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Experience and knowledge count in this critical role

Building customer relationships, customer contacts and sales for top university are top of the agenda

An innovative and communicative expert in business development and sales is sought to fill a role with a top university that boasts a strong reputation across all subject areas.

The Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan's Asia-Pacific regional office in Hong Kong is inviting applicants for the role of associate director, business development and sales.

'This is definitely not a desk job and the hire is expected to travel frequently - about 60 to 70 per cent of the time,' said John Chen, director, executive education, for the university's Asia-Pacific regional office.

The role will require building customer relationships, customer contacts and sales for this office, in terms of both executive education open enrolment programmes and the university's customised in-house programmes.

'This role is critical because it promotes exposure of the university brand, develops long-term commitment with the customers and generates revenue for the university. The major challenge will be the intercultural relationships, so the person will need to understand cultural differences and be culturally sensitive,' Mr Chen added.

One of the rewards of this position is that the successful candidate will have the chance for continuous learning from not only other members of staff but also from the university's faculty.

'You are not tied down to your own specific job duties, as everyone is always happy to share about their own specialities ... so that you can grow,' he said.

'On top of internal training and cross-training opportunities, employees of the university also have the opportunity to attend certain Michigan executive education programmes to build up capabilities in both soft and hard skills.'

In addition, the role offers many unexplored opportunities as well as the chance to take the lead and use their initiative. With that in mind, the ideal candidate must be mature and independent, with a sound entrepreneurial spirit.

The successful applicant should ideally have 10 to 15 years of work experience, should be capable of communicating with senior executives and should have knowledge about the diverse business culture in Asia. In terms of education, candidates should be degree-holders or above.

'The prospective candidate should be willing to handle multitasking duties in order to accomplish the goals of the university and learn all facets of the business,' Mr Chen said. 'This person must be forward-thinking, open-minded, creative and able to listen.'

In addition to being prepared for a three-round selection process, prospective candidates are advised to send in a CV that is up-to-date, short and concise, and one which shows actual successes in previous employment.

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