Head of Student Acquisition
Salary: $100k to $120k, commensurate with experience
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent (includes a 6-month probation period)
Commencement: January 2026
Location: Sydney-based
Essential Requirements
* On-site position; must be based in Sydney, NSW
* Must have student recruitment experience in the Australian Higher Education sector
* Must hold Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency
Organisation: Kingsford Institute of Higher Education (KIHE)
About Us
Kingsford Institute of Higher Education (KIHE) is a dynamic and forward-thinking institution committed to delivering high-quality tertiary education in Australia. As a registered higher education provider, KIHE equips students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to excel in their chosen careers. Our experienced academic staff, supportive learning environment, and industry-focused curriculum ensure that students receive a transformative educational experience.
About the Role
The Head of Student Acquisition will lead and oversee all onshore and offshore recruitment activities across KIHE, working with colleagues in its sister vocational colleges - KAA and KII.
This strategic leadership role is responsible for driving enrolment growth, strengthening market presence, and ensuring a seamless recruitment-to-enrolment experience for all prospective students.
You will work closely with senior leadership and collaborate with teams across Admissions, Global Support, Accounts, Student Services, and Marketing to deliver an exceptional recruitment and conversion journey.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Market Growth
· Lead, plan, and execute student recruitment strategies across onshore markets for all three institutions.
· Support offshore recruitment initiatives, ensuring consistent branding, messaging, and engagement.
· Build and maintain productive relationships with education agents, industry partners, and key stakeholders.
· Represent KIHE and its colleges at education fairs, partner meetings, industry events, and promotional activities.
· Achieve enrolment KPIs for each intake
Marketing, Campaigns & Conversion
· Drive recruitment campaigns across targeted regions, ensuring strategic alignment with organisational goals.
· Work closely with Marketing & Digital teams to develop promotional content, social media strategies, and student engagement initiatives.
· Oversee conversion activities, including offer management, follow-ups, pre-departure briefings, and applicant support.
· Provide high-quality, responsive communication to prospective students, agents, parents, and partners.
Market Insights & Reporting
· Analyse market trends, competitor activity, and new recruitment opportunities.
· Prepare strategic reports, market intelligence briefs, and recommendations for executive management.
· Deliver weekly and quarterly performance reports, including pipeline analysis and segmentation data.
Compliance & Cross-Department Collaboration
· Ensure all recruitment activities align with the National Code, ESOS Act, CRICOS requirements, and internal policies.
· Work collaboratively with Admissions, Global Support, Accounts, and Student Services to ensure efficient applicant processing and exceptional student experience.
· Provide high-level administrative and operational support to the Executive Leadership Team.
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About You
You will succeed in this role if you are a dynamic, strategic, and relationship-driven professional with a deep understanding of the international education landscape.
You must have:
· A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business, Marketing, Education, or a related discipline.
· Minimum 3 years' experience in international student recruitment within an Australian higher education institution
· Strong understanding of the Australian international education sector, including GS, visa processes, ESOS, and the National Code.
· Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
· Demonstrated success in agent management, partnership development, and achieving enrolment targets.
· High-level reporting, analytical, and data interpretation capabilities.
· Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
· A proactive, professional, and solution-focused approach, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted