Engagement Manager

About AE 

Acknowledge Education is entering an exciting new chapter. With a refreshed leadership team and a renewed focus on innovation, growth, and student success, we are building on our 139-year legacy to shape the future of higher education and VET in Australia. 

We deliver programs across health & community services, social work, engineering design & construction, hospitality, and the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), with campuses in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide. Each year we support more than 8,000 students to achieve their goals. 

Now, under new leadership, we are strengthening our academic vision, deepening industry connections, and investing in our people. If you’re looking to make an impact in an organisation with momentum, this is the right time to join us. 

Role Purpose 

The Engagement Manager plays a vital role in implementing placement and stakeholder engagement strategies for all AE’s Community Services and Master of Social Work Higher Education and VET programmers. Reporting directly to the Engagement Team Leader, this role involves sourcing, developing, and managing local industry partnerships to ensure high-quality field placement opportunities for AE students.  

Key Responsibilities 

Industry Engagement & Partnership Development: 

• Source, negotiate, and secure field placement opportunities for students. 
• Work collaboratively with senior lecturers/trainers to ensure partnerships comply with regulatory and accrediting bodies, specifically adhering to AASW, CWA and ESOS Act requirements. 
• Develop new and maintain existing relationships with industry partners to facilitate student placements and career development opportunities. 
• Manage and maintain a comprehensive database of industry contacts and maintain relations with key external stakeholders. 
• Manage relationships with alumni and maintain connections with graduates to strengthen the professional network. 

Student-Centric Engagement & Career Development: 

• Oversee a high-quality placement for students. 
• Collect, analyze, and utilize feedback from hosting organizations to enhance the onboarding and readiness process for students. 
• Proactively resolve placement breakdowns and escalate student-related matters to senior management as required. 
• This role is integral to the success of student placements and career development, ensuring strong industry connections and a high-quality learning experience for students. 

Qualification & Experience: 

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in industry engagement, stakeholder management, community services or social work fields. 
• A diploma or degree in Community Services, Social work, Management, or related disciplines.  
• Experience in building and maintaining industry partnerships and executing stakeholder engagement strategies. 
• Proven track record of successful business development and program management. 
• Understanding placement processes and compliance requirements in Higher education and VET sectors. 

Why join AE 

Now is the perfect time to join Acknowledge Education. With a refreshed leadership team and a renewed focus on innovation and growth, we’re building something special — and you can be part of it. 

• Opportunities to grow within the organisation 

• $1,500 annual professional development allowance 

• Incredibly committed and supportive team of student-centric professionals 

• Health insurance discounts through Bupa 

• Be part of a fast-moving, agile private provider where decisions turn into action quickly 

• Acknowledge Education is part of UP Education group – a leading education provider: https://www.up.education/ 

Questions about your identity help us appreciate the diversity of individuals looking to work with us, ensuring we’re attracting applications from people with identities and perspectives that are as diverse as our students. 

We are an equal opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equity, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.