Engagement Manager

About the organisation

Acknowledge Education is moving into a new phase of growth, backed by refreshed leadership and a stronger emphasis on innovation, expansion and student success. Building on 139 years of history, the organisation supports higher education and vocational education across Australia through campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

Each year, more than 8,000 students study in areas such as health, community services, social work, engineering, hospitality and VCE programs.

The company is seeking an Engagement Manager who enjoys building partnerships, opening doors and improving outcomes for students through meaningful industry connections.

Role overview

This full-time position is based in Sydney at the Barangaroo campus and follows a hybrid model, with 2 to 3 days spent on campus each week. The role reports to the Engagement Team Leader.

The main focus is to expand and manage a network of industry partners so students in the Community Services and Master of Social Work programs can access high-quality placement opportunities. The role involves working with community organisations, government bodies and other industry stakeholders to create reliable placement pathways that support both students and host organisations.

You will partner with academic teams, placement staff and external stakeholders to help deliver strong placement experiences while also supporting accreditation obligations and ongoing improvement efforts. The work is varied and relationship-driven, with responsibilities ranging from building new connections to resolving issues and helping students progress into successful careers.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and sustain productive relationships with partners across the community services and social work sectors.
• Source and secure suitable student placement opportunities that align with course expectations.
• Build a long-term network of placement partners to meet future student demand.
• Work with academic teams to ensure placements satisfy accreditation standards and learning outcomes.
• Make sure placements meet AASW, CWA, ESOS and internal organisational requirements.
• Track placement quality and work with stakeholders to improve the experience for students and host organisations.
• Collect feedback from stakeholders to refine placement outcomes and improve student preparedness.
• Handle placement concerns and challenges in a timely, professional and proactive way.
• Keep partnership records, placement information and related data accurate and up to date.
• Represent Acknowledge Education in the community and help strengthen its standing as a trusted education partner.

What you will bring

• A qualification in Community Services, Social Work, Management or a similar field.
• Prior experience in the community services or social work sector.
• Proven success in stakeholder engagement, business development or partnership management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with confidence engaging a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent planning and coordination skills, with the ability to juggle several priorities at once.
• Understanding of placement processes and compliance expectations in higher education and/or vocational education, which is highly desirable.
• Genuine commitment to student success and to building stronger industry links.

Additional information

This role offers the chance to join an organisation with strong momentum, new leadership and ambitious growth plans. You will have the opportunity to shape partnerships that directly support student outcomes while continuing to develop your own career.

Benefits

• Hybrid working arrangement with 2 to 3 days on campus.
• Opportunity to grow your career within the UP Education group.
• Annual professional development support worth $1,500.
• A collaborative, encouraging and student-first workplace.
• Discounts on Bupa health insurance.
• The chance to work in a flexible, agile environment where ideas can move quickly from concept to action.

Equal opportunity

Acknowledge Education, as part of UP Education, is committed to inclusive hiring, fair assessment and a respectful workplace. The organisation values diversity and aims to attract applicants with a wide range of identities and perspectives.