Centre Director – University of Cumbria

About [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] International

[Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] International's Vision is to be a trusted global partner in education, delivering pathways, language experiences, and university services that transform lives and shape futures through innovation and collaboration. Our values are PASSION, EXPERTISE, CREATIVITY, CHANGE-MAKING, and COLLABORATION.

Main Duties

Strategic Leadership

• Build and nurture a trusted partnership with the Universities, acting as the primary liaison between [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] and the university to ensure alignment on shared goals.
• Deliver strategic leadership for the Centre, embedding a culture of collaboration, transparency, and trust between the International Study Centre and the university.
• Demonstrate how the International Study Centre adds value to the university by enhancing its global reach, supporting student outcomes, and optimizing Centre operations.
• Provide creative leadership to the Centre, creating an environment that inspires and motivates employees and fosters a sense of purpose and belonging.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders across [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]'s Pathway division and global teams to drive innovation and best practices.

Academic Oversight and Integrity

• Work closely with the Group Academic Director / Head of Learning and Teaching to ensure that teaching quality, curriculum delivery, and student progression meet or exceed partner expectations.
• Collaborate with academic leaders and university staff to foster a culture of continuous improvement, supporting student success and innovation in teaching practices.
• Provide strategic input into academic policies and initiatives, ensuring they reflect the needs of students, the university, and [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]'s broader objectives.
• Act as an ambassador for academic quality, ensuring alignment with the university's expectations and compliance with regulatory and accreditation requirements.

Operational and Partnership Excellence

• Ensure the Centre delivers a best-in-class experience for students and the university through outstanding services, transparent communication, and operational excellence.
• Act as a key advocate for the Centre within the university, maintaining alignment on strategic priorities, ensuring regular updates, and resolving any challenges collaboratively.
• Optimise processes and resources to deliver sustainable growth in student recruitment and progression, maintaining high-quality standards while ensuring financial efficiency.
• Lead the development of strategies to support student success, including retention, progression, and employability outcomes.

People Leadership

• Develop and lead a high-performing Centre Management Team (CMT) that embodies [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]'s mission and values.
• Foster a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and innovation within the Centre, supporting professional growth and engagement among employees.
• Oversee workforce planning, ensuring the Centre attracts, retains, and develops talented employees to meet strategic and operational goals.
• Champion diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for students and employees alike.

Student-Centric Focus

• Ensure the Centre provides a world-class student experience, addressing their academic, cultural, and social needs in collaboration with the university.
• Collaborate with [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] and the university's teams to deliver high-quality services, including teaching, accommodation, and student welfare, ensuring students feel supported throughout their journey.

Financial Oversight

• Oversee the Centre's financial performance, ensuring resources are managed effectively and budgets are adhered to.
• Identify opportunities for efficiencies while maintaining quality and enhancing outcomes for students and the university.
• Provide accurate reporting to stakeholders on financial performance, operational achievements, and strategic initiatives.

External and Internal Collaboration

• Strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including recruitment agents, [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal]'s central functions, and external partners, to achieve student enrolment and retention goals.
• Represent [Employer hidden — sign up to reveal] with professionalism and credibility in all interactions with students, parents, university staff, and external organisations.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within the education or international education sector.
• Exceptional relationship-building skills, with the ability to develop trusted, long-term partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans that deliver measurable results.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing significant budgets and resources effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire diverse teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to adapt style to a range of audiences.
• Commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience, with a focus on progression, retention, and employability.

Personal Attributes

• Experience working within higher education and familiarity with university structures and priorities.
• Knowledge of international student recruitment markets and trends.
• Previous success in managing partnerships or joint ventures.
• Understanding of student welfare and support services, particularly for international students.

This role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS.

Please submit your application to [contact hidden]