Deputy Director for Transnational Education in Birmingham

Aston University is seeking to appoint a Deputy Director for Transnational Education (TNE) to play a key role in developing and delivering our international ambitions. Transnational education is an important part of Aston’s strategic agenda, offering opportunities to extend the University’s international reach, deepen academic collaboration and build a sustainable portfolio of high-quality partnerships.

The Deputy Director for TNE will lead the development, approval, mobilisation and performance of Aston University’s TNE portfolio. Working across Schools and professional services, the postholder will progress new TNE opportunities that are strategically aligned, academically robust, commercially viable and operationally deliverable, while maintaining effective oversight of live partnerships.

You will work closely with academic and professional services colleagues to shape new opportunities, develop business cases and approvals, coordinate delivery, and ensure partnerships are well governed and support a high-quality student experience. The role also includes supporting a disciplined portfolio approach to TNE, including oversight of partnership performance, risk and alignment with institutional priorities.

We are looking for a candidate with significant experience of developing, managing or supporting complex international partnerships, preferably within higher education. You will bring strong understanding of TNE models and the academic dimensions of partnership development, including academic ownership, peer‑to‑peer engagement, quality assurance and protection of the student experience. You will also have experience of developing business cases or proposals for senior stakeholders, strong project leadership and stakeholder management skills, and the ability to balance opportunity development with effective governance and risk management.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and deliver Aston’s evolving TNE and international partnership agenda.

What we offer:

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family friendly policies.
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available.

This role may meet the requirements for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. If you require sponsorship, Aston University will assess eligibility if you are shortlisted for the role. Please note we are unable to confirm individual eligibility before shortlisting.

Anonymous shortlisting will be carried out for this role as part of Aston University’s commitment to equality and diversity and ensuring a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. Personal details that are included on application forms, including the candidate’s name and address will not be disclosed to the shortlisting panel. CVs will not be considered as part of the shortlisting process.

The University celebrates the rights of freedom of speech and academic freedom and is committed to maintaining and protecting these rights within the law. An offer to work at Aston University will never be denied on the basis of an individual’s lawful expression of their beliefs, ideas or opinions. Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace.

For more information, visit: Inclusive Aston

Guidance on AI‑Assisted Applications: While we cannot prevent applicants from using AI tools to support their application, we ask that all submissions reflect your own experience, achievements, and motivations. We want to understand what you personally bring to the role, so please ensure your application represents your own voice and capabilities.

We recognise the value of flexible working. Please contact the recruiting manager to discuss what flexible working options are available for particular roles. If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk