Position Overview: International Partnerships Manager at the University of Southampton

The University of Southampton, a distinguished founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, is widely recognized as one of the top 80 universities in the world and ranks among the top 15 in the UK. Known for academic excellence and a diverse global community, we are committed to driving innovation and creating a positive impact on societies around the globe.

As part of the university’s strategic vision to inspire excellence and foster inclusivity, the International Office is central to building influential relationships that connect us with the world. We believe that diversity fuels creativity, and strong international partnerships enrich education, research, and global impact. To advance our ambitious International Strategic Plan, we are expanding our International Office and seeking an International Partnerships Manager to focus on building connections in the Americas, Europe, and Australasia.

What Does the Role Entail?

The International Partnerships Manager will play a pivotal role in developing, maintaining, and managing institutional partnerships within their assigned region. Your responsibility will be the identification of opportunities for collaboration that align with the university’s mission. These partnerships may include student exchange programs, study abroad initiatives, and broader educational or research collaborations.

To excel in this position, you’ll need to develop a deep understanding of your region’s political, educational, and economic landscape. Your insight and strategy will be instrumental in determining the university’s activities in the region, while you actively seek and nurture partnerships that are mutually beneficial. You will represent the university internationally, fostering relationships with institutions and organizations in diverse cultural settings, and contributing to Southampton’s reputation as a leader in education and innovation.

Advice on Applying: Perspectives for International Education Professionals

As this role involves expanding the university’s global footprint, applicants should approach their applications with a focus on expertise and enthusiasm for international education, strategy, and cross-cultural engagement. Here are some key tips to strengthen your application:

1. Highlight Your Experience in International Higher Education:

Detail your previous roles in international engagement, particularly those where you successfully built or managed global partnerships. Include measurable outcomes, such as student exchange numbers, research collaborations, or educational initiatives resulting from your efforts.

1. Demonstrate Regional Expertise:

Show familiarity with the political, cultural, and educational landscapes of the regions you’ll oversee (the Americas, Europe, and Australasia). Use examples to illustrate your ability to identify opportunities or overcome challenges unique to those areas.

1. Prove Your Communication and Negotiation Skills:

Success in international partnerships requires excellent communication, cross-cultural sensitivity, and negotiation abilities. Provide examples of situations where you connected with stakeholders across languages and cultures, resolved complex issues, or successfully brokered agreements that benefited all parties involved.

1. Showcase Strategic Vision:

This role demands a forward-thinking and strategic mindset. Highlight your ability to align partnership efforts with the overall goals of an institution or organization. Explain how you’ve contributed to international strategies in the past and offer ideas for fostering impactful partnerships in the future.

1. Adaptability and Cultural Awareness:

Convey flexibility in adapting to diverse cultural settings. Share examples of how you navigated cultural differences to build relationships, find common ground, or promote collaboration.

1. Express Alignment with Southampton’s Vision:

Explain how your goals and approach align with the University of Southampton’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and creating a positive societal impact. Demonstrate how you would embody these principles in your role.

Why Join the University of Southampton?

This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the most globally ambitious universities in the UK. With a generous holiday allowance, university closure days, and a culture that values work-life balance, the University of Southampton is committed to supporting staff both personally and professionally. Flexible working arrangements are available to ensure alignment with modern working practices.

Application Note: When preparing your cover letter and CV, ensure your experiences and achievements are tailored to the specific responsibilities and qualifications outlined in the job description. Demonstrate your passion for fostering international collaboration and your ability to contribute to the University of Southampton’s global ambitions