Regional Manager supporting Swansea University, UK – Remote in the Gulf Region Full Time

We are looking for a talented, dedicated professional to help shape and implement Swansea University’s international strategy for the MENA region. The role will be based in Dubai (preferable) or open to applicants located in the Gulf region, including Jordan, Oman, or the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and will be fully dedicated to representing Swansea University.

The role’s primary focus will be to work as the university’s representative in the MENA region delivering recruitment, partnerships and profile-raising activities as part of Swansea University’s International Development Office. You will be responsible for contributing to the delivery of an ambitious student recruitment strategy that identifies the MENA region as a key area for growth.

About the Role

The Regional Manager will work with, and report directly to the Regional Head – Middle East, Africa, Turkey, Pakistan & UKi and maintain regular contact with the Head of International Development, and staff from across the University. The Regional Manager will be expected to represent Swansea University in a way that reflects the mission, values and objectives of the university, and will be required to:

• Maintain deep knowledge of the UK education environment and UK admissions processes, including UCAS, and visa requirements set out by UKVI.
• Keep abreast of market developments and customer context and provide regular market intelligence to the university with a view to providing recommendations such as range of academic programmes offered and entry criteria.
• Manage a range of activities, both directly and across recruitment channels and partners:
• Manage day to day aspects of the student recruitment strategy, including driving conversion, current education agent partners and institutional partnerships.
• Scope and implement new education agent partnerships
• Lead the training of education agents and other partners in the region to ensure consistent and accurate representation of the University.
• Lead the development of a recruitment activities calendar.
• Conduct presentations and attend recruitment and marketing events across the MENA region.
• Manage the collection and analysis of key data such as student application quality and conversion rates and feeding key information into management reports.
• Support recruitment to our successful IFP programme.
• Support the development of training materials.
• Provide frontline support for all enquiries.
• Identify and scope partnerships for articulation agreements and TNE.
• Work collaboratively with Faculties and Professional Service Units to develop and manage effective TNE partnerships.
• Potential future supervision of additional team members.
• Oversee events and University visits in country, working closely with the International Recruitment Officer based in Swansea.
• Working with colleagues at Swansea University, formulate a plan for working with alumni.
• Support the Regional Head in developing a budget for the region.
• Develop and maintain relationships with other key stakeholders in the region including but not limited to: government sponsors, private sector sponsors, high schools and agents.

The position involves frequent, sophisticated interaction with international clients, and significant travel time is required (40%).

About Swansea University

Swansea University is an ambitious and highly regarded institution. We are ranked 25th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2024, and globally, we are in the top 300 in the THE World University Rankings 2023 and 307 in the QS World University Rankings 2024. We provide an excellent environment for our students, which is reflected in our ranking of 15th in the UK for Course Satisfaction in the Guardian University Guide 2023. Our growing international student population is a testament to our success and reputation.

Our international strategy has been the driving force behind our success in partnerships, collaboration, and an increasingly diverse and growing student population, made up of some of the best talent from around the world, particularly across Southeast Asia. This market is a big part of our future growth plans for onshore international recruitment and transnational education.

The Most Suitable Background

• Bachelor’s degree or higher from a recognised international institution
• Significant management experience (5+ years) within the higher education sector with an extensive understanding of student recruitment and partnership development
• Proven track record in building and maintaining positive business relationships with well developed diplomacy skills
• Strong understanding of issues that affect the international education sector and the MENA markets
• Skilled at managing data and report writing
• Experience in managing budgets
• Study or experience abroad in the UK is preferred
• Good understanding of cultural sensitivity in the region
• Ability to communicate in Arabia language is preferrable

The Most Important Traits to Succeed

• Strong strategic skills with an ability to grasp the big picture and develop strategic plans accordingly
• Confidence in working with, chairing meetings with, and presenting to, senior leaders and stakeholders
• Strong written communication skills to a range of audiences
• Confidence in managing difficult relationships and balancing expectations across different stakeholders
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
• Experience of working across cultures
• Willingness to work across time zones