Director Of Global Partnerships and Networks
WORLD CHANGERS TOGETHER
Dear Applicant,
A warm welcome to the University of Glasgow and thank you for expressing an interest in our Director of Global Partnerships and Networks role.
Glasgow is one of the oldest universities in the English-speaking world. Our inventions and interventions have helped to shape the social, cultural and economic prosperity of our city, our country and civilisation itself.
We have been changing the world since 1451.
Today, as well as being one of the best universities in the world, ranking in the top 100 in both the Times Higher Education and QS World University Rankings, we are one of the best universities for the world: Glasgow is ranked in the world’s top 20 universities for our contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development goals. We are proud to be a civic, anchor university but with global reach and profile and have set out our international ambitions in our strategy, Global Glasgow 2025.
There has never been a more exciting time to join our TeamUofG community .Glasgow is synonymous with discoveries, innovations and leadership of global importance; a university characterised by the closeness of our community, the strength of our connections and the incredible potential unleashed by our collaborative spirit.
Over recent years, we have significantly grown our international student community and now welcome over 13,000 international students from over 140 countries to our campuses.
Our almost £2bn investment in reshaping Glasgow’s West End is also an example of the transformational role that universities can play locally, as well as in regional and national domains.
Our achievements are a tribute to the hard work and enterprise of our colleagues and students and our commitment to model our institutional values in all that we do: ambition and excellence; curiosity and discovery; integrity and truth; and an inclusive community.
The Director Of Global Partnerships and Networks will play a critical role in supporting the delivery of our strategic KPIs.
The role will report to me as Deputy Vice-Chancellor, External Engagement, and will sit within the Leadership Team of our External Relations Directorate. We seek a candidate with a substantial and quantifiable track record of leading large, complex teams, delivering transformational change in the international sphere, and excellent stakeholder management.
If you would like to contribute your expertise, creativity and energy to this vital post for the University, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Together, we are World-Changing Glasgow.
Regards
Rachel Sandison
Deputy Vice Chancellor – External Engagement and Vice Principal, External Relations
Job purpose
Main duties & responsibilities
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Strategy and Business Development- Building on the existing TNE arrangements and working closely with colleagues engaged in TNE management and governance, 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.- 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.
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Governance- Provide strategic and influential leadership and work with colleagues across Colleges and Professional Services to ensure the quality and alignment of international partnerships with the institution’s academic standards and goals, ensuring compliance with regulatory environments and accreditation standards. This will include working effectively with colleagues across the University to support the transition of TNE projects and activities into business as usual and representation on the University’s TNE Governance Board and International Strategy and Delivery Board.
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Partnership Development- Lead the development of strategic partnerships with HE institutions, organisations and governments worldwide to expand the institution’s international reach, reputation and enhance academic collaboration.- Responsible for developing and implementing an ambitious programme of work to support the development of the University’s broader network of TNE partnerships. This will include representing the University in negotiating and finalising agreements with senior staff in overseas-based education institutions.- Identify and assess potential international partner institutions for academic and research collaborations, joint degree programmes, student/staff exchange, and other collaborative initiatives.- Network management (Universitas 21, The Guild for European-Research Intensive Universities and CIVIS, a European University Alliance), including fostering links with the African Research Universities Association (ARUA) and other priority partners, for example, the University of Sydney.
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Risk Management and Due Diligence- Lead on the development of risk assessments for each international partnership project – this will include periods of time overseas to undertake due diligence in-country, the potential requirement to commission external research and the organisation of high-level delegation visits to support the successful delivery of the TNE strategy. Any risk assessment should include risk identification and mitigating actions, ensuring legal, financial, cultural, and operational considerations are fully addressed.
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Advisory Role- Provide expert advice to senior leadership, informed by expertise in the international policy environment, quality assurance and regulations, as relevant to the specific venture to effect change and drive the progression of new international partnership, specifically TNE and network opportunities. This should include a clear risk assessment of the opportunities presented.
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Communications- Develop a long-term, strategic communications strategy to build advocacy internally and externally, sharing best practice and success of international partnerships and networks, including TNE, to support understanding of work in this area, alongside the outcomes and benefits to the University and the partner.
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Resource Management- Manage substantial resources, including the management of the annual budget and associated resources, in line with agreed budget processes, to support the successful delivery of international partnership KPIs, ensuring optimal resource allocation and cost effectiveness. In addition, the post holder is expected to seek and secure external funding opportunities, grants, and partnerships to support internationalisation efforts.
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Other- Deputise for the DVC, External Engagement and represent External Relations at a senior level on internal project boards, forums, and committees as required and/or to represent the University at a senior level on external professional groups, forums and committees as required.- This post will play a major part in the University’s Institutional strategy and international operational plan.- The post holder will manage a team of approx. 8 people and a budget of approx. £575k. The post holder will also have a dotted line to the Deans for Global Engagement.NOTE: This is an externally facing role, which will require travel to agreed regions of the world.
Knowledge and qualifications
Essential
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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.
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In-depth knowledge and experience of TNE policy and practice and knowledge of emerging international education trends particularly the internationalisation of higher education, the competitive environment and key challenges and their impact on the University’s business.
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Demonstrable expert knowledge and understanding of work practices and issues facing HE within an international HE context, policies and procedures relevant to the role.
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An aptitude to understand internal University systems, alongside external data sources to support consideration of market position and potential.
Desirable
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Knowledge of institutional and College strategic priorities.
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In-depth knowledge of the University’s degree programmes and research strengths.
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Knowledge of trade policy.
Skills
Essential
- High level relationship management, influencing, negotiation and interpersonal skills accompanied by political awareness and acumen.
- Strategic thinking and planning skills with the ability to covert these to operational plans.
- Well-developed leadership and motivational skills in formal and informal situations.
- Effective project management skills.
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Ability to identify trends in markets and generate original ideas and innovative solutions, and influence others to adopt them.
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Ability to challenge the status quo effectively
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Proven high level communication skills, obtained through representational and negotiating activities.
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Excellent presentation skills.
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Ability to undertake risk analysis to ensure any associated risks are transparent.
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Well-developed ability to build relationships at a senior level.
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Strong understanding of cultural, linguistic and academic differences across global regions with the ability to bridge differences to facilitate successful collaborations.
Desirable
- Second Language.
Experience
Essential
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Demonstrated track record of successfully establishing and managing international partnerships, TNE programmes and global initiatives in a higher education setting.
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Experience fostering successful collaborations with global institutions, managing transnational education programmes and driving strategic internationalisation efforts to enhance the institution’s global profile.
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Significant and relevant management and leadership experience, line managing a high performing team.
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Experience of developing innovative solutions and managing strategic planning processes.
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Substantial experience of international cross-cultural business development and high-level negotiation.
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Experience of high-level networking to build creative and mutually beneficial relationships that positively impact on both strategic and tactical business development.
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Experienced presenter with the confidence and communication skills to represent the institution on a global stage through conferences/events.
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Experience of effective budget/financial management.
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Experience of being the lead on projects with measurable outcomes with implications beyond own team.
Campus development plan
Our Vision
Over the next 10 years, the major investment will expand our campus footprint by 25%, creating a new urban quarter with the University at the heart of a revitalised west end. This is the largest development since the creation of the original campus in 1870.
This is a unique opportunity for a University to extend the boundaries of its historic core in a central city location. It will create:
- New learning and teaching facilities
- Refurbishment and repurposing of existing iconic buildings for specialist uses
- Identification and design of social spaces that support the student and community experience.
The expansion of our Gilmorehill campus into the 14 acre, former Western Infirmary site will transform the West End of Glasgow. The Masterplan for the site will incorporate:
- New learning and teaching facilities supporting our students and making sure they get the best in modern teaching and learning styles and approaches
- Creation of a Research Hub, housing large-scale multidisciplinary projects and incubator space for spin out collaborations with industry. This will encourage further innovation development
- New public cycle and pedestrian routes and a new central square which will link Byres Road to the up-and-coming cultural quarter for the West End, with new links to Kelvingrove and the newly-refurbished Kelvin Hall
- Refurbishment of five listed buildings: The Chapel, the Outpatients building, the Macgregor building, the Tennent Institute and Anderson College
- Commercial opportunities, including a hotel, restaurant, bars and cafes
- The state of the art Learning and Teaching Hub adjacent to the Boyd Orr building on University Avenue will be completed next year.
Find out more
Living in Glasgow
A UNESCO City of Music, a vibrant arts and culture scene, a food-lover’s delight, and a shopper’s paradise. Just some of the highlights of the ‘friendliest city in the world’. As well as that accolade by the Rough Guides poll, Glasgow has also been named a must visit destination by publications including the New York Times, The Guardian, and Wanderlust.
Music
The city hosts an average of 130 music events a week catering for every taste; from rock to rap, and classical to country. Glasgow also has a world class club scene playing host to some of the world’s top DJs.
Shopping
Outside of London’s West End, Glasgow is frequently voted the best place for shopping in the UK. A must-visit destination for any shop-a-holic, it houses high street chains, international designers, and independent retailers. The West End, home to the University of Glasgow, is bustling with vintage fashion, vinyl stores, and second-hand bookshops.
Arts and Culture
Glasgow’s arts scene has gone from strength to strength, and is the base for five internationally renowned performing arts companies including the National Theatre of Scotland and Scottish Ballet. The city has several world-class museums, which are free to the public, and the city’s architecture is a work of art in itself.
Food and drink
You can be in Glasgow and taste the world with its many diverse restaurants, cafes, and bars. And if you’ve yet to sample the delights of haggis and whisky, Glasgow is the place to be.
The City and Beyond
Glasgow has all the opportunities and excitement of a big city but its compact size means you can quickly travel from one vibrant district to the next. You could be relaxing in one of its many parks, before shopping in the quirky West End, and then dancing until the wee small hours in the Merchant City.
And when you fancy getting out of the city you can reach the stunning Loch Lomond in just 30 minutes, climb one of our many breath-taking Munros, play golf at one of Scotland’s many world-class courses, visit one of our ancient castles, or go further North and search for Nessie! Scotland has also just been named the world’s most beautiful country by Rough Guides.
Relocating to Glasgow
Choosing to relocate to Glasgow is a big decision. There are numerous things to be considered, such as the costs of moving, the cost of living, and where exactly to relocate to. We have created a guide to aide you in the decision making process.
Find out more on relocating to Glasgow at the below link:
WORLD CHANGERS TOGETHER
WORLD CHANGING GLASGOW 2025
Our outstanding disciplinary breadth and expertise has enabled us to make world-changing advances in fields as diverse as medicine, physics, linguistics, public policy and global development.
The key to our success is our talented staff and students pushing back at the boundaries of knowledge and understanding together.
Our World Changers Together strategy recognises the fundamental importance of a culture of open cooperation: not just as colleagues and mentors or students and teachers, but as a community of discovery that reaches beyond its walls and draws inspiration and strength from its connections and partnerships worldwide: excellence that's part of something bigger. The strategy is articulated across three themes:
COMMUNITY
- People centred, globally engaged
CONNECTIVITY
- Collaboratively minded, digitally enhanced
CHALLENGES
- Solution focused, impact oriented
Find out more
How to apply
Full details of the role and how to apply can be found by visiting our website:
The closing date for applications is 9th May 2025.
For a confidential, informal conversation about the role, please contact Martina Cooper at martina.cooper@glasgow.ac.uk.
Terms & Conditions
Salary will be on Competitive on the Management, Professional and Administrative, Senior Administrative Group, level 10.
This post is full time (35 hours per week) and open-ended (permanent). Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.
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:
A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension, benefits and discount packages.
A flexible approach to working.
A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University .
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 https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
It is the University of Glasgow’s mission to foster an inclusive climate, which ensures equality in our working, learning, research and teaching environment. We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equity.
Our values
The future holds innumerable challenges for our sector, our society, and our world. We will have to adapt and change what we do and what we offer if we are to navigate these successfully. Our strategy and approach may evolve as the landscape changes, but our values will remain constant: a fixed point of certainty in uncertain times.
We have identified our values in consultation and partnership with our staff and student community. Living and upholding these values will ensure that we remain true to the spirit of our community and ourselves:
Ambition and Excellence
- We strive for excellence through our work
- We defend academic freedom globally
- We recognise and celebrate shared success
- We have an unrelenting focus on development
Curiosity and Discovery
- We innovate and solve problems together
- We lead by influence and example
- We engage with lifelong learning and personal development
- We learn from our mistakes
Integrity and Truth
- We uphold honesty, integrity and fairness
- We share our work widely and generously
- We do the right thing, not the easy thing - or we don’t do it
- We take responsibility
An Inclusive Community
- We are one Glasgow team, and we care for and respect one another
- We advocate for diversity and believe in variety as a vital part of a healthy university
- We champion education as an engine for social progress
- We practise and advance sustainability