Executive Director

Executive Director - Global Careers Hub - Chennai, India

• Global Higher Education Hub
• Search Conducted by Excelon Associates Recruitment

Excelon Associates Recruitment is partnering with an internationally expanding higher education institution that is establishing a new overseas hub in Chennai, India. This hub will serve as a strategic base for regional growth, supporting student recruitment, alumni engagement, employer partnerships, and operational coordination across India.

The institution is advancing a careers-first education model aligned with the future of work, global mobility, and industry collaboration. The Chennai hub will play a critical role in strengthening its international footprint and delivering high-quality engagement across the region.

This is an opportunity to join at the ground level of a new international operation and help shape its infrastructure, culture, and reputation.

The Role

The Executive Director - Global Careers Hub will ensure the smooth and efficient running of the Chennai Hub. Working closely with global leadership, UK-based colleagues, and regional partners, this individual will oversee daily operations, administrative coordination, service delivery, and stakeholder engagement.

This is a hands-on, service-oriented leadership role ideal for a professional with strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

The Executive Director - Global Careers Hub will:

• Ensure hub facilities, activities, and processes operate seamlessly
• Support student-facing, partner-facing, and operational initiatives
• Provide high-quality executive and administrative support to the Hub Director
• Oversee the on-site operations team and maintain service standards
• Coordinate events, visits, and engagement activities
• Support finance, HR, procurement, reporting, and compliance processes
• Contribute to building institutional presence and reputation in the region

Key Responsibilities

Hub Operations Management

• Oversee the daily running of the hub, ensuring a professional and welcoming environment
• Ensure meeting rooms, event spaces, student areas, and IT systems function effectively
• Coordinate maintenance, repairs, and vendor relationships
• Develop and maintain local operating procedures aligned with institutional standards and local regulations
• Ensure compliance with health and safety requirements
• Manage timetabling, room bookings, event schedules, and space utilization

Administrative & Executive Support

• Provide direct administrative support to the Hub Director
• Prepare reports, presentations, schedules, and operational documentation
• Coordinate communication between India-based operations and global teams
• Support staff onboarding and local HR coordination as required

Stakeholder & Event Coordination

• Organize events including workshops, employer activities, alumni gatherings, recruitment sessions, and community engagement programs
• Liaise with partner organizations, employers, service providers, and education collaborators
• Support engagement with prospective students and alumni
• Ensure a high-quality visitor and stakeholder experience

Team Support & Supervision

• Oversee scheduling and daily supervision of hub staff
• Conduct regular performance check-ins
• Support staff training and operational development
• Encourage effective use of digital tools and systems

Finance & Resource Management

• Monitor local budgets in coordination with central finance teams
• Process purchase orders, manage expenses, and maintain accurate financial records
• Liaise with suppliers and service providers
• Ensure procurement aligns with institutional policy and local legal requirements
• Monitor facility and resource utilization

Project & Data Coordination

• Provide operational support for marketing initiatives, partnership development, and student-facing projects
• Track and report key performance metrics such as engagement, event data, and facility utilization
• Support implementation of new systems and operational improvements

Compliance, Risk & Governance

• Ensure adherence to institutional policies in finance, HR, procurement, safeguarding, and data protection
• Maintain accurate operational documentation
• Support risk assessment and business continuity planning

Candidate Profile

Education & Qualifications

• Bachelors degree or equivalent professional experience

Professional Experience

Candidates should demonstrate substantial professional experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Employer engagement or industry partnership development
• International education or higher education administration
• Workforce development or professional skills initiatives
• Leadership roles within organizations that connect education and industry

Experience working with international universities or global education initiatives will be advantageous.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong organizational and multitasking ability
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• High attention to detail
• Customer-focused and service-oriented mindset
• Ability to work independently while collaborating across time zones
• Strong problem-solving capability

About Excelon Associates Recruitment

Excelon Associates Recruitment is a retained executive search firm specializing in leadership and operational roles within higher education and international growth initiatives. We work closely with institutional partners to identify professionals who combine operational strength, strategic awareness, and execution excellence.

For confidential consideration, please contact Excelon Associates Recruitment directly.

www.excelonassociates.com

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Excelon does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, marital or veteran status, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.