Job title: Global Partnerships Manager
Department: Global Partnerships
Contract Type: Permanent
Grade: 8
Location: Bloomsbury, London
Hours: 35 hours per week
SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity. SOAS is moving towards a new model of international partnerships which is responsive to the transnational character of our global challenges.
About the Role
The Global Partnerships Manager plays a central role in supporting the development, implementation, and management of strategic global academic partnerships. Reporting to the Head of Global Partnerships (Humanities), the postholder will contribute to the design and delivery of collaborative teaching arrangements, transnational education initiatives, and executive education programmes that advance academic priorities and support sustainable growth. The role focuses on operational delivery and partnership management, translating strategic priorities into implementable initiatives in collaboration with academic and professional services colleagues. The role combines partnership development with operational management of existing collaborations, and the Global Partnerships Manager will act as a key operational contact for existing and potential partner institutions and organisations.
The postholder will work closely with the Head of Global Partnerships (Humanities), other Heads as required, and academic colleagues to identify and progress new opportunities, ensuring that partnership activity aligns with institutional strategy, academic quality standards, and financial objectives. They will coordinate cross-institutional processes to support programme development and delivery, establishing strong working relationships with Professional Services teams to ensure consistency in governance, curriculum development, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
The postholder will operate with a high degree of professional autonomy in delivering partnership activity within agreed strategic frameworks under the direction of the Head of Global Partnerships (Humanities), and other Heads as required, and will support the delivery of innovative and equitable international engagement activity aligned with SOAS’s global mission and values.
The role may involve overseas travel as necessary.
About the Department
Partnerships are central to delivering SOAS’s Strategy 2030 by enriching our academic and student experience, enhancing our ability to address global challenges, and generating new income streams that advance our long-term financial resilience.
The Global Partnerships team sits within the Vice-Chancellor’s Office and is responsible for working collaboratively across academic departments and professional services divisions to embed SOAS’s partnership objectives within the institution. This involves the design and delivery of a range of partnership models, including equitable partnerships that explore the co-design, co-teaching and co-accreditation of joint degrees with institutions in the Global South. The team is also responsible for developing a range of more standard TNE partnerships such as dual degrees, and articulation and progression agreements which are intended to enhance SOAS’s global profile and support our student recruitment activities.
In addition to setting up collaborative teaching arrangements, the Global Partnerships team plays a key role in identifying, designing, securing and managing high-impact professional development and executive education programmes. Working with international partners across industry and government, the team creates innovative, market-responsive training programmes that provide world-class learning and leadership development by drawing on SOAS’s unique expertise in Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
What We Offer:
We are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive range of benefits designed to enhance your well-being and work-life balance:
1. Generous Holiday Entitlement: Benefit from 44 days of holiday (30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and 5 closure days over Christmas and Easter) to ensure ample time for rest and relaxation.
2. Flexible Working Arrangements: We recognise the importance of flexibility and offer options to help you manage your professional and personal commitments effectively.
3. Generous occupational pension scheme: To provide financial security for your future
4. Learning and Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth and development and offer diverse learning and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
5. Health and Well-being Initiatives: Take advantage of our cycle to work scheme, eye tests, and season ticket loan to support your health and mobility.
6. Enhanced Family Leave: We offer enhanced maternity, paternity & partner leave, and shared parental leave to support you during significant life events.
7. Employee Assistance Programme: Access our confidential EAP for advice and support whenever needed.
8. Discounted Gym Membership: Maintain your fitness with our discounted gym membership.