Business Development Manager

Job Title: Business Development Manager – International Partnerships

Company: MapsEdu

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Location: Nairobi, Kenya (In-person)

Pay: Competetive

About MapsEdu

MapsEdu is a rapidly growing global education network connecting universities, education agencies, and students across multiple countries. With operations spanning India, the UK, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, China, South East Asia, West Africa, and other international markets, we are committed to creating transparent, reliable, and sustainable pathways for international student mobility.

As we expand our footprint across Africa, we are looking for an experienced Business Development Manager – International Partnerships based in Nairobi to build and strengthen our presence in Kenya and the broader East African region.

Position Overview

The Business Development Manager will be responsible for developing and expanding MapsEdu's network of education partners across Kenya and neighboring markets. This role requires a highly motivated professional with strong industry relationships, excellent business development skills, and a deep understanding of international student recruitment and education partnerships.

The successful candidate will represent MapsEdu across East Africa, establish strategic partnerships, drive student recruitment opportunities, and contribute significantly to the company's international growth strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Network Expansion: Identify, develop, onboard, and manage education agency partners and overseas education consultancies across Kenya and the broader East African region.

• Relationship Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with universities, institutional representatives, education consultants, and other strategic B2B partners.

• Business Growth: Generate new business opportunities and expand MapsEdu's partner network to drive sustainable growth and meet assigned business targets.

• Brand Representation: Promote MapsEdu and represent the organization at education fairs, conferences, summits, networking events, and institutional meetings.

• Pipeline Management: Drive student recruitment pipelines through partner agencies and institutional collaborations. Monitor partner performance and maintain accurate sales pipelines and business reports.

• Strategic Collaboration: Work closely with internal teams to execute destination campaigns, university promotions, partner engagement initiatives, and marketing activities.

• Market Intelligence: Provide regular market insights, competitor analysis, and updates on international student mobility trends within the East African region.

Requirements

• Experience: 5–8 years of experience in Overseas Education, International Student Recruitment, Education Partnerships, or B2B Business Development.

• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in developing and managing education agency networks and institutional partnerships.

• Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of international admissions processes and student visa ecosystems for key global study destinations (UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, etc.).

• Event Experience: Experience representing an organization at education exhibitions, international recruitment fairs, conferences, or industry events.

• Core Skills: Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and relationship management skills.

• Autonomy: Ability to work independently while managing multiple stakeholders across different regions.

• Mobility: Willingness to travel extensively within Kenya and the surrounding East African region.

• Languages: Proficiency in multiple languages (including Swahili) will be an added advantage.

Candidate Location

Candidates must be currently based in Nairobi, Kenya, with a strong professional network in the East African region.

Why Join MapsEdu?

• Be part of one of the fastest-growing international education networks.

• Work directly with leading universities from the UK, Canada, Europe, Australia, and other global destinations.

• Play a high-impact role in expanding international partnerships and student mobility across East Africa.

• Enjoy significant exposure to global education markets and international stakeholders.

• Join a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and growth-oriented work environment with clear opportunities for career advancement.

We are looking for passionate professionals who thrive on building relationships, creating new business opportunities, and contributing to the global expansion of international education.