Sebastian Rodriguez

Building strategic partnerships at the nexus of knowledge, impact, and global cooperation | Business Development @ ISS – Erasmus University

The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands

About

Change does not just happen. It takes trust, structure, and people who know how to connect the dots. I am drawn to the space where ideas become action, and where partnerships evolve into something more than the sum of their parts. I have worked across sectors and regions, helping to build collaborations in education, policy, and international cooperation. From supporting training initiatives and managing grants to unlocking new ways for institutions to work together, I bring curiosity, structure, and a steady hand to complex environments. I believe that diversity and inclusion are not just values, but essential conditions for meaningful change. I take my work seriously, but never myself. Even in serious spaces, a bit of humour helps move things forward. Today, my focus is on building connections between research, learning, and global engagement. I am especially drawn to work that challenges extractive models and centres co-creation, reciprocity, and long-term impact.

Experience

  • Business Development & Partnerships Officer at International Institute of Social Studies (ISS) of Erasmus University Rotterdam
    May 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 2 mos

    At ISS, I help develop strategic opportunities that connect research and teaching with societal needs. I believe collaboration should be intentional, rooted in listening, built through co-creation, and open to rethinking the usual path when it no longer serves. I lead business development at ISS, with a focus on: • Building partnerships across academia, public institutions, and civil society • Scouting and shaping opportunities for contract research, consultancy, and tailored programmes • Identifying opportunities that align with ISS’s mission and amplify its impact

  • School Services Advisor at Council of International Schools
    Aug 2021 - Mar 2024 · 2 yrs 8 mos

    In my capacity at CIS, I optimised accreditation procedures, maintained data systems, and orchestrated effective communication strategies to fortify relationships. Collaborating seamlessly across teams, I facilitated streamlined information exchange and trend analysis, empowering our membership network.

  • Sabbatical year at Sabbatical Year - Career Break
    Apr 2020 - Jun 2021 · 1 yr 3 mos

    Sabbatical period: journey inwards, personal & professional coaching, volunteer work

  • Talent Development Associate at The International Baccalaureate
    Jul 2015 - Apr 2020 · 4 yrs 10 mos

    Empowered a network of approximately 1200 IB educators across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East through talent development, optimised placements, and process improvements. Facilitated strategic capacity planning and training initiatives to drive organisational effectiveness.

  • Investment Analyst at Escallón Morales & Asociados
    Jan 2014 - Mar 2015 · 1 yr 3 mos

    Conducted sectoral and political analyses of Bogota's infrastructure landscape, facilitating strategic liaison with infrastructure companies to promote investment opportunities in Bogota. Additionally, developed two cross-sectoral initiatives to strengthen business partnerships between Colombian and German stakeholders and policymakers in the mobility sector.