Job Overview:

St Mary’s University is seeking two proactive and collaborative Academic Partnerships Officers to join their Academic Partnerships team, part of the Centre for Teaching Excellence and Student Success (CTESS). This is an exciting, newly created opportunity to contribute to the delivery of the University’s Academic Partnerships strategy, which supports the goals outlined in St Mary’s Vision 2030.

These roles will be integral to fostering and maintaining partnerships both in the UK and internationally. As an Academic Partnerships Officer, you would work closely with external partners and internal colleagues-academics and professional services staff-to build strong, sustainable relationships. You would also coordinate operational processes to ensure that partnerships within your portfolio function effectively and achieve their objectives.

CTESS plays a vital role in enhancing the teaching and learning environment at St Mary’s, emphasizing inclusion, student success, and innovation to empower both staff and students. As part of this mission, these positions will play a key role in advancing the University’s international reach, impact, and influence.

Advice for Applicants with an International Education Perspective:

If you’re considering applying for this unique opportunity, here are some specific tips to help you frame your application with an international education lens:

1. Showcase Your Experience with Global or Cross-Cultural Collaboration:

St Mary’s is eager to expand its impact globally, so make sure to highlight any experiences-professional or academic-that demonstrate your ability to foster cross-border partnerships or work across cultures. Discuss specific examples where you’ve contributed to international initiatives, built relationships with diverse stakeholders, or managed global educational projects.

2. Align with the University’s Vision and Values:

St Mary’s is rooted in its Catholic mission and ethos, which emphasizes excellence, inclusiveness, respect, and generosity of spirit. In your application and cover letter, reflect on how your approach to education and partnership aligns with these values. For example, you might discuss your commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and how you’ve helped create an inclusive academic community in previous roles.

3. Emphasize Your Knowledge of Partnership Processes:

Academic partnerships involve navigating complex agreements, ensuring compliance with educational frameworks, and managing ongoing communication. Detail your understanding of these processes, whether in the UK or in an international context, and give examples of your ability to manage multiple projects or stakeholders.

4. Demonstrate Your Expertise in the Higher Education Sector:

Focus on the relevance of your skills within the higher education sector, particularly in the context of student success, learning innovation, or widening participation. If you have experience supporting international students, working with education agents, facilitating exchange programs, or designing joint ventures between universities, this would be highly advantageous.

5. Highlight Transferable Skills and Competencies:

• Collaboration: Showcase your ability to bring together diverse teams and work across departments or institutions.
• Proactivity: Give evidence of how you’ve taken initiative in your roles, using foresight and problem-solving to advance educational goals.
• Strong Communication: Emphasize your ability to manage communications with international stakeholders, even across different time zones or cultural contexts.
• Administrative Expertise: Coordination of processes, compliance, and documentation are critical for partnership roles; make sure to showcase your strengths here.

Practical Application Notes:

• Closing Date: Applications must be submitted by 21st July 2025. Allow time to tailor your CV and cover letter to this specific role.
• Interview Date: Be prepared for an interview on Thursday 31st August 2025, if shortlisted.
• Eligibility to Work in the UK: Ensure you meet the legal requirements to work in the UK. If you’re applying from overseas, you will need to confirm that you qualify under the UK’s Points-Based Immigration System. Refer to UK Visas and Immigration guidelines to understand your eligibility.

What to Expect from St Mary’s:

By joining this prestigious institution, you’ll become part of an environment that prioritizes inclusivity, student-centered teaching, and professional growth. In line with its commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, St Mary’s encourages applicants from all backgrounds. Learn more about their work as a Disability Confident employer and explore their detailed access guide for more insights into the University’s inclusive policies.

If you’re passionate about advancing impactful education partnerships and want to help shape the future vision of a globally-minded university, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful contribution