Purpose
The Director of International Development will lead and execute Austin Friars School’s global outreach strategy, with an initial focus on China before looking to expand globally with specific interest in Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Europe. This role is pivotal in expanding the School’s international footprint by:
- Fostering strategic partnerships
- Recruiting students for long-term and short-term programs
- Enhancing the School’s global brand presence
The Director will cultivate sustainable relationships with overseas institutions, agencies, and guardianship providers.
Key Responsibilities
Global Outreach & Relationship Management
- Develop and implement the School’s international engagement strategy
- Identify and cultivate new partnerships in key global markets
- Coordinate reciprocal school visits to promote cultural exchange
- Build and maintain strong relationships and brand-alignment initiatives with partner schools
Third-Party & Guardian Liaison
- Manage relationships with third-party agencies to ensure strategic alignment and compliance
- Liaise with guardianship providers and individual guardians to ensure student welfare and exceed communication standards
Student Recruitment
- Lead recruitment efforts for international students across academic programs
- Develop targeted campaigns for short-term and seasonal programs
- Spearhead recruitment for a new four-term academic program, including promotional strategy and onboarding
Program Development & Delivery
- Design and support implementation of international holiday courses with a focus on quality and cultural enrichment
- Collaborate with academic and administrative teams to ensure smooth integration of international students
Staff Recruitment & Coordination
- Assist in recruiting staff for international programs, including seasonal instructors
- Coordinate training and orientation for staff involved in international initiatives
Performance Indicators
- Growth in international student enrolment across all programs
- Number and quality of new international school partnerships
- Successful execution of holiday courses and reciprocal visits
- Positive feedback from agencies and guardianship providers
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in Education, Marketing, or related field (Master’s preferred)
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in international education or global partnership development
- Proven ability to manage external relationships and cross-cultural communication
- Experience in program development and staff coordination within an educational setting
Skills & Competencies
- Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills
- Strategic thinker with strong project management capabilities
- Multilingual (English and Chinese)
- Willingness to travel internationally and work flexible hours
How to apply
Applications should include:
- Completed application forms parts A and B.
- A supporting letter of application.
Austin Friars is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers, the Disclosure and Barring Service and Prohibition checks if appropriate. The appointment will be subject to the satisfactory outcome of the DBS Enhanced Check. The School will carry out pre-interview online searches on shortlisted candidates. In addition to candidates’ ability to perform the duties of the post, the interview process will also explore issues relating to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
Those interested in the post are welcome to visit the School. Candidates invited for interview will have the opportunity to have a tour of the School on the day of interview.
One referee should be the applicant’s current or most recent employer. Please note that references will not be accepted from relatives or from people writing solely in the capacity of friends. References will be sought prior to interview and the School may approach previous employers for information to verify particular experience or qualifications, before interview. Where an applicant is currently working with children, the current employer will be asked about disciplinary offences relating to children and whether the applicant has been the subject of any child protection concerns and if so, the outcome of any enquiry or disciplinary procedure. Where an applicant is not currently working with children but has done so in the past, that previous employer will be asked about those issues.
All candidates invited to interview must bring documents confirming any educational and professional qualifications referred to in their application form. Where originals or certified copies are not available for the successful candidate, written confirmation of the relevant qualifications must be obtained from the awarding body.
Where the successful candidate has worked or been resident overseas in the past five years, the School will carry out such checks and confirmations as may be required in accordance with statutory guidelines. If relevant, the School will also verify the right of foreign nationals to work in the UK.
All candidates invited to interview must also bring with them:
- A current passport (if you do not hold a current passport, or you do not hold a British passport, then further evidence will be required as proof of the right to work in the UK).
- Driving License – photocard.
- Documentation evidencing your current address (e.g., utility bill, bank statement). This documentation must be no more than 3 months old and must not be printed from the internet.
- Where appropriate, any documentation evidencing a change of name (for example, marriage certificate).
All applications should be clearly marked:
Confidential – Director of International Development
And emailed to hr@austinfriars.co.uk for the attention of Mrs Laura Higgins
or by post to:
Mrs Laura Higgins, HR Department, Austin Friars, Etterby Scaur, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA3 9PB
Closing date
No later than 8am on Monday 29th September 2025
Closing date:
29/09/2025
Location:
Remote
Salary:
£40,600 to £50,600 plus performance related commission