Job Overview and Role Explained

The University of Leeds is seeking a dynamic addition to its International Office team for a permanent, full-time position. This role offers an exciting opportunity to actively contribute to the University’s internationalisation strategy. As part of the East Asia Team, which operates both in Leeds and China, the post will involve coordinating engagement activities with stakeholders in East Asia. This includes providing administrative support, managing incoming and outgoing visits, and facilitating marketing and recruitment efforts to attract high-quality international students to the University of Leeds.

This position is ideal for individuals who thrive in fast-paced environments and are passionate about international education, cross-border collaboration, and student recruitment. It combines administrative responsibilities with opportunities to support international engagement, making it a versatile and foundational role in the field of global higher education.

Key Skills and Responsibilities

If you excel in organisation and communication, this role will allow you to showcase these talents as you liaise with a diverse range of stakeholders, both from the UK and East Asia. You will play a key role in:

• Supporting operational and marketing activities, including planning and executing recruitment events.
• Managing administrative tasks with precision and supporting international visits (both virtual and in person).
• Leveraging digital tools and platforms to facilitate meetings, webinars, and other online engagement activities.

The University of Leeds actively welcomes proactive individuals who are motivated by problem-solving and thrive in a detail-oriented working environment. However, you will need to be comfortable working with various digital platforms to build connections across time zones.

Important Information for Applicants from an International Education Perspective

International applicants considering this role should note the following:

• Visa Eligibility: While the University sponsors Skilled Worker visas, applicants applying for such a visa for the first time are ineligible for this role. However, if you qualify for other UK work visas (such as a Graduate visa or Youth Mobility Scheme visa) or meet the visa sponsorship criteria, you are encouraged to apply. For detailed guidance on work visas, visit: Gov.uk Work Visas.

• Cultural Knowledge: To be competitive in this role, applicants with prior experience or knowledge of the East Asian educational landscape will have an edge. Highlight any experience you have working with East Asian stakeholders or knowledge of student recruitment trends in countries such as China, South Korea, or Japan.

• Language Skills: While not explicitly stated in the job description, proficiency in languages commonly spoken in East Asia (e.g., Mandarin, Cantonese, or Korean) could strengthen your application and demonstrate your ability to bridge cross-cultural communication gaps effectively.

Application Advice

1. Tailored Approach: When applying for this role, tailor your CV and cover letter to showcase your organisational skills, experience with administrative work in education, and capability to support international engagement activities. Be sure to emphasize any relevant experience in university marketing, recruitment, or regional expertise in East Asia.

1. Global Perspective: Demonstrate your understanding of the global higher education sector. Include examples of how you have previously engaged international stakeholders or contributed to cross-border collaborations. Practical experience with virtual event platforms (such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or WebinarJam) will also be well-received.

1. Highlight Transferable Skills: Even without direct experience in higher education, skills such as cross-cultural communication, project coordination, and event planning are highly relevant. Emphasize these strengths in your application.

1. Research the Institution: Familiarise yourself with the University of Leeds’ internationalisation strategy by reviewing its website and international plans. Use this knowledge to demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals during your application and interview.

1. Prepare for Flexibility: The job promises a hybrid working style and potentially flexible arrangements. In your application, show your ability to adapt to both remote and on-campus settings. Offer specifics on how you can manage overlapping time zones and online engagement challenges with East Asian stakeholders.

Why Join the University of Leeds?

The University of Leeds offers exceptional benefits, including:

• Generous annual leave of 42 days, inclusive of holidays and University closure days.
• Access to a comprehensive pension scheme and life assurance.
• State-of-the-art health and well-being facilities, such as discounted gym memberships.
• On-site childcare options and staff development opportunities.

The combination of professional development resources, international exposure, and excellent work-life balance makes the University of Leeds an outstanding choice for career progression within the higher education sector.

Questions and Contact Information

If you’d like to learn more about the role or have specific inquiries, reach out to:
Claire Zupnik, International Manager (East Asia)
📧 Email: C.E.Zupnik@leeds.ac.uk

This is your chance to be part of a globally respected institution, shaping international connectivity and building a brighter future in higher education. Don’t miss the opportunity to contribute to the University of Leeds’ ambitious vision of internationalisation!