Head of Professional Partnerships and Business Development
Head of Professional Partnerships and Business Development

Head of Professional Partnerships and Business Development

Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead partnerships with the legal profession and drive business development for a top law school.
  • Company: UCL Laws, a prestigious institution shaping global legal education and policy.
  • Benefits: 41 days holiday, pension scheme, gym access, and employee support services.
  • Other info: Join a diverse community committed to equality and innovation in legal education.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in legal education and collaborate with high-profile stakeholders worldwide.
  • Qualifications: Experience in legal sector partnerships and strategic development required.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

For almost 200 years, UCL Laws has been one of the leading centres in legal education in the world. Our community of intellectually dynamic scholars responds to today's global challenges, and through our research, we help to shape government policy, national and international law, and its practice. At the heart of legal London, we attract the leading figures in the field to contribute to our vibrant programme of events, informing public debate and understanding of contemporary social, legal, environmental and economic issues. Throughout our long history, we have been committed to the values of the founders of UCL: justice, liberty and equal rights for all. As a Faculty, we work together to promote these values among our staff and students, and as part of UCL, we harness the potential of cross‑disciplinary research and expertise to address the world's key problems.

In 2025 the Faculty launched a new executive level Masters in Law and Finance programme which incorporates various market practice pathways developed with leading global law and finance firms with whom we have established strategic partnerships. The Faculty of Laws has a large and experienced Professional Services team, led by the Director of Operations. It is structured to support defined areas of academic activity and the governance, management, operations, and leadership of the Faculty.

About the role

This is a new role designed to lead on the identification, development and relationship management of partnerships with the legal profession and other sector organisations, in support of the Faculty's strategic priorities for education, advancement and research. This will include working collaboratively with academic programme leads in support of taught programme delivery where liaison with professional partners is essential, such as facilitating input into curriculum design and delivery from the legal profession, and acting as relationship manager for work placement providers supporting the executive level Masters in Law and Finance.

The role holder will also play a leading role in taking forward the Faculty's business development and external engagement activity in collaboration with senior Faculty and UCL colleagues, and will develop and maintain relationships with high profile external stakeholders in the UK and globally (e.g. from the legal profession, judiciary, policy makers, regulators and business) on behalf of the Faculty of Laws and UCL as a whole, generating high impact external engagement opportunities for senior leadership, academics and/or relevant professional services staff.

About you

We are looking for an accomplished professional with knowledge of the legal profession and a grounding in the Higher Education sector, with significant experience of developing strategy and partnerships with senior stakeholders. Drawing on experience in leading engagement and business development with senior colleagues in legal and policy settings, you will be a self‑motivated strategic thinker, able to identify opportunities for policy and/or relationship development with resourcefulness and creativity. Strong analytical skills are essential, as are excellent interpersonal and communication skills for this highly collaborative role. This is an excellent opportunity to build on a combined understanding of higher education and the legal profession, to shape future strategy and deliver results in a leading global law school.

This role is offered on a permanent, full time basis.

What we offer

  • 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave, 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
  • Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
  • Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
  • On‑site gym
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
  • Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
  • Discounted medical insurance

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Head of Professional Partnerships and Business Development employer: UCL

UCL Laws is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions justice, liberty, and equal rights while fostering collaboration across disciplines. With generous benefits such as 41 days of holiday, a defined benefit pension scheme, and a commitment to equality and diversity, employees are empowered to grow professionally in a supportive environment at the heart of legal London. This role presents a unique opportunity to engage with high-profile stakeholders and shape the future of legal education in a globally respected institution.
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Contact Detail:

UCL Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Professional Partnerships and Business Development

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the legal profession and higher education sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential partners on LinkedIn. Building relationships is key!

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with stakeholders, make sure to highlight your knowledge of the legal landscape and how it intersects with education. Share insights and ideas that demonstrate your strategic thinking.

✨Tip Number 3

Be proactive! Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you. Identify potential partnerships and reach out to them directly. Whether it’s a law firm or a policy-making body, show them how collaborating with UCL Laws can benefit both parties.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it through our official channels. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Professional Partnerships and Business Development

Knowledge of the Legal Profession
Higher Education Sector Experience
Strategic Development
Partnership Management
Engagement and Business Development
Analytical Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Communication Skills
Collaborative Working
Stakeholder Relationship Management
Curriculum Design Liaison
Resourcefulness
Creativity
Self-Motivation
Strategic Thinking

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Legal Education: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for legal education shine through. We want to see how your values align with UCL's commitment to justice, liberty, and equal rights. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to these ideals in your previous roles.

Highlight Your Strategic Thinking: This role is all about developing partnerships and strategies, so make sure to showcase your experience in these areas. We’re looking for someone who can think outside the box, so don’t hesitate to include creative solutions you’ve implemented in past positions.

Tailor Your Application: Make your application stand out by tailoring it to the specific requirements of the role. Use keywords from the job description and demonstrate how your skills and experiences directly relate to the responsibilities outlined. This shows us that you’ve done your homework!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and efficient on our end!

How to prepare for a job interview at UCL

✨Know Your Audience

Before the interview, research UCL Laws and its recent initiatives, especially the new Masters in Law and Finance programme. Understanding their strategic priorities will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals.

✨Showcase Your Network

Be prepared to discuss your existing relationships within the legal profession and other sectors. Highlight specific examples of how you've successfully developed partnerships or collaborations that could benefit UCL Laws, showcasing your ability to engage with high-profile stakeholders.

✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Think about how you can contribute to the Faculty's business development and external engagement activities. Prepare to share your ideas on identifying opportunities for policy and relationship development, illustrating your resourcefulness and creativity in a similar context.

✨Communicate Effectively

Since this role requires excellent interpersonal skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use examples from your past experiences to illustrate your points, ensuring you convey your passion for legal education and commitment to UCL's values of justice, liberty, and equal rights.

Head of Professional Partnerships and Business Development
UCL
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