Regional Director (China) – University of Birmingham
Location: Guangzhou or Shanghai
Background
As a global top 100 university, the University of Birmingham (UoB) has an ambitious global strategy and growth aspiration across research, education, reputation and engagement, which is set out in its Strategic Framework to 2030. This includes its bold ambition to become a top 50 global university. This is an exciting time to join the University as it celebrates its 125th anniversary in 2025.
Summary of Role
The Regional Director (China) is the most senior in-region representative for the University with responsibility for developing and implementing the University of Birmingham’s strategy for the region. They will be part of External Relations leadership team and work collaboratively across all functions of External Relations.
The postholder will develop a regional strategy which delivers on the University’s priorities and targets, recognising the inter-dependencies, in areas such as student recruitment, mobility and employability, international partnerships, research grant capture, new business opportunities, alumni relations, philanthropy and marketing and communications. The post will report to the Deputy Director External Relations with an additional reporting line to the Director of International (Operations). This will ensure that the broad range of priorities covering research, partnerships, communications and reputation, marketing support for student recruitment and oversight of in-country operations are appropriately reflected in role’s objectives.
The post holder will ensure regional strategies align with the evolving University strategic priorities in support of the University’s overarching academic endeavour. The post holder will work closely with academic and professional service colleagues across the University of Birmingham’s campuses in the UK and Dubai, and with members of the University Executive Board – notably the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International) and Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education), Deputy Pro-Vice-Chancellor (China)/ Director of the China Institute, Directors of External Relations, and College Directors of Global Engagement, Research and Education.
Drawing upon knowledge of the economic, educational and political landscape and policies in the region, the Regional Director will horizon scan, identify, assess and develop opportunities, provide strategic advice and share intelligence with colleagues. The postholder will proactively manage a wide range of key stakeholder and partner relationships in the region and support senior delegations into and out of the region. The postholder will deploy available resources efficiently to deliver on strategic priorities, meeting agreed targets and key performance indicators. This will require maintaining current in-depth awareness of the higher education and related markets, in the region, in the UK and globally, and develop strong relationships with appropriate government agencies, agents funding bodies and other influential stakeholders.
The role will require a significant amount of travel within the region and regular visits to UoB’s campuses in UK and Dubai. The postholder will be employed by a local labour service agency on behalf of the University of Birmingham’s Representative Office.
UoB’s activity in China is supported by its Representative Office and a Wholly Foreign Owned Entity. We have an office in Guangzhou, a Joint Education Institute with Jinan University, a Joint Education Programme with Huazhong University of Science and Technology and representative staff based in other cities.
Main Duties
Regional strategy development and implementation
? Develop and implement a comprehensive and coherent regional strategy that aligns with institutional priorities across the education, research and reputation agendas and deliver on agreed targets and key performance indicators (KPIs). The postholder will work effectively in a matrix structure within External Relations and the broader University.
? Provide regular market insight to UoB colleagues, including changes in market conditions, policy, regulatory and political landscape, new opportunities, competitor activity, the scale of risk and mitigating actions.
? Make appropriate recommendations on suggestions for future engagements that fit the University’s academic, reputation, and business-engagement profile.
? Ensure the regional strategy is embedded within the broader External Relations priorities and become the regional champion within External Relations.
Leadership and management
? Provide leadership for the regional team and line management of senior members of the team and those with cross-team responsibilities.
? Oversee management of the regional office/facilities and ensure compliance with local employment and legal requirements as required.
? Ensure compliance with relevant UK laws and regulations.
? Work within a matrix-management structure to ensure that prioritisation of work within the regional team reflects institutional priorities and External
Relations objectives.
? Be an active member of the wider External Relations leadership team, modelling and championing the values and behaviors.
Student recruitment, mobility and employability
? Take responsibility for supporting the University in achieving its student recruitment and mobility targets from within the region. Develop and deliver strategies to enable the University meet targets, at quality, through a wide range of activities including events, partnership engagement and marketing tactics including scholarships.
? Through regular market insight, contribute to target setting and portfolio development to ensure that the University is making the most of market opportunity across the region.
? Cultivate the network of partners in the region – including partner universities, agents and sponsors – and personally manage high-level relationships.
? Regional priorities may include working collaboratively with other areas of the University such as Careers Network to develop opportunities.
Partnership building, stakeholder management and reputation
? Develop and manage relationships with key partners, agents and stakeholders that support delivery of strategic priorities.
? Maximise the potential from existing relationships and identify and develop new education and / or research-related relationships with a range of government, non-government and institutional stakeholders to deliver value and enhance the Universities reputation
? Identify and assess high value research and education opportunities which align with UoB academic strengths, capacity and appetite, within national legislative and regulatory constraints. Support the development and delivery of these opportunities.
? Act as first point of contact and relationship holder with regional stakeholders and represent the University as appropriate and engage academic and professional support staff in region and the UK as required.
? Provide support and guidance for the University’s academic and professional services staff who wish to establish links or to advance collaboration in the region.
? Ensure that an up-to-date stakeholder database is maintained.
Collaborative project management and support
? Develop, plan and execute strategic projects in collaboration with relevant UoB colleagues.
? Ensure the provision of project management support for collaborative initiatives in key regions.
? Proactively seek regional and international funding opportunities for joint projects, and establish a network of effective contacts with regional funding bodies including government departments, research councils, foundations etc.
Budget management
? Manage and report against regional budget allocated to regional operations and be responsible for its effective allocation and management (according to strategic objectives and annual targets) and for compliance with financial reporting and taxation regulations.
? Identify investment opportunities and returns in a timely and effective way.
Person Specification
Self-starter, able to work effectively both independently and within a global, matrix team.
Experience of operating at a senior level within a complex organisation, ideally supported by professional and or degree qualifications.
Familiarity with regional Higher Education landscape including funding opportunities and policy with a good understanding of the UK Higher Education sector and how the two relate to each other.
Experience of working with a wide range of external stakeholders including government agencies, compliance service providers, funding and partner organisations.
Substantial relevant working experience with demonstrable strategic and leadership experience.
Direct experience of leading and successful delivery of activity and meeting targets including within a sales or marketing context.
Proven business development experience.
Effective communicator in both English and Mandarin (written and spoken). Cultural sensitivity, tact and diplomacy. Excellent English oral and written skills and interpersonal skills with an ability to build effective and trusting partnerships internally and externally.
Strong negotiating and influencing skills with evidence of success
Strong planning and project management skills.
Knowledge and experience of managing complex budgets.
Demonstrable leadership, management and development skills.
Ability to manage and deliver on competing priorities in a fast-moving environment.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to send a one-page cover letter explaining how your personality and experience meet our requirements and an indication of your current salary and expected salary together with detailed CV via Zhilian channel. Please use “University of Birmingham – City – Candidate Name” as the subject of the email.
The closing date for applications is August 17, 2025.