Associate Director of International Recruitment and Partnerships

As Associate Director of International Recruitment and Partnerships, you will shape and drive the University's international recruitment approach across all campuses, with a clear focus on growing the non-domestic student population. Activity is expected to be targeted, insight-led and aligned with wider commercial and academic priorities. Responsibility for recruitment across Berlin and Dublin sits within the role, including leading teams based in the UK and internationally to deliver against ambitious targets. Alongside this, the position oversees a global network of partners and agents, ensuring relationships are well managed, high quality and deliver consistent impact. What You'll Do:

• Lead the development and delivery of a global international recruitment strategy aligned to University growth plans.
• Shape targeted recruitment approaches for Berlin and Dublin, reflecting local market needs and opportunities.
• Use market intelligence, competitor insight and internal data to identify growth opportunities and inform decision-making.
• Provide leadership to the International Recruitment team, supporting a high-performance, collaborative and inclusive culture.
• Oversee international recruitment activity and partnerships, ensuring consistent quality and alignment with institutional priorities.
• Manage and develop relationships with agents and partners, focusing on quality, performance and long-term value.
• Build new partnerships with feeder institutions, including schools, colleges and creative organisations.
• Act as a representative of the University with external bodies such as BUILA, UUKi and the British Council.
• Work closely with Campus Deans in Berlin and Dublin to ensure recruitment activity is aligned, locally relevant and effective.
• Collaborate with Marketing and Admissions teams to ensure a smooth, joined-up applicant journey from enquiry through to enrolment.
• Lead the development and presentation of recruitment data and insights, identifying trends, risks and areas for improvement.
• Drive continuous improvement across recruitment processes, systems and ways of working.
  
  Significant experience leading international student recruitment within a UK university, with a track record of delivering against targets.
• A strong understanding of global recruitment markets, networks and student behaviours, and how to translate insight into effective strategy.
• Experience developing and implementing recruitment strategies that support wider organisational goals.
• Confidence leading and developing teams, including those working across multiple locations.
• Strong relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal stakeholders and external partners.
• Experience managing agent networks and international partnerships, with a focus on quality and performance.
• A sound understanding of UKVI regulations relating to international students.
• Strong analytical capability, with experience using data to inform both strategic planning and day-to-day decisions.
• Clear and effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
• The ability to work at pace, manage competing priorities and operate in a target-driven environment.
• A collaborative, inclusive approach, with a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Willingness to travel internationally as required.
  
  Our client is more than just an educational institution; they are a vibrant community dedicated to nurturing creativity and empowering students to reach their full potential. With campuses across the UK, Ireland, and Germany, they offer a diverse range of courses in modern music, performing arts, filmmaking and creative technology. Their commitment to excellence in creative arts education sets them apart, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in their chosen fields.
  
  The postholder will be based within a commutable distance of one of our client's seven UK campuses (Brighton, London, Essex, Bristol, Birmingham, Manchester or Leeds) with regular international travel to meet agents and partners, and occasional travel to campuses in the UK, Ireland, and Germany as required.
Why Our Client? They are a values-led organisation, meaning their core values underpin all that they do: Believe in Everyone. Challenge the Norm. Grow Together. Do the Right Thing. Own It. In addition to joining a committed and dedicated team, you will have access to:
• 25 days holiday per year (FTE)
• SMART pension
• A comprehensive benefits package
They continually strive to create a culture of inclusivity so that they truly represent their diverse communities. They particularly welcome applications from people of colour who are underrepresented in their organisation. They are committed to promoting the safety and welfare of their students therefore, all successful applicants are required to complete a basic DBS disclosure. Depending on the role, you may be required to complete an enhanced check / enhanced check with barred list if required by statute and internal policy.