Programme Manager Role at King’s College London: Guide for Aspiring Candidates

About the Job
The Programme Manager role at King’s College London is an exciting opportunity within the International, Engagement & Service (IES) Directorate. The IES Directorate is a cornerstone of King’s leadership in global engagement, civic responsibility, and international education. It focuses on creating meaningful partnerships with communities and institutions locally, nationally, and internationally, fostering impactful programmes that benefit students, researchers, and society. Among its key initiatives are One King’s Impact, the King’s Sanctuary Programme, King’s Volunteering, and the Afe Babalola Centre for Transnational Education.

As Programme Manager, your work will underpin high-impact projects that advance King’s mission in areas such as civic engagement, cultural competency, global partnerships, and societal benefit. You’ll play a pivotal role in managing these initiatives, steering them strategically, overseeing their implementation, driving change, and ensuring each programme achieves its goals. Additionally, you’ll champion effective programme management practices across the directorate and oversee temporary staff contracted for specific projects.

In this role, you will:

• Translate vision and strategic plans into concrete actions.
• Develop and deliver strategies and implement change effectively.
• Build relationships across King’s while managing diverse stakeholders and ensuring collaboration.
• Drive the university’s commitment to cultural competency in education and engagement.
• Support the evolution of programmes at varying stages and actively manage risks to maintain successful outcomes.

This is a permanent, full-time position that presents an opportunity to deliver meaningful impact for students, research, and communities.

Advice for Applicants: Navigating the Role from an International Education Perspective
As an aspiring Programme Manager, it’s essential to understand the interconnected nature of this role with international education. King’s College London champions transnational collaboration and cultural competency, making this an opportunity to contribute to shaping meaningful, impactful education across borders.

1. Highlight Your International and Cross-Cultural Competency

– If you have experience working with global partners, managing international programmes, or fostering cross-cultural understanding, be sure to emphasize this in your application. Cultural competency is a key focus of the role, so being able to demonstrate your ability to work across different cultures or contexts will strengthen your candidacy.
– Discuss any international projects or partnerships you’ve been involved in, and reflect on how you managed differences in communication styles, governance approaches, or educational strategies.

1. Demonstrate Your Programme Management Expertise

– Share specific examples where you’ve successfully implemented strategies, managed complex projects, or delivered outcomes aligned with organisational goals. Highlight instances of handling change management, risk assessment, or collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
– Showcase strong leadership skills, particularly in situations where you’ve guided teams, overseen multiple projects, or championed best practices to improve workflows.

1. Show Alignment with King’s Vision and Values

– Dive into King’s mission of creating societal impact at a local and global level through education, research, and service. Reflect on how your own values and professional goals align with King’s focus on driving change, fostering impactful partnerships, and unlocking opportunities for students and communities.
– If you have direct experience in civic or place-based engagement programmes, highlight how that experience has prepared you for this role.

1. Focus on Transnational Education and Global Impact

– If you have experience working with higher education institutions, government organisations, or NGOs in transnational or cross-border education initiatives, discuss how you contributed to fostering research partnerships, educational programmes, or community-focused projects that addressed global challenges.
– This is especially relevant given King’s work with the Afe Babalola Centre for Transnational Education; show how you are equipped to lead work that spans borders and engages with diverse audiences.

1. Tailor Your Application to the Role’s Dynamic Nature

– This position spans various programmes at different stages of development, making adaptability and an ability to juggle multiple responsibilities essential. Highlight your competency in balancing competing priorities, managing evolving programme requirements, and maintaining a clear focus on strategic goals.

1. Understand the Importance of Relationship Management

– The Programme Manager’s success hinges on building strong relationships across King’s College London, as well as with external stakeholders. Showcase your networking skills, ability to build partnerships, and experience in stakeholder engagement.

Key Takeaway
This role offers an opportunity to be at the heart of transformative international education and engagement efforts. Tailor your application to highlight your global perspective, programme management expertise, and alignment with King’s vision for impact-driven education and strategic partnerships. Demonstrating your adaptability, leadership, and ability to foster collaboration across cultures and institutions will elevate your application and strengthen your candidacy for this meaningful position