Executive Director of International

About the role

The University of Leicester is renowned for its world-changing research and high-quality, inspirational teaching. We are proud to have been awarded a Gold rating in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), reflecting our outstanding student experience and outcomes. Our commitment to excellence has also been recognised through recent accolades, including being named the Daily Mail University of the Year 2025 and shortlisted for the Times Higher Education University of the Year in 2024.

We are a truly global community. One in every three of our students comes from outside the UK, bringing a rich diversity of perspectives and experiences to our campus. Our students and staff represent over 100 countries worldwide, and we maintain a strong presence across eight key regions: South Asia and India, Canada, China, East and South East Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, and Pakistan. This global reach is central to who we are and how we connect with the world.

We are seeking an exceptional candidate for the position of Executive Director of International to lead the University’s international strategy, driving UK and global engagement, partnerships, reputation and the growth of income. This senior leadership role is responsible for shaping and delivering strategic plans that enhance the University’s international profile, increase and diversify international student recruitment, grow transnational education, and strengthen global collaborations. You will oversee key international functions and partnerships, and will represent the University externally, influencing policy and practice at national and international levels. 

About you

Reporting directly into the President and Vice-Chancellor and as a member of Executive Board, the Executive Director of International will influence decisions at the highest level, ensuring Leicester’s international strategy is not only implemented but championed across the institution in order to shape the University’s global footprint and make a lasting impact on our global reputation and reach. 

This is a high profile and pivotal appointment for the institution and an exciting opportunity for a highly credible individual, with a successful track record in strategic leadership in international higher education and experience of developing and maintaining strategic international partnerships. 

You will be an accomplished communicator who can lead, inspire and motivate colleagues, and crucially you must be capable of leading change and delivering against the strategic priorities of the University. You will be committed to enhancing the student experience and improving the working environment for staff. This role presents an opportunity to have a real impact on a vital and ambitious institution. 

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Kerry Law, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Professional Services) by email on kl270@le.ac.uk 

Applications should consist of a curriculum vitae detailing relevant qualifications and experience, full employment history and achievements. CVs should be accompanied by a two page covering letter describing briefly how you meet the criteria outlined in the Job Summary Form, your achievements, the reasons for your interest in the role and what you'd like to achieve in the role.  

The first selection stage will take place remotely on 2 March 2026, with the final selection stage taking place in-person on 20 March 2026.

 The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.