Lead Swansea University’s International Education Ambitions: Key Insights and Application Advice

If you’re passionate about fostering global collaboration and have experience in transnational education (TNE), partnership development, and negotiating commercial arrangements, this role offers an exciting opportunity to help shape Swansea University’s international future. This position sits at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and impact within higher education, making it particularly suited to individuals who thrive in dynamic, cross-cultural contexts.

What Does the Role Involve?

You’ll be instrumental in expanding Swansea University’s global presence by leading the strategic development of its transnational education and international partnerships. TNE entails collaborations where Swansea delivers education programs with institutions abroad, allowing students to access Swansea’s expertise while studying in their home countries or other international locations. In this capacity, you will work closely with the Pro Vice-Chancellor (PVC) for International Engagement, senior university leaders, and a broad network of stakeholders across faculties and professional services.

The role is both visionary and practical. You will:

• Lead a newly established agile team focused on data-driven decision-making to identify, evaluate, and deliver long-term international partnership opportunities.
• Drive Income Growth by negotiating robust commercial agreements that align with Swansea University’s international strategy.
• Enhance Global Mobility by maximizing the impact of existing study abroad programs and exchange partnerships, enriching learning experiences for students both inbound to Swansea and outbound to foreign institutions.
• Innovate by identifying new opportunities to expand TNE and elevate Swansea’s standing globally.
• Represent the university internationally, including occasional overseas travel, to showcase Swansea in a competitive, global higher education market.

How to Excel in Your Application

Position Yourself as a Changemaker in International Education

When applying, emphasize your ability to innovate and lead in the rapidly evolving landscape of international partnerships and education. Showcase your knowledge of transnational education, experience negotiating collaborative agreements, and familiarity with intercultural communication. Strong business acumen and evidence-based decision-making will be key assets for this role. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where your contributions have led to successful partnerships, revenue growth, or positive student experiences on a global scale.

Highlight Strategic and Interpersonal Expertise

This role demands both strategic thinking and operational execution. Demonstrate how you’ve previously balanced crafting innovative strategies with delivering measurable outcomes. Additionally, focus on your ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders-whether senior university leaders, international academic institutions, or professional services teams-to drive success in complex projects. If you’ve worked in an environment requiring cross-disciplinary engagement, be sure to highlight your ability to navigate such spaces effectively.

Tailor Your Application from an International Education Perspective

Considering Swansea University’s aspiration to enhance its international profile, your application should reflect an understanding of global higher education trends. Read up on Swansea’s international strategy documents and familiarize yourself with its existing TNE initiatives and partnerships. How can you help Swansea achieve its goals? Be specific about your contributions and your potential impact. Consider addressing challenges such as:

• How you could adapt strategic approaches for new markets.
• Ways to integrate sustainability and inclusivity into TNE initiatives.
• How your leadership can strengthen inbound/outbound mobility programs for students.

Show Your Enthusiasm for International Collaboration

This is not just a managerial role-it’s an opportunity to expand the global reach of Swansea University and shape the futures of thousands of students. Use the application as a platform to express your passion for international education and your vision for driving impact beyond borders.

Key Application Guidance

• Write an Engaging Cover Letter: Your cover letter should introduce yourself as not only competent but also inspired by Swansea University’s vision for global growth. Focus on aligning your personal goals and career successes with the objectives outlined in the job description. Use this document to tie together your skills, fit within the university’s strategies, and highlight your knowledge of the international higher education sector.

• Craft Your CV With Impact: Showcase key accomplishments that align with the role, including leadership on TNE projects, partnerships facilitated, revenue generated through global collaborations, and contributions that advanced student experiences abroad. Keep your CV concise but impactful, linking your achievements directly to the skills required for the role.

• Understand the Welsh Language Context: As part of Swansea University’s commitment to bilingualism, applicants should take a thoughtful approach to the Welsh language requirement, even if it’s only Level 1. Familiarize yourself with basic Welsh phrases to enhance your application’s alignment with the university’s inclusivity goals. While not essential for international applicants, demonstrating cultural sensitivity toward Wales’s language and values will reflect positively.

• Show Commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: Illustrate your ability to engage effectively with diverse cultural groups. Discuss past roles or initiatives where you championed inclusivity and enhanced intercultural understanding in your work.

Why This Role Matters

Joining Swansea University at this pivotal moment means actively shaping its global identity. By leading innovative TNE strategies, forging impactful international partnerships, and enhancing student mobility programs, your work will empower Swansea’s international ambitions while enriching the educational experiences of its vibrant student community. If you are inspired to make a tangible difference on the global stage and contribute meaningfully to the university’s evolution, this could be your perfect opportunity.

Click ‘Apply’ to view the full job description and submit your tailored CV and cover letter.