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