Global Partnerships Officer: An Opportunity to Shape International Higher Education at the University of York

The University of York is seeking a dynamic individual to join its Global Partnerships team, part of the International Recruitment, Partnerships, and Mobility (IRPM) division—a core unit within the External Relations Directorate. This pivotal role revolves around developing and sustaining international teaching partnerships, transnational education initiatives (TNE), and meaningful collaborations with institutions and organizations worldwide. Essentially, the role supports the University’s aspirations to maintain its global impact and strengthen its position as a leader in higher education.

As the Global Partnerships Officer, you’ll work at the intersection of international student recruitment, global partnerships, short courses, and study abroad programs. This is a chance to contribute to the University’s ambitious Global Strategy while growing your expertise in specific world regions, engaging in impactful projects, and fostering innovation and educational growth through international cooperation. Key responsibilities include maintaining strategic relationships abroad, facilitating articulation and progression of joint degree pathways, supporting global teaching initiatives, hosting delegations, and providing department-wide collaboration for institutional partnerships.

Why is This Job Important?

International partnerships are increasingly vital in higher education. They allow universities to collaborate across borders, enhance student learning experiences, improve research opportunities, and increase institutional visibility on the global stage. As a Global Partnerships Officer, you will play a critical role in shaping these collaborative opportunities, ensuring students and faculty at York benefit from enriched educational environments and global networks. This is particularly significant in the context of rapidly evolving trends in global education, such as the rise in TNE programs and remote learning opportunities.

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Advice for Applicants: Positioning Yourself Effectively Through an International Education Lens

1. Demonstrate Your International Mindset:
Having experience with international education—whether through studying abroad, collaborative research, or involvement in transnational education projects—will be a strong advantage. Highlight any cross-cultural exposure that demonstrates your adaptability, global awareness, and ability to build meaningful relationships despite linguistic or cultural barriers.

For those applying from abroad, emphasize your insights into regional education systems or networks in areas where the University of York might want to strengthen partnerships. If you have lived, worked, or studied overseas, tailor your application to show how those experiences make you uniquely qualified for fostering international connections.

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2. Highlight Relevant Skills:
While the job requires specific technical skills like project management, communication, and data analysis, prioritize your ability to form and sustain partnerships. Successful candidates must be able to nurture trust-based relationships across academic cultures, often necessitating diplomacy, patience, and cultural sensitivity. If you have examples of managing institutional relationships, even outside the education sector, be sure to include them.

For those new to higher education partnership roles, but with other forms of account or client management experience, demonstrate how your transferable skills—such as negotiation, cross-departmental collaboration, or problem-solving—can benefit your work with global universities.

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3. Knowledge of Regional Expertise:
The role requires cultivating expert knowledge of specific regions crucial to the University’s strategy. If you have existing ties or experience working within certain geographic regions (e.g., Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Europe, or North America), use this to your advantage. Showcase your ability to identify opportunities and navigate political, social, and economic landscapes unique to those areas. For candidates with minimal regional experience, research trends in the international education markets the University targets and use your cover letter to demonstrate your willingness and ability to become an expert in those areas.

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4. Make Connections to the University’s Global Strategy:
Familiarize yourself with the University of York’s strategic priorities for international development leading up to 2030. Incorporate knowledge of these goals into your application materials, explaining how you can directly contribute to objectives such as increasing international visibility, promoting global mobility, or developing articulation pathways. Show initiative by identifying opportunities where the University could expand its global teaching collaborations or TNE programs.

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5. Prepare to Leverage Your Project Management Expertise:
This role emphasizes coordination and seamless execution of complex, multi-stakeholder projects. Share examples of past roles where you’ve managed major events, launched initiatives, or facilitated international collaboration. Bonus points for times you encountered challenges (such as time-zone conflicts or cultural barriers) and successfully adapted to resolve them.

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6. Showcase Collaborative Skills:
The job heavily involves teamwork and department-wide cooperation. Demonstrate how you thrive in collaborative environments, especially across professional or academic boundaries. Include concrete examples of times you worked with diverse teams to meet strategic goals.

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7. Craft a Standout Application:
Your cover letter should explain not only why you’re interested in the role but also what unique value you bring from an international perspective. Consider mentioning:
– Projects that promoted intercultural communication.
– Experiences where you’ve facilitated relationships across borders.
– How you’ve mastered strategic skills such as negotiating agreements or coordinating institutional visits.

Additionally, emphasize York’s inclusivity values in your application. If you belong to underrepresented groups or have experience advancing equity and diversity, mention how your background fuels your commitment to inclusive global education.

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8. Reach Out for Informal Queries:
The University encourages interested applicants to contact Gwion Sims, Deputy Director, International Recruitment and Partnerships, for informal inquiries. Use this opportunity to display your genuine interest, ask thoughtful questions about the team’s strategic objectives, and gather insider insights to strengthen your formal application.

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Final Thoughts for International Candidates

For those applying from abroad, make sure your CV and cover letter address your ability to work within international higher education systems and adapt to remote or hybrid work environments. Demonstrate your familiarity with UK higher education, its partnership models, and the global standards for TNE. Explore how your unique cultural or geographical perspective could help York expand its international footprint. Finally, discuss your practical experience with visa-related processes, international agreements, or adapting curricula to diverse markets—skills that are central to the University’s ambitions.

This is a groundbreaking opportunity to be part of an energetic team helping the University of York shape the future of global education. Apply with confidence, showcasing your expertise, enthusiasm, and commitment to advancing international collaboration