About the Job
Interview Date: 2 September 2026
The Assistant Director – Global Partnerships is a senior leadership role responsible for developing, managing and growing the University's portfolio of UK and international academic partnerships. The position combines strategic leadership, business development, partnership management, governance, compliance, and team leadership to support the University's global recruitment, engagement and institutional growth objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Global Partnerships Team and oversee the University's partnerships strategy, ensuring partnerships are sustainable, high quality and aligned with institutional goals.
- Develop and manage a portfolio
- Work closely with Faculties, Registry and Professional Services to develop business cases, conduct due diligence and risk assessments, and support approval processes for new partnerships.
- Support Faculties in achieving recruitment, engagement and partnership KPIs.
Strategic Leadership
- Provide expert advice on international higher education trends, political and economic developments, regulatory changes and partnership opportunities.
- Identify and develop high-value, research-led strategic partnerships globally.
- Monitor market demand, financial viability, risks and legal considerations associated with partnership development.
Partnership Performance & Operations
- Ensure partners meet recruitment targets and deliver agreed marketing and student recruitment plans.
- Lead stakeholder engagement with partner institutions and act as a senior point of contact on operational and business matters.
- Develop reporting frameworks, dashboards and performance monitoring systems.
- Produce and present partnership performance reports and recommendations to senior committees and stakeholders
Student Experience & Quality Enhancement
- Work with Faculties to ensure a high-quality student learning experience across partner institutions.
People Leadership
- Lead, develop and motivate a team of Global Partnerships Managers.
Governance & Representation
- Serve on University committees and approval panels, providing specialist expertise on partnerships.
- Maintain strong governance, compliance and record-keeping practices.
Other Requirements
- Regular international travel.
- Ability to manage complex negotiations and sensitive discussions across different cultural contexts.
We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports UON and our students, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.
About You
- National and international awareness and understanding of the activities, objectives, and strategic direction of the University, both current and future.
- Relevant, extensive experience of working in a Higher Education institution, demonstrating deep, specialised and or broad knowledge of partnership management and development.
- Sound understanding of regulatory requirements related to partnership management. Sound understanding of the relevant professional, legal and regulatory requirements of international education, recruitment and collaboration.
- Knowledge and understanding of quality assurance and enhancement principles in HE.
- Understanding of government, HE policy and agenda, particularly within the context of Transnational Education. Substantive experience of working in key international markets for transnational education, particularly China, Southeast Asia, India, GCC.
- Recent experience of management and leadership in global recruitment and engagement. Sound knowledge and experience of international student and staff mobility.
- Knowledge and understanding of risk management in a HE setting. Experience of building and maintaining positive relationships with senior colleagues and contacts. Established network of relevant professional contacts.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and able to apply tact in dealing with diverse groups at all organisational levels, and the self-confidence to influence and challenge at all levels
- Solid personal integrity, helping peers and colleagues to develop skills and confidence.
- A clear commitment to the University’s purpose and values, including that of equality, diversity and inclusion, and to continuing professional and leadership development.
- Visible and passionate leader, with the ability to drive forwards the risk management agenda in a collaborative and progressive manner.
- Ability to plan, organise and deliver complex activities to time, quality and budget. Appreciation and understanding of business operations and the strategic context within which the university operates.
Qualifications
Essential
Desirable
Department
The University of Northampton’s (UON) Global Partnerships Team (GPT) oversees the development and operation of academic partnerships with a number of local, national and global higher education (HE) partners. UON seeks to ensure that the high-quality teaching and learning experience that students receive on campus is comparable to that available at our collaborative partners.
As the only university in the county, UON seeks to maintain strong relationships with the providers of HE in Northamptonshire, neighbouring counties and London, including FE colleges, hospitals and private providers. Within Europe the GPT has established collaborative partnerships in countries including Finland, Greece, Poland, Netherlands and Ireland. This collaborative work also has a worldwide reach and the GPT has developed successful partnerships in Bahrain, China, Egypt, Mauritius, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, UAE and Vietnam.
GPT staff work closely with staff in partner institutions to ensure the smooth running and scheduling of programmes, including staff visits for teaching and training. To see a full list of UON’s collaborative partners please click on the links below for either UK or Transnational Education (TNE) partnerships.
About Us
At the University of Northampton, we are committed to supporting aspirations, creating opportunities, and delivering meaningful impact. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we foster a progressive, inclusive environment where excellence thrives for our students and staff.
Our People
Our staff are our greatest asset. We are dedicated to building an inclusive community that values diversity, promotes wellbeing, and supports personal and professional growth. By developing a first-rate People Strategy, we aim to attract and retain top talent, enhance career progression, and ensure that every colleague feels empowered to achieve their best.
Our Values
- Inclusivity: We celebrate diversity and ensure that everyone has the opportunity to excel.
- Sustainability: We are committed to becoming a net zero carbon institution, taking collective action for the benefit of society and the environment.
- Aspiration: We strive for excellence in all we do, empowering our staff, students, and partners to reach their highest potential.
- Trust: We build relationships based on respect, transparency, and shared goals.
Together, we are creating a future where our community, our work, and our impact truly make a difference.
Right to Work
All candidates will be required to provide proof of their eligibility to work in the UK during the interview process. The University is open to considering Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, provided that the eligibility criteria of the points-based immigration system are met.
Equality
We welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented groups.
The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical, and sustainable environment that values equality, diversity, and inclusion. Our commitment ensures an inclusive atmosphere for staff, students, and the public. We manage equality and diversity through key committees and formal policies, extending our responsibility to subsidiary companies and partnerships.
Together @ UON
Our Commitment to Equality and Inclusion
Together @ UON affirms our dedication to creating an environment that celebrates diversity and promotes equality. We aim to foster a space where all can thrive, aligning with our mission to transform lives and inspire change.
Commitments Include:
- Creating an Inclusive Environment: Adopting a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and ensuring all activities are inclusive.
- Supporting Students and Staff: Strengthening mental health support, enhancing disability confidence, and ensuring academic and professional support.
- Tackling Inequalities: Involving students in recruitment, integrating forums for equality data analysis, and supporting networks for protected characteristics.
UON’s Major Commitments:
- Disability Confident
- Standalone Pledge
- IHRA Working Definition
For more details, visit: Equality and Diversity at UON
