The role
The Head of South Asia Relations will lead the University of Bristol’s strategic engagement in a particular region of strategic importance. Sitting within the Global Partnerships Team, the role serves as the University’s expert voice for the region, building high-value relationships with universities, governments, sponsors and sector bodies, and turning regional insight into partnership opportunities that advance Bristol’s international reputation and provide transformative learning experiences for our students.
This role can be considered on a part-time or full-time basis, between 0.6 and 1.0 FTE. Applicants should state their preferred FTE arrangement in their cover letter. Part-time hours will be calculated on a pro rata basis (for example, 0.6 FTE equates to 21 hours per week).
What will you be doing?
Build and maintain senior relationships with universities, governments, sponsors, funders, sector bodies and other strategic stakeholders across the South Asia region.
Develop regional and partner strategies that align with Bristol’s International Engagement Plan, Faculty priorities and wider institutional goals.
Identify, evaluate and shape high-value partnership opportunities, working with Global Programmes and Faculty colleagues to turn ideas into deliverable activity.
Provide expert regional intelligence on political, economic, cultural and regulatory contexts, advising senior colleagues on opportunities, risks and prioritisation.
Lead or support partner reviews, delegations, visits, governance meetings, briefing packs and overseas engagement activity.
Maintain high-quality partnership data and relationship records in the GP Hub, supporting a clear shared picture of partner health, next steps and institutional ownership.
Help ensure that partners experience Bristol as joined-up, responsive and strategic, with clear routes into the right colleagues across Relations, Programmes, Bridging, Faculties and Schools.
You should apply if
You have extensive experience of international higher education partnerships, ideally with deep knowledge of the South Asia region.
You are confident building trusted relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders, including universities, sponsors, government bodies and academic leaders.
You can interpret complex regional contexts and translate them into practical advice, clear priorities and well-judged opportunities.
You understand how international partnerships contribute to reputation, recruitment, mobility, research, education and civic impact.
You are comfortable working collaboratively across teams, shaping work with others rather than carrying everything end-to-end.
You bring strong planning, analytical, communication and project management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and limited resources.
You have strong intercultural awareness and are willing to travel internationally, sometimes at short notice, to represent the University and develop key relationships.
For a full view of the responsibilities and requirements for this role, please refer to the job description attached.
Additional information
Contract type: Open-ended
Work pattern: Monday - Friday, 35 hours per week. Though the role can be considered on a part-time basis (minimum 0.6 FTE).
Hybrid working arrangement: This role requires a minimum of 2–3 days per week on campus.
Grade: K
Salary: £50,253 - £58,225 per annum (pro-rated for part-time)
School/Unit: Global Engagement Division (GED)
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Tuesday 1st September
For informal queries please contact: Michael Benson – Director of Global Partnerships - michael.benson@bristol.ac.uk.
The anticipated interview date will be confirmed in due course.
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