Job Description: Faculty Specialist Officer (International) – A Unique Role in International Education and Strategy

Are you passionate about fostering global connections and advancing international education? The University of Southampton invites applications for the position of Faculty Specialist Officer (International) within its prestigious Faculty of Arts and Humanities (FAH). This is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of the university’s international strategy, working in a dynamic and multicultural environment to create global partnerships, support diverse student initiatives, and play a key role in promoting internationalisation at one of the world’s top 100 universities. This full-time, fixed-term contract runs from 1 September 2025 to 30 September 2026, and offers an exceptional platform for individuals with a passion for international higher education and global engagement.

What the Job Involves

As the Faculty Specialist Officer (International), you will be an integral part of a committed team working to advance FAH’s ambitious international goals. You will be responsible for:

• Global Partnerships: Developing and progressing strategic international collaborations, from initial discussions to formal agreements, ensuring mutual value for all partners.
• Strategic Insights: Leveraging deep knowledge of educational, economic, and political contexts in key global regions to inform decisions and actions.
• International Student Recruitment: Designing and delivering activities that showcase FAH’s education programmes globally, contributing to the university’s aims to attract a diverse and talented student population.
• Scholarship Programmes: Overseeing the FAH Global Talent Scholarships, as well as coordinating participation in other key international scholarship initiatives.
• Collaboration and Representation: Working closely with the University of Southampton’s International Office to streamline efforts, while also serving as an ambassador for the university both in the UK and abroad.

What Makes You a Strong Candidate?

The university seeks candidates who bring expertise, enthusiasm, and drive to the role, ideally with the following qualifications and capabilities:

• Higher Education Knowledge: An in-depth understanding of UK higher education, particularly in an international and multicultural setting.
• Global Relationship Building: Experience in forging successful partnerships with international stakeholders.
• Recruitment Expertise: A proven track record of making a positive impact on international student recruitment objectives.
• Market Awareness: Knowledge of global trends influencing international education.
• Language Skills: Proficiency in Mandarin Chinese is highly desirable for certain partnership territories, and knowledge of another global language is a bonus.
• Communication Skills: Advanced English language skills, essential for navigating the demands of this outward-facing role.

Above all, we are looking for individuals who share in our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and innovation, and who value the vibrant cultures and perspectives that define our university community.

How to Apply: Tips for International Applicants

If you’re applying as an international education professional or bring a global perspective to this position, use your experience and skills to stand out. Here’s how you can showcase your potential:

1. Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your background in building international connections and partnerships. Mention any specific regions or collaborations you’ve worked with that relate to the job description.

1. Showcase Multilingual Abilities: If you’re proficient in Mandarin (the highly desirable language for this role) or another global language, be sure to stress how your language skills and cross-cultural understanding can help achieve the university’s internationalisation goals.

1. Demonstrate Strategic Insights: Share insights into global trends in education, international student recruitment, or your experience navigating economic and political shifts in regions of interest.

1. Promote Your Understanding of UK Higher Education: If you’ve studied, worked, or collaborated with the UK’s higher education sector, describe how this experience equips you to address the unique demands of this role.

1. Align with Southampton’s Vision: Highlight your commitment to the university’s values of inclusivity and global citizenship. Explain how your background aligns with their vision of supporting diverse student and staff populations.

1. Tailor Your Application: Use specific examples from your career to illustrate how you’ve successfully filled roles with overlapping responsibilities. Showcase your ability to deliver results in international student recruitment, partnerships, or scholarship programmes.

Why Join the University of Southampton?

The University of Southampton offers a richly rewarding career in higher education, surrounded by a diverse and vibrant community. Alongside the prestige of working at a global top 100 institution, you’ll receive access to a range of excellent staff benefits and flexible, hybrid working opportunities. The FAH’s work spans internationally ranked disciplines, providing ample opportunity to explore impactful and meaningful projects.

Apply by showing how you’re ready to help shape the future of international student engagement and global partnerships at the University of Southampton!

Familiarise yourself with the application process by exploring the University of Southampton’s career opportunities page, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions about applying! Whether you’re looking for full-time or job-share opportunities, there’s a space for innovative thinkers like you to take a global role in education