Position Summary: The Project Lead -Sport Engagement (South Asia) will be responsible for close collaboration with national and regional sports associations, professional teams and leagues, sports marketing agencies, and other key stakeholders to develop and implement targeted strategies that enhance Deakin Universitys visibility and influence in the sector. A core objective of this role is to lead and execute student recruitment initiatives for Deakins sport courses, positioning the Universitys academic offerings as the preferred choice for current and aspiring sports professionals. In doing so, the role will also contribute meaningfully to the capacity-building and professionalisation of the Indian sports industry. Key Responsibilities: Brand Strategy Development, Implementation & Engagement Collaborate with stakeholders to design and execute a comprehensive sports engagement strategy aligned with Deakins organisational goals and objectives. Develop and implement innovative initiatives to drive meaningful participation, strengthen strategic networks, and enhance Deakin’s visibility and brand presence across the Indian sports ecosystem. Develop B2B & B2C Network Build and maintain strong networks with athletes, influencers, sports industry professionals, agencies, media, federations, and local authorities in India. Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of partnerships, including onboarding, contract negotiation, activation, and ongoing relationship management. Represent Deakin at national sports programs, events, and relevant industry forums. Student Recruitment & Promotion Lead marketing and recruitment initiatives for Deakin’s sports-related courses. Plan and execute events, workshops, and promotional activities across schools, institutions, and academies to increase awareness of Deakin’s offerings. Support the university’s broader student recruitment and brand visibility goals in alignment with international marketing strategies. Key Qualifications: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Sports Management, Marketing, or a related discipline (preferred). Up to 5 years of relevant experience in sports marketing, brand engagement and management Strong understanding of the sports industry in India. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build rapport with diverse stakeholders. Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Creative thinking and problem-solving abilities, with a passion for sport and innovation. Proficiency in data analysis tools and engagement metrics to assess initiative effectiveness. Flexibility to work evenings and weekends and travel as required for events and campaigns.
The primary purpose of this role is to manage and strengthen the partnership between Deakin University and Deakin HUBs through effective utilization of Deakin Hub. The role involves enhancing Deakins brand presence across recruitment, research, and skilling initiatives to drive growth, establish strong academic-industry connections, and generate incremental business opportunities. You will be working from Pune location only. KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS (KRAs) 1. Strategic Planning and Execution Implement & execute a comprehensive strategic plan for the Deakin HUB, aligned with Deakin University's' broader goals. Identify growth opportunities and potential challenges within the partnership, proposing actionable strategies to address them. 2. Student Recruitment & Support: Achieve student enrollment targets through articulation agreements, pathway programs, and direct entry into Deakins programs at Deakin HUB partners. Develop an annual activity calendar with targeted recruitment strategies to attract high-quality students. Represent Deakin University in all joint initiatives, facilitating stakeholder interactions and strengthening engagement. Organize promotional activities such as workshops, webinars, and information sessions to increase awareness of Deakins programs. Support students in the joint programs with troubleshooting, operational assistance, and regular engagement activities. Build relationships with schools and institutions in the region to create a pipeline of prospective students. 3. Research Support: Manage and facilitate joint research initiatives between Deakin University and Deakin HUB. Support the activities under Women Entrepreneurship Alliance (WERA) to drive and implement impactful projects focused on inclusive entrepreneurship Enhance research mobility and promote HDR opportunities, including scholarships for Symbiosis students. Identify and secure joint research funding opportunities from national and international agencies, enabling collaborative projects that address global challenges. Strengthen connections with industry partners to facilitate applied research projects, ensuring outcomes that directly address industry demands and market trends. 4. Student Mobility Facilitate enrollments for study abroad programs from assigned partner institutions, promoting international student mobility. Promote mobility initiatives and research internships among institutional partners, driving participation and achieving enrollment targets. 5. Skill Development Initiatives Identify regional opportunities for skill development programs and implement new skilling initiatives. Promote Deakin short courses, certifications, and upskilling opportunities, particularly in the emerging fields. Actively engage with industry leaders to drive internship opportunities, co-designed courses, and mentorship programs for students. ESSENTIAL SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED Qualifications: Graduate degree from a recognized university. Experience: Up to 5 years of relevant experience in international education, partnerships, or a related field. Key Skills Proven experience in international marketing, student recruitment, and partnership management. Expertise in skilling initiatives and industry engagement, particularly in collaboration with academia. Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to execute multiple strategic initiatives. Familiarity with higher education systems and emerging trends in education and skilling. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for relationship building and stakeholder engagement. Proficiency in digital marketing tools and strategies to boost program awareness and enrollment. Strong ability to multi-task and thrive in a diverse and dynamic team environment. Capable of working under pressure while consistently meeting deadlines. Experience in collaborating with international organizations and government agencies. Note: This role will involve travel for promotional activities and events within India and working over the weekends