Global Partnerships Manager

Description:

We are recruiting for two Global Partnership Manager maternity cover roles. One role will focus on North America, and the other on Europe. Please indicate in your application whether you have a preference for one region or would like to be considered for both roles.

The role will contribute to the delivery of the University’s International Strategy through supporting the development of international partnerships and collaborative opportunities for the University. Working with academics and other colleagues in divisions across the University, they are responsible for driving forward projects to enhance activity in defined regions, advising departments on opportunities and facilitating partnership development with identified priority partners.

Whilst primary responsibility for a region, or regions, will be defined for the post holder, the role is not limited to any specific geographical region. As such, the post holder may be required to develop a detailed understanding of the political, economic and legal environment of any country in which our partners are located and must be interculturally sensitive with good business acumen.

The post holder will also be expected to develop an understanding of the wider context in which the University operates, as there are opportunities to contribute to and support broader projects and there may be opportunities to connect our work between priority regions.

The post holder may be required to undertake occasional overseas travel, including weekends and public holidays. The post holder must be able to operate effectively and autonomously under these circumstances.

Main duties

Contribute to the University’s International Strategy by evaluating research, reputation and education opportunities and progressing initiatives for partnership development (both in the UK and overseas) that will enhance the University’s global reputation and profile and realise strategic objectives. This may include the management and promotion of internal pump-priming funding, visiting fellow schemes or directly supporting a regionally-focused (virtual) institute, which acts as a community of practice across the University.
Develop a detailed understanding of the opportunities and initiatives that support mutually beneficial collaboration in defined regions, in order to be able to advise academic colleagues in Colleges and other professional service divisions and operationalise our International Strategy.
Work collaboratively with internal and external colleagues to identify potential funding streams. 
Disseminate information and provide advice and guidance on best practice in partnership development. 
Organise and lead workshops, seminars and training sessions to enhance knowledge and understanding of partnership development with prioritised institutions.
Provide advice and guidance to Colleges on the development of new and existing schemes that promote the development of sustainable partnerships. This could involve education, research and reputating building activity. This will involve:
Establishing and maintaining an active network of contacts across the University to enable a detailed understanding of how College priorities and international ambitions align with the University’s International Strategy.
Develop and deliver an effective communications plan for areas of responsibility, sharing information effectively online and through direct communications both internally and externally.
Evaluating external data sources to identify and respond to potential partnership opportunities that align with the International Strategy, disseminating this information as appropriate. 
In consultation with the relevant Head of Global Partnerships, provide detailed market background information and an assessment of opportunities.
Assessing proposals for international engagement and approaches from potential partners, and providing market intelligence to aid decision making on new initiatives.
Manage programmes of incoming overseas delegations, events or other activities involving partnerships. 
Organise and undertake overseas travel in support of partnership development, usually accompanying academic colleagues. This may include:
Organisation and and management of outgoing and incoming academic and institutional delegations and visits, ensuring the programme will maximise outcomes and opportunities for collaboration.
Organising, attending and participating in international conferences, seminars and other events.
Leading discussions with academic departments and professional services to realise partnership objectives through the engagement.
Ensuring actions are followed up and any agreed, prioritised opportunities are taken forward.
Preparing costings and managing designated budgets.
Provide high level project management support for defined projects and initiatives, which may include research and education partnerships (such as direct entry or articulation arrangements).
Act as the principal contact point for identified partners, collaborating academics and professional services colleagues engaged in the development of joint initiatives. 
Manage defined budgets effectively; preparing and submitting budgets for consideration, undertaking accurate forecasting, reconciliation and reporting as required.
Ensure that priorities are balanced, taking action to deliver agreed deliverables against timelines.
Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Support the University’s sustainability agenda through resource efficient working. 
Any other duties commensurate with the grade.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

Qualified to degree level or equivalent plus practical managerial experience or significant relevant experience demonstrated through increasingly more demanding roles evidencing the experience necessary for this role.
Knowledge of the international higher education sector and current opportunities and challenges.
Working knowledge of partnership development and evidenced ability to formulate operational plans that deliver on strategic objectives.
Evidence of literacy and numeracy, with the ability to write clearly, and to produce and analyse information and data.
Excellent people-management skills. 
Excellent budgetary management skills and experience.
Highly proficient IT skills, including the MS Office and website editing software. You should be confident and able to quickly learn new IT skills and software packages as required. 
Excellent interpersonal, intercultural, communication, relationship building and influencing skills with the ability to deal confidently with a range of internal and external stakeholders/contacts and build effective and trust-based relations.
Excellent organisational, project management, problem solving and multi-tasking skills with a methodical approach to work and the ability to prioritise workloads in order to meet deadlines.
Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.