Director Of International Business Development

Job Purpose

Work directly with the Deputy Vice Chancellor (DVC), External Engagement and Assistant Vice-Principal, International, to provide strategic leadership to the University's transnational education strategy, with the primary objective of achieving our global ambitions, as outlined in Global Glasgow 2025.

Lead an innovative and business-development based approach to the identification of new TNE opportunities. This will include the identification and evaluation of opportunities to grow the University of Glasgow's international footprint through all facets of TNE and building business cases for internal review and approval that will support the delivery of global KPIs, including income generation. The post-holder will be required to work closely with regulatory bodies, international organisations and partners, as well as senior colleagues and key internal stakeholders across the University to ensure the development and delivery of a programme of mutually beneficial projects such as overseas developments and joint ventures that cover learning and teaching, research, innovation and mobility.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy and Business Development

Building on the existing TNE arrangements and working closely with colleagues engaged in TNE management and governance, the post-holder will lead on the University of Glasgow's TNE strategy focused on new international business opportunities, including the mobilisation and co-ordination of all senior stakeholders. This will require a business development approach to support the identification and creation of opportunities which support a range of TNE activities.

The post-holder will lead on the initial assessment of TNE opportunities to consider the strategic, reputational and academic fit of a partnership, preparing business cases for any proposed new TNE arrangements. This includes supporting Colleges with College-led TNE projects, working closely with Deans for Global Engagement and TNE Deans, and should include consideration of institutional capacity constraints to ensure appropriate prioritisation of opportunities against anticipated impact.

The post-holder will contribute to the development of the institution's international strategy, aligning international partnerships and TNE initiatives with the University's overall mission and goals, providing regular reports and assessments on progress, impact and outcomes of prospective international partnerships to support strategic decision-making.

Governance

To lead on the implementation of the University's TNE framework, developing a common, consistent and transparent approach to assessing and prioritising TNE opportunities against the ambitions as outlined within Global Glasgow 2025. This will include stewarding projects, ensuring academic engagement and sponsorship. Work closely with a large number of Professional Services teams e.g. Academic Policy and Governance (Strategy and Collaborations), Directorate of People and Organisational Development, Finance, and Student and Academic Services, recognising the need for input, support and buy-in from a broad network of University colleagues and the need to ensure compliance with regulatory environments and accreditation standards.

The post-holder will join the University's TNE Governance Board and the International Strategy & Delivery Board to deliver strategic updates in relation to TNE.

Partnership Development

To lead the development of strategic partnerships with HE institutions, organisations and governments worldwide to expand the institution's international reach and enhance academic collaboration. The post-holder will be responsible for developing and implementing an ambitious programme of work to support the development of the University's broader network of TNE partnerships, identifying and assessing potential international partner institutions for academic and research collaborations, joint degree programmes, student/staff exchange, and other collaborative initiatives.

Proactively cultivating constructive working relationships across External Relations, Colleges and University Services will be vital.

Risk Management and Due Diligence

Lead on the development of risk assessments for each TNE project - this will include periods of time overseas to undertake due diligence in-country and the organisation of high-level delegation visits to support the successful delivery of the TNE strategy. Identify and mitigate risks associated with international collaborations and transnational education initiatives, including legal, financial, cultural, and operational considerations.

The post-holder will provide expert advice and input into the institutional risk register to ensure any risks associated with TNE are transparent, understood, with mitigating actions agreed and actioned, and will commission and manage external research where required e.g. to inform decision making on new opportunities and projects, in line with organisational objectives.

Communications

Develop a long-term strategic communications strategy to share best practice and success of TNE partnerships, to support institutional understanding of work in this area and outcomes and benefits to the institution.

Practice highly effective communication to develop relationships with international partners, Governments and agencies, including Universities UK and the Russell Group, to influence and inform broader sector policy approaches to TNE.

Work closely with the University Communications team, as necessary, regarding media coverage relating to TNE to support an informed and rapid response to emerging issues.

Budget

Effectively manage and control annual budget and associated resources, in line with agreed budget processes to support the delivery of the TNE strategy, ensuring optimal resource allocation and cost effectiveness, including e.g. associated travel, and identified market research, by providing regular forecasts and reporting on spend.

Seek and secure external funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships to support internationalisation efforts and TNE initiatives.

Other

Deputise for the DVC External Engagement/AVP International, as required, including at external meetings and events.

Represent External Relations at a senior level on internal project boards, forums, and committees as required, particularly those pertaining to existing TNE partnerships.

Undertake such other duties that may be required by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, External Engagement.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/ Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Ability to demonstrate the necessary strategic competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary professional knowledge and leadership experience in a similar or number of different specialist roles Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 9,10 or 11 (Ordinary/Honours Degree, Post Graduate Qualification), or equivalent, including being professionally qualified in relevant discipline, with a broad range of professional leadership experience in strategically important specialist areas.

A2 In-depth knowledge and experience of TNE policy and practice.

A3 Knowledge of international education trends in particular the internationalisation of higher education, the competitive environment and key challenges and their impact on the University's business, within a UK and Scottish Government context.

A4 Thorough knowledge and understanding of work practices within an HE context, policies and procedures relevant to the role.

A5 An aptitude to understand internal University systems, alongside external data sources to support consideration of market position and potential.

Desirable:

B1 Knowledge of institutional and College strategic priorities.

B2 In-depth knowledge of the University's degree programmes and research strengths.

B3 Knowledge of trade policy.

Skills

Essential:

C1 High-level relationship management, influencing, negotiation and interpersonal skills accompanied by political awareness and acumen.

C2 Strategic thinking and planning skills with the ability to convert these to effective operational plans.

C3 Ability to develop innovative solutions and to influence others to adopt them.

C4 Well-developed leadership and motivational skills in formal and informal situations.

C5 Effective project management skills.

C6 Ability to identify trends in markets and generate original ideas and innovative solutions.

C7 Ability to challenge the status quo effectively.

C8 Proven high-level communication skills and excellent presentation skills.

C9 To provide expert advice and input into the institutional risk register to ensure any risks associated with TNE are transparent, understood, with mitigating actions agreed and actioned.

C10 Well-developed ability to build relationships at a senior level.

C11 Strong understanding of cultural, linguistic and academic differences across global regions with the ability to bridge differences to facilitate successful collaborations.

Desirable:

D1 Second Language

Experience

Essential:

E1 Demonstrated track record of successfully establishing and managing international partnerships, TNE programmes and global initiatives in a higher education setting.

E2 Experience fostering successful collaborations with global institutions, managing transnational education programmes and driving strategic internationalisation efforts to enhance an institution's global profile.

E3 Significant and relevant management and leadership experience, line managing a high performing team.

E4 Experience of developing innovative solutions and managing strategic planning processes.

E5 Substantial experience of international cross-cultural business development and high-level negotiation.

E6 Experience of high-level networking to build creative and mutually beneficial relationships, and positively impact on both strategic and tactical business development.

E7 Experienced presenter with the confidence and communication skills to represent the institution on a global stage through conferences/events.

E8 Experience of effective budget/financial management.

E9 Experience of being the lead on projects with measurable outcomes with implications beyond own team.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be on the Management, Professional and Administrative, Senior Administrative Group, level 10. This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open-ended (permanent).

As part of Team UofG, you will be a member of a world-changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community here.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website for more information.

Closing date: 23:45 on Wednesday 5th June 2024