Deputy Director International Partnerships

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An exciting, permanent, commercially focussed opportunity has arisen within the Global Engagement Office to lead the strategic development and delivery of growth in international collaborative partnership activity, and associated income generation, for the University.

The Deputy Director International Partnerships will shape the University's strategic approach to international partnerships and enhance our global collaborations. The Deputy Director International Partnerships will play an integral role in the delivery of the global recruitment and engagement strategy and driving significant growth in the University's international partnerships partner network, aligned with robust risk management strategies and attainment of all quality assurance standards. The post leads on the development, management and monitoring of the University's portfolio of strategic and transnational education partnerships. Building and maintaining effective relationships with key stakeholders in partner organisations and across Bangor University, the post holder will maintain further responsibility for the development and management of a range of other collaborative activities which include student and staff exchange, articulation and student progression.

Reporting to the Director of Global Engagement and working closely with Schools and Colleges, Registry and other professional services, the post holder will lead the international partnerships team in ensuring the University's KPIs are delivered, College strategic ambitions are realised, and that partnerships are effectively developed, managed and monitored. The post holder will lead on the management of the University's existing international partner network, optimising opportunities for growth and identifying and bringing new TNE/Articulations/Progression opportunities to fruition. The postholder will, in collaboration with the Director of Global Engagement, lead an innovative and agile international partnerships operation, providing a high level of service to the University's Services and Schools and working closely with senior colleagues to co-create and implement an inclusive and evolving International Partnerships strategy, in line with Sector best practice.

The post holder is expected to have influence and credibility across the University, to ensure positive engagement with key stakeholders and have the political acumen to be effective at senior levels within the University. The Deputy Director Candidates will be educated to degree level or have a relevant professional qualifications or experience.

The post holder will develop and lead a dedicated international partnerships team to deliver a successful strategy and mobility schemes. The role will lead on the university's priorities for international institutional relationships including student mobility, international projects and co-ordinating the development of the university's profile internationally. The post holder will also work collaboratively with the wider Global Engagement office. The post holder will be expected to be able to work independently, using their networking skills and initiative to develop new recruitment initiatives and partnerships whilst adhering to University approval processes.

The successful candidate will be expected to commence as soon as possible.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post.

This role will be located on campus at Bangor. Through our Dynamic Working framework, there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview.

Applications will only be accepted via our on-line recruitment website, jobs.bangor.ac.uk. However, in cases of access issues due to disability, paper application forms are available by telephoning 01248 383865.

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting: Sergine Monple, Direct or of Global Engagement, s.monple@bangor.ac.uk

Closing date for applications: 05 October 2025

Committed To Equal Opportunities

Purpose of the Job

Purpose of the job: The strategic leadership and oversight of International Partnerships.

The postholder will lead on the development of the University's strategy for International Partnerships, reviewing practice and driving change, with a critical focus on the external market and the identification of opportunities to maximise international partnership recruitment and income, international knowledge exchange and research partnerships and reputation building activities for the University through Transnational Education (TNE) Partnerships. Working with colleagues in Faculties and Professional Services, the post holder will develop appropriate strategies and business development opportunities for each academic area, including appropriate financial models to deliver growth across the University portfolio, ensuring appropriate oversight and risk management strategies are in place.

The post holder will develop and manage relationships with new and existing international collaborative partners, and external organisations such as DIT, British Council, and Government Sponsors to maximise our global footprint. As a senior leader within the Global Engagement Office, the post holder will lead a small team of colleagues to develop and implement the University's international partnerships and international mobility strategies.

The post holder will have considerable experience of new international partnership business development as well as political awareness and ability to build and maintain effective global corporate relationships. A keen interest in broader internationalisation, with up-to-date knowledge of the quality framework and requirements for delivering international partnerships provision overseas is essential.

Experience of leading and managing diverse teams to deliver whole University strategic projects is a key aspect of this role, ensuring colleagues work towards agreed objectives and targets and deliver results.

The post holder will possess excellent communication, negotiation, organisational skills and initiative to ensure that the most efficient and effective systems are in place to support achieving the international strategy. The postholder will work flexibly to accommodate the requirements of this senior role and will be required to undertake significant travel and represent the University both in the UK and overseas as required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of the University's International Partnerships Strategy, identifying new developments and mobilising resource to articulate opportunities to grow market share.
• Lead the strategic development of the University's partnership portfolio of courses, in liaison with academic faculties identifying opportunities and formulating strategies to enhance the University's operations overseas.
• Accountability for International Partnership student numbers.
• Provide effective leadership, development and performance management of International Partnerships team, working collaboratively with colleagues cross the University to drive international growth in partnerships.
• Co-ordination, and development of international partnership activity with faculties, working effectively with professional services colleagues to ensure that existing activity and opportunities are appropriately evaluated, recorded and communicated across the university, and that all activities comply with the University regulatory and due diligence requirements.
• Conduct and maintain oversight of due diligence checks and work with new partners on audit documentation and partner reviews.
• Provide strategic business planning, professional advice and logistical support to the development of partnerships / business opportunities; collaborating with Faculties and colleagues in other services (e.g. Finance Services, Legal Services etc.) as appropriate.
• Lead on business development activities and work with the International Recruitment Team to identify articulation partners which will maximise progression and articulation to on-campus provision.
• Undertake new business development activity to grow the University's international provision through intelligence-led opportunities.
• Lead the provision of a high-level professional service to Faculties/Schools on all aspects of contract management, ensuring that agreements are in place with overseas partner organisations, and to review, monitor and arrange for renewal (or termination) of such agreements as required.
• Responsibility for ensuring compliance in collaboration with QEU, Legal Services and liaising with external bodies such as the British Council and government departments etc. for our partnerships provision, adhering to the legal/regulatory framework in the countries in which the University undertakes partnership activity and to advise the University on the implications of changing legislation, providing plans to mitigate risk.
• Utilise strategic insight, expertise and sector knowledge to inform programme development, pricing, student number planning and forecasting.
• To review and reshape the University's approach to collaborative partnerships overseas, leading to the development of an International Partnerships Strategy with clear direction, rationale and return on investment.
• Work with colleagues to obtain, disseminate and utilise market intelligence to both support current partnerships and identify/support new relationships.
• Have strategic responsibility for relationship management within the University's International Partnerships network collaborating with, Bangor University and Partnership staff to ensure a positive student experience.
• Ensure the team supports quality processes with regard to agreed admissions criteria, to ensure that they are upheld and that appropriate admissions and accreditation of prior learning processes are followed at international partner institutions.
• To build and maintain strategic relationships with partners negotiating terms and identifying opportunities of mutual benefit.

• Working with QEU, provide senior level support for the delivery of quality assurance and enhancement related action plans, liaising with senior partnership staff to ensure issues or developments are addressed.
• Develop and implement the University's strategy for student/staff mobility with the Workplace including the Turing Scheme, developing and managing Study Abroad and income generation via Summer Schools, ensuring processes are in place to facilitate the development of overseas and experiences and opportunities for UK based students.
• Have strategic responsibility for International Partner overseas award ceremonies and celebrations, corporate overseas events and/or all visits to the University from International partners.
• Support and contribute to the development and implementation of the University's Alumni Strategy Internationally, overseeing and organising overseas events as requested when in country.
• Provide regular updates on the implementation of the International Partnerships strategy to the Director of Global Engagement, and relevant committees/working groups as required. Chairing the Partnership Management Boards will also be required.
• Work with the International Marketing and University Marketing team to ensure that partner marketing and publicity activity is co-ordinated and complies with CMA guidance and best practice across the sector.
• Maintain an exceptional awareness of the external market to drive strategic developments to grow income to the University.
• Lead and develop high performing teams, building a culture of cross-institution collaboration and driving continuous improvement.
• Financial responsibility for pay and non-pay budgets.
• Represent the University at a senior level, developing relationships with senior stakeholders across the education sector and key regional and government bodies.
• Undertake representational duties for the University overseas.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post, as may be required by the Director of Global Engagement.

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
• The post holder will be expected to comply with the University equal opportunities policies, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University's Welsh Language Policy and the Welsh Language Standards.
• The post holder has a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for him/her self and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by his/her actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their posts.

Person Specification

Specific knowledge and skills

Essential

• Proven experience in a senior international partnerships role within a higher education context, with a track record of developing and managing strategic global collaborations.
• Demonstrated expertise in initiating and driving the development of new high-impact international partnerships, including (TNE) and articulation agreements, to enhance global engagement.
• Proven experience developing and managing study abroad and student exchange programmes, establishing sustainable international collaborations.
• Proven track record generating income through development and management of international partnerships.
• Proven ability to consistently exceed student recruitment and income targets through strategic development and management of international collaborations.
• Proven experience in co-creating and implementing strategies, a strong track record of managing change to achieve organisational goals.
• Proven experience negotiating contracts, ensuring favourable terms and successful agreements that align with organisational objectives.
• Significant knowledge and understanding of (TNE) models and the opportunities and risks presented by TNE activity, key markets and competitor activity.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience of changes in education, economic, social, governmental and technological environments and impacts.
• Proven experience in identifying business opportunities, developing innovative solutions, and responding to the needs and expectations of key stakeholders.
• Proven experience in managing budgets, forecasting, allocation, and financial oversight, ensuring effective use of resources.

General Skills/experience

Essential

• Understanding and sensitivity to cultural issues with intercultural communication skills.
• Strong focus on customer service and service delivery , alongside excellent stakeholder management skills.
• Sound understanding of relevant professional, legal and regulatory requirements related to UK and international HE partnerships management.
• Understanding of government HE policy, regulatory oversight, and the environment in which UK based collaborative provision and transnational education currently operates.
• Proven recent experience in managing a medium/large-sized team, demonstrating effective leadership and team coordination skills.
• Highly organised, self motivated and committed, with the ability to work with minimal supervision to find creative solutions to complex issues and ability to cope with demanding and shifting priorities.
• People development capability with strong continuous professional development orientation.
• Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance principles in HE.
• A proven track record of successful strategic planning and delivery supporting the objectives of a broad range of stakeholders.

Personal Qualities

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to establish rapport and influence a diverse range of stakeholders, building and maintaining close collaborative working relationships.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to present and deliver timely and high-quality reports to senior leadership committees and management group.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and engage in critical conversations with discretion and professionalism, ensuring effective outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain positive, collaborative relationships with diverse range of colleagues and stakeholders at all levels.
• Demonstrated ability to inspire confidence and establish strong rapport with range of stakeholders, fostering trust and collaborative relationships.
• A clear commitment to the University's purpose and values, including equality, diversity and inclusion and continuing professional and leadership development.
• Ability to think and plan strategically to problem solve creatively to deploy finite resources to achieve objectives.
• Ability to work as an effective team member to support the wider University Strategy and to work collaboratively to persuade and influence strategic direction.
• A proven track record in driving change management initiatives and delivering innovative solutions that result in tangible improvements.
• Proven experience in leading and managing teams, driving staff performance towards achieving agreed objectives and delivering measurable results.

Other Essential

• Willingness to work flexibly to meet the demands of the job.
• Willingness to undertake significant overseas travel Personal integrity, helping peers and colleagues to develop skills and confidence.
• Ability to plan, organise and deliver complex activities to time, quality and budget.
• Experience of managing and co-ordinating resources and demonstrable experience of working with regulatory processes and governance systems.

Standard of General Education

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent qualifications

Desirable

• Membership of a professional body/professional qualification as appropriate.
• Professional or Postgraduate qualification in a related discipline.
• The ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh and/or another language. If applicants are not able to speak / write in Welsh at present, there are many opportunities to learn if the successful candidate wishes to do so.
• Experienced in use of BANNER.
• Ability to speak a second language other than English or Welsh.

General

The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We strive to develop a workforce from all sections of the community regardless of sex, gender identity, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age. We promote and facilitate the use of the Welsh language through our progressive Welsh Language Policy. We comply with the Welsh Language Standards and are committed to equality of opportunity. You are welcome to apply for any job in English or Welsh and all applications submitted will be treated equally.

We are a member of Advance HE's Athena SWAN Gender Equality charter and hold a Silver award in recognition of our commitment to and progress towards gender equality within the University's policies, practices, and culture. We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

All members of staff have a duty to ensure their actions are in line with the overall environmental aims of the University and minimise their environmental impact.

All offers are made subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK and receipt of satisfactory references.

We have a legal responsibility to ensure that you have the right to work in the UK before you can start working for us. When you apply for this post you will be required to explain the basis upon which you believe you will able to live and work in the UK legally on the commencement date of the role should your application be successful. If you do not have the right to work freely in any position in the UK already, any offer of employment we will make to you will be subject to you obtaining a right to work visa. The following link provides information on the various visa routes into employment and the eligibility requirements (including switching visa status where permissible) https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas . If you are successful in your application we will discuss visa options with you at the time of making the offer of employment.

Please note that, in the event of applications being received from candidates on the University's Redeployment Register with a reasonable skills match to the post specification, these applicants will be given prior consideration.