Senior Business Developer - Higher Education - Canada

Studyportals

About The Position

Studyportals is seeking an experienced Senior Business Developer to accelerate its growth across North America, starting from Canada. The role is high-impact and senior, targeting an individual with deep knowledge of the international student recruitment landscape and a strong network to drive long-term partnerships. Studyportals operates the world's largest global study choice platform, serving over 55 million unique users annually and partnering with more than 3,000 universities in 114 countries. The platform helps students make informed education choices and assists universities in attracting, retaining, and diversifying high-quality international student cohorts. As a Senior Business Developer, you will be a key driver of North American expansion, engaging with senior decision-makers at leading higher education institutions. Your responsibilities will include leading strategic, multi-level relationships, converting insights into multi-year commercial partnerships, and acting as a trusted advisor to universities navigating the complex international student market. This role reports directly to the Business Unit Director of North America and is central to shaping the regional growth strategy.

Requirements

Extensive experience in higher education, ideally within international student recruitment
A strong existing network within universities and higher education decision-makers
Proven success in senior-level B2B business development and complex sales cycles
Strategic thinker with a consultative, insight-driven approach
Canada-based and excited to help grow Studyportals’ North American footprint
At least 8 years of proven commercial track record within the Higher Education industry (Higher Education experience is required)
A strong network to key decision makers (c-level) within the HE industry in NA
Optimistic and self-disciplined high achiever with a sense of urgency and good work organization
Client and market share orientation; committed to create client value on the long term
Assertive, and optimistic. Energetic and persistent, with an entrepreneurial attitude you drive for results and are 110% committed to success
Open team player – independent yet supportive – thriving in an entrepreneurial atmosphere
Able to get in the minds of prospective international students
Eagerness to learn and grow alongside a young and dynamic company, with the ambition to quickly grow in role and responsibilities
Our mission and corporate values should match yours
Possess a valid work permit for the location

Nice To Haves

Having experienced an international study period is desired

Responsibilities

Win and grow strategic partnerships with top universities across Canada and North America
Advise institutions on international student mobility, diversification, quality, and retention
Drive multi-stakeholder sales cycles, from first contact through negotiation, launch, and renewal
Build long-term trust with senior leadership and decision-making units (DMUs)
Own and grow your individual territory, while contributing to overall NA performance
Support and collaborate with the wider North American team to hit regional growth targets
Plan and lead client meetings, presentations, and strategic reviews
Contribute to optimizing the full commercial cycle: lead generation, sales strategy, campaign execution, reporting, and evaluation

Benefits

Work at the intersection of global education, data, and impact
A senior role with real ownership and influence
Collaborate with an international, ambitious, and purpose-driven team
Help institutions worldwide make better decisions — and help students change their lives through education
The opportunity to be a key driver in a fast-growing, global company that creates lasting value in North America’s — and the world’s — higher education market
A full-time, long-term contract role, offering stability alongside the excitement of growth
A competitive salary with an excellent performance-based bonus scheme
An ambitious, informal, entrepreneurial, and flexible work environment, where self-initiative is genuinely encouraged
Strong focus on personal development and long-term career growth, alongside your contribution to the business
A company culture that is serious about having fun in everything we do
The chance to make a positive impact and help make the world a little better through education