International Partnerships & Strategic Business Specialist

NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, is an international Academy specializing in art and design. Founded in Milan in 1980, it is the largest Academy of Fine Arts in Italy and the first private Academy in the country to have received official recognition from the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR), in 1981. NABA offers academic qualifications equivalent to first- and second-cycle university degrees in Communication and Graphic Design, Design, Fashion Design, Media Design and New Technologies, Set Design, and Visual Arts.

NABA is currently seeking motivated individuals for the role of

International Partnerships & Strategic Business Specialist

The successful candidate will join the International Partnerships & Strategic Business team and will report directly to the International Partnerships & Strategic Business Senior Manager.

The NABA International Partnerships department develops and coordinates collaborations with universities and educational institutions worldwide, spanning international academic projects, transnational education initiatives and tailored learning programmes. Working closely with academic teams and institutional partners, the department supports the development and implementation of NABA's international activities.

The role involves supporting the development and delivery of the International Certificate Programmes by monitoring enrolments, analyzing performance indicators, producing reports, coordinating certification processes, and contributing to the continuous enhancement of programme content and learning materials.

The candidate will contribute to international partnership activities across the IP department, including tutoring, relationship-building with institutions, and the development of existing partnerships. The role also requires support for project implementation, stakeholder engagement, market analysis, and the successful delivery of international initiatives and events.

The selected candidate will carry out the following activities:

Within the International Certificate Programmes

• Regularly monitor enrolment figures on the online platform against expected numbers and targets, analyse trends and variances, and identify and propose operational measures to improve enrolment performance.
• Prepare and maintain dashboards and reports on student enrolment, progress, completion rates, and satisfaction indicators (including NPS), ensuring that data is accurate, accessible, and presented in a clear format to support informed decision-making and programmed enhancement.
• Support the certification process by monitoring the preparation of graduate reports and ensuring the timely processing and delivery of final certificates to partner campuses.
• Assist in updating and organising the digital course materials for design courses in the International Certificate Programmes. This will involve reviewing the current materials, identifying areas for improvement, and working with instructors to develop new materials as needed.
• Act as the primary operational point of reference for partner campus coordinators, providing guidance on programme operations, policies and procedures. Coordinate onboarding and training activities as needed, supporting partners in the effective delivery and promotion of NABA Certificate Programmes in accordance with partnership agreements and academic standards.

Within the Department

• Support tutoring and operational activities by welcoming and coordinating groups of international students attending customised training programmes at the NABA campus, ensuring a five-star experience delivered with the highest level of professionalism, in line with the Academy's standards and, ultimately, participant satisfaction.
• Maintain regular communication with existing partner institutions, supporting relationship management activities and facilitating effective coordination across stakeholders.
• Provide support in day-to-day activities across the International Partnerships department, including administrative tasks, campus tours for visitors, project coordination activities, and the monitoring of roll-out plans to ensure the timely implementation of initiatives.
• Support the organisation of webinars, meetings, and other project-related activities, ensuring efficient coordination and attention to detail.
• Contribute to the preparation of presentations, reports, and informative materials, ensuring content is clear, accurate, and professionally presented.
• Support the identification of prospective international institutions and contribute to the development of new relationships in line with the overall International Partnerships strategy.
• Analyse and evaluate the positioning and academic offering of institutions within assigned regions to contribute to the identification of potential collaboration opportunities and support informed decision-making regarding partnership growth and development.
• The role may involve occasional international travel to support partner meetings, institutional visits, networking events and international projects, including Training of Trainers (ToT) programmes.

Requirements:

• 3–4 years of relevant experience, ideally within an academic or educational environment or with experience in international programmes or institutional partnerships.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant field

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to manage multiple activities simultaneously while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with a proactive and solution-oriented approach.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with international partners, students, and internal stakeholders.
• Customer-service mindset, with a commitment to delivering professional and high-quality experience to partners and participants.
• Comfortable working in an international and multicultural environment.
• Analytical and reporting skills, with the ability to interpret data and present information clearly.

Languages:

• Fluent written and spoken English is essential.
• Italian is required.
• Knowledge of Spanish and/or Chinese will be considered a strong asset.

What We Offer:

• The opportunity to work in a stimulating and international environment
• A dynamic and collaborative team
• Smart working options
• 38-hour working week
• Meal vouchers (Ticket Restaurant - €8 per working day)
• Unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning

Work location: Milan

Full time: 38 h

Contract: A one-year fixed-term contract, after which there’s the possibility of becoming permanent
Compensation: € 27.000 – € 31.000 (depending on experience and qualifications)

Expected start date: January 2027

If you are proactive, detail-oriented, and interested in international education and partnership development, with strong analytical and interpersonal skills, send us your CV—we look forward to hearing from you!

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