Executive Director (US - Malaysia Educational & Cultural Exchange Program)

Company Background

We are representing our client a well-established, non-profit, bi-national entity with over six decades of experience in strengthening academic, cultural, and professional exchange between Malaysia and the United States. They administer internationally recognized scholarship and exchange programs that connect scholars, researchers, and professionals, fostering cross-cultural understanding and long-lasting bilateral ties.

Job Summary

We are seeking a visionary and dynamic Executive Director to lead this prestigious U.S.Malaysia exchange institution. The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership, oversee daily operations, and strengthen partnerships with government agencies, universities, private sector stakeholders, and alumni networks. This role is ideal for a seasoned leader with strong international experience, proven management capabilities, and a passion for fostering cross-cultural understanding.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Representation

• Provide strategic and technical leadership for the Commission, creating a vision that motivates staff, grantees, and stakeholders to believe in the Commissions mission.
• Represent the organisation publicly and support its organizational development, ensuring it is seen as the premier academic exchange organization in Malaysia.
• Serve as the principal liaison with stakeholders, including the Board of Directors (BOD), Malaysian and American governments, and private sector partners.
• Develop and maintain effective partnerships with local, regional, and international organizations, universities, and other commissions to integrate the organisation into the broader global community.
• Guide the Commission with a mindset that emphasizes the importance of the friendship between Malaysia and the U.S.

Program and Operational Management

• Oversee daily operational activities, ensuring programs are implemented on schedule, within the approved budget, and at a level that meets or exceeds stated quality goals.
• Develop and implement annual program operational plans for each program, ensuring a pipeline of qualified candidates from Malaysia and the U.S. for all programs.
• Supervise, manage, and mentor Commission staff, working closely with the BOD to ensure alignment with U.S. and Malaysian policies.
• Establish and oversee clear HR policies, practices, and procedures to ensure successful operations and staff development.
• Ensure the safety and security of exchange participants.
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of Commission and individual program activities.

Financial Oversight and Fundraising

• Ensure fiscal responsibility by planning and managing annual and long-term budgets, allocating resources to accomplish program objectives, and providing fiscal reporting as required to stakeholders.
• Raise funds from current and new funding sources, including private sector donors, to ensure adequate levels of support from government and non-government sources.
• Identify and manage financial risks, ensuring prudent decisions regarding expenditures and resource allocation.

Stakeholder Engagement and Alumni Relations

• Create and maintain networks with Malaysian and U.S. official representatives, universities, and institutions to focus on the current and long-term direction of both partners.
• Build and manage a platform that supports a strong program alumni and candidate community in Malaysia.
• Foster collaboration and open exchange of information and viewpoints among stakeholders, staff, and grantees.

Global Perspective and Risk Management

• Lead with a global perspective, recognizing local, regional, and global political and economic issues that might affect the Commissions current and future success.
• Manage Commission staff effectively by taking into account cultural and language sensitivities.
• Ensure that processes and policies are aligned with U.S. and Malaysian policies, taking actions to reduce unnecessary risks.

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned by the BOD.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Minimum a Degree, Masters Degree or higher in Education, Social Sciences, Public Administration, or a related field of study. A PhD is highly preferred to support relations with top-level scholars and institutions in Malaysia and the U.S.
• At least 10 years of experience in relevant technical and management roles, with at least 6 years of leadership and organizational management experience overseeing complex, geographically diverse operations.
• Prior work experience managing an education-related organization, preferably as head of an exchange program or international non-profit.
• Strong understanding in both Malaysia and US education systems.

Skills and Competencies

• Proven leadership qualities and excellent management skills, including board/donor relations experience.
• Ability to establish strong working relationships with senior government officials, education professionals, media, civil society, private sector leaders, international donors, and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to track and manage budgets, plan strategically, and creatively meet Commission objectives.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills, with the ability to inspire and engage others.
• Ability to function effectively, exert influence, and gain consensus at all organizational levels and with a wide variety of external stakeholders.

Language and Cultural Proficiency

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. Proficiency in Bahasa Melayu is preferred, with fluency highly desirable to build relationships with Malaysian society, business leaders, and government officials.
• Strong cultural awareness and sensitivity to Malaysian and American societies, cultural practices, and education systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Public-sector grant experience strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with and a vision for international education and exchange, reflecting the broad mandate of the Commission to support scholarly, cultural, and development opportunities.
• Knowledge and understanding of bilateral relations, as well as international and domestic affairs that impact U.S.-Malaysia relations.

Consultant In-Charge:

Adelene | adelene@ talentrecruit.com.my | +60123343582 (WhatsApp)

Mona | mona@ talentrecruit.com.my |+60146288442 (WhatsApp)

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.