Executive Director, U.S. Degree Programs, Northeastern University London

About the Opportunity

Founded in 1898, Northeastern is a global research university and a world leader in experiential learning. The university offers a comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs leading to degrees through the doctorate in nine colleges and schools. Our campuses across North America and in the UK are platforms for undergraduate and graduate learning and collaborative research. Northeastern's signature cooperative education model integrates rigorous academic study with professional experience, producing graduates who are career-ready from day one.

Summary:

The Executive Director of U.S. Degree Programs, Northeastern University London is a transformational senior leader charged with expanding Northeastern University London's academic offerings through the introduction of U.S. degree programs, complementing the campus's established UK degree provision. This is a significant leadership opportunity in Northeastern's global network: a chance to build a flagship international campus that draws on the full power of the university's experiential learning model, its global employer partnerships, and its NECHE accreditation to serve a new generation of students.

The Executive Director will lead a strategic repositioning of NU London toward a campus that primarily awards US-accredited undergraduate and graduate degrees — infused with the industry-integrated, co-op-based experiential learning that defines Northeastern's identity worldwide. The primary student body will consist of US students seeking a globally mobile, career-accelerating alternative to traditional domestic programs, and international students drawn to a US-accredited degree in the world's leading financial and innovation hub.

Qualifications:

• Doctorate required, in business, higher education leadership, or a closely related field.
• Significant senior academic leadership experience in a university setting, with demonstrated responsibility for institutional strategy, academic operations, faculty leadership, and budget oversight.
• Demonstrated experience building, launching, or significantly transforming academic programs or campuses, with a strong preference for candidates who have led major program innovation in experiential, industry-integrated, or globally mobile educational models.
• Experience operating in an international higher education environment, preferably including direct familiarity with UK or European regulatory structures.
• Track record of building high-value industry partnerships and employer engagement at a senior level, particularly in global financial, technology, or professional services sectors.
• Experience navigating complex multi-stakeholder governance environments, including working across institutional, regulatory, and governmental bodies.

Technical Knowledge & Skills:

• Deep understanding of US higher education accreditation standards (NECHE or comparable) and the operational requirements of delivering a US-accredited degree program internationally.
• Familiarity with UK higher education regulatory structures, including Office for Students conditions of registration, student visa and work rights frameworks.
• Knowledge of competency-based and stackable credentialing models, industry-integrated curriculum design, and experiential learning delivery at scale.
• Understanding of the competitive landscape for internationally positioned American higher education.
• Experience with the financial modeling and business development required to sustain a self-supporting international campus at a premium price point.

Leadership & Management:

• Visionary leadership presence with the ability to articulate a compelling institutional identity and inspire faculty, staff, students, partners, and donors around a shared mission.
• Proven ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder organizations through significant institutional change while maintaining operational stability and stakeholder trust.
• Experience building and sustaining senior-level partnerships with major employers, professional associations, civic institutions, and government bodies.
• Ability to work effectively in a matrixed environment.
• Demonstrated track record of faculty recruitment, development, and retention in an international context.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing complex institutional budgets within a self-supporting model.
• Exceptional communicator and relationship builder.
• Demonstrated commitment to belonging efforts and to building an inclusive, globally diverse academic community.
• Flexibility for significant international travel; ability to operate effectively across US and UK institutional cultures.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities:

• Institutional Vision & Strategic Leadership (25%): Develop and execute a multi-year strategic plan to reposition NU London as a leading American university in London.
• US Academic Program Development & Delivery (25%): Oversee the design, launch, and continuous improvement of NU London's US-accredited undergraduate and graduate degree portfolio.
• UK Academic Portfolio & Regulatory Stewardship (20%): Work in close partnership with the UK College Executive Principal to maintain and develop the campus's UK-sanctioned academic portfolio.
• Industry Partnership & Employer Engagement (15%): Build and lead a high-accountability portfolio of named industry partnerships.
• Financial Leadership & Resource Development (10%): Achieve annual revenue targets within a self-supporting campus model.
• Enrollment, Marketing & External Relations (5%): Lead the development and execution of a recruitment and marketing strategy targeting both US and international students.

Position Type: Academic Administration

Salary Range: £136,405 per annum

About the University:

Northeastern University London (NU London) is a prestigious higher education institution based in the heart of London and is part of Northeastern University’s global campus network. NU London offers academically challenging educational programmes designed to inspire innovative thinking, encourage interdisciplinary study, and provide global experiences.

Choose NU London: The University supports staff maintaining a good work/life balance, your health and wellness are of utmost importance to us.

• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays and winter break holidays.
• Access to personalised Continuous Professional Development (CPD) plans and opportunities.
• Support with private medical insurance.
• Eye test reimbursement.
• Cycle Scheme vouchers.
• 24/7 employee assistance/support via our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to deals and discounts for food & shopping in the local area.

Enquiries: Informal enquiries may be made to Mike Jackson.

Application process: Applications should be made by 00:00 on the job posting's end date. Participation in the equal opportunities section is encouraged, but voluntary. Applications must include a covering letter and a full curriculum vitae.

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community and will be judged on merit alone.