Business Development Lead, China, Duolingo English Test

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Join our life-changing mission to develop education for our half a billion (and growing!) learners around the world. 

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About the role

The Duolingo English Test (DET) is an alternative to traditional high-stakes testing — through a Duolingo-style experience: convenient, fast, and affordable. Students interested in studying abroad can certify their English with the Duolingo English Test instead of other standardized tests like the TOEFL and IELTS. We are now accepted by 5,000+ higher education institutions worldwide. Using AI and remote proctoring, we enable students to take the test online, on-demand, anywhere in the world. If you love making a difference in education through technology, this is your place.

We are looking for a strategic, resourceful, and analytical leader to drive partnerships with key players in the study abroad and consumer tech ecosystem. You will define DET’s go-to-market partnership strategy in China and take a structured and proactive approach to implementation. The ideal candidate fluidly toggles between strategy and execution and thrives in a fast feedback-loop environment.

Reporting to the Head of Global Growth for the Duolingo English Test, this is a position based in Duolingo’s Beijing office. You will work closely with team members located across Asia as well as in the US, with regular business travel expected.

 

  You will...

• Define a partnership strategy in China, including mapping partners in the study abroad ecosystem, identifying engagement tactics, and prioritizing for execution
• Pursue, negotiate and drive high-impact strategic and commercial partnerships
• Evaluate the economic and strategic business case of partnerships and new initiatives
• Develop scalable global programs and offerings that incentivize and enable partners, working closely with cross-functional teams and internal collaborators
• Explore expansion into new use cases and markets

 

  You have...

• Demonstrated track record of achievement in fast-paced, global work environments, collaborating with cross-functional and executive stakeholders
• 8+ years of relevant work experience across partnerships, business development, corporate development, consulting, or finance
• Ability to combine critical thinking with rapid iteration, hands-on execution
• Excellent communication and analytical skills
• Self-starter capable of working across timezones and independently
• Willingness to immerse yourself in the study abroad ecosystem, and explore way to collaborate with educational agents, test-prep organizations and other organizations
• Willingness to travel (as frequently as monthly) across China and to the US

 

  Exceptional candidates will have...

• MBA from top-tier program
• Partnerships/partner-marketing experience at a leading global tech platform
• Study abroad experience at the undergraduate or graduate level, and an intrinsic interest in redefining the traditional English testing model

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