Company description and values
AptoNow is a groundbreaking data analytics and strategic consulting firm helping to transform higher education through technology. Founded in 2021, we are rapidly scaling across Australia and internationally, working with leading universities to modernise academic operations through better data, better decision-making and AI-enabled tools. We are a team of entrepreneurs, technologists and domain experts with a strong track record of delivering transformative outcomes for education institutions.
Key responsibilities
As a Director at AptoNow, you will lead complex, multi-stakeholder engagements, build trusted partnerships with senior university leaders, drive commercial outcomes, and help shape the overall company strategy. Y
our responsibilities will span three key areas.
A) Client and Project Leadership
* Lead delivery across multiple strategic projects simultaneously, ensuring high-quality outputs and strong client satisfaction
* Manage and coach multi-disciplinary teams to deliver outcomes that create measurable impact for students and staff
* Lead complex stakeholder environments across faculties, central functions and executive offices, facilitating alignment and decision-making
* Oversee quality assurance across deliverables and ensure clarity, structure and strong communication in everything we produce
* Translate ambiguous institutional challenges into structured problem statements, solution pathways and implementation plans
B) Business Development and Commercial
* Build and deepen relationships with senior university leaders (e.g., Provost, DVC Academic, CIO, COO, Deans, Directors) to expand AptoNow's footprint
* Lead or support opportunity shaping, proposals, scopes and commercial negotiations
* Identify new market opportunities, offerings and strategic partnerships to grow the business
* Participate in account planning and revenue forecasting for key clients
C) Company Building and Leadership
* Contribute to recruitment, capability development and culture as AptoNow scales
* Mentor and grow emerging talent across the company
* Identify and implement improvements to internal processes, delivery models, knowledge systems and team practices
* Represent AptoNow at conferences, industry events and external forums
Key attributes and experience
You are:
* A strategic thinker able to synthesise complexity into actionable insight
* Comfortable operating in ambiguity and with incomplete information
* Commercially-minded with demonstrated experience in business development or account growth
* An exceptional communicator (written, verbal and executive presentation)
* A natural relationship builder who forms trusted partnerships with senior leaders
* Skilled at managing and developing teams and showing a coaching mindset
* Comfortable working across strategy, operations and analytical contexts
* Excited by the opportunity to help build a company during a period of rapid growth
* Based in Melbourne (or willing to relocate) and comfortable with hybrid work arrangements
Your experience:
* 6–12+ years total experience across strategy consulting, higher education, transformation or related environments
* Experience leading multi-stream projects or programs with senior executive stakeholders
* Demonstrated business development experience (e.g., proposals, account growth, commercial discussions)
* Higher education sector experience preferred but not essential
What we offer
* The opportunity to directly shape a fast-growing startup with strong mission alignment
* Significant leadership exposure and influence over company-building decisions
* An experienced, transparent leadership (ex McKinsey and Nous) with a proven track record as entrepreneurs and company-builders
* Pathway to Principal for strong performers
* Competitive remuneration package (indicative: $140,000–$180,000 incl. super, depending on experience) + bonus
* Flexible working arrangements