Partnerships Officer, supporting the University of York, UK

We are seeking a talented, dedicated professional to be the Partnerships Officer supporting the University of York via Grok Global Services’ Program Office. The successful candidate will support the development and management of recruitment-focused partnerships with Chinese universities.

About Grok Global Services

Founded in 2005, Grok Global Services is a best-in-class provider of international engagement services for higher education institutions. By joining our team, you will be working in a supportive environment full of like-minded professionals, each committed to advancing the internationalization of higher education institutions from around the world.

A pioneer of in-country staffing in the international education sector, Grok remains at the forefront of this model and currently delivers this service across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas. The company also boasts industry-leading divisions in digital marketing and strategic consulting.

About the University

The University of York is a high-performing, research-intensive Russell Group university and one of the world’s premier institutions for inspirational and life-changing research. Our focus on teaching and research excellence has resulted in consistently high rankings in the UK and a first-class reputation across the globe. We are one of only four UK universities to be ranked in the Top 10 for Research (REF 2021) and to have a Gold Award for Teaching Excellence (TEF 2023). We are ranked in the World Top 200 in both the QS and THE World University Rankings for 2027.

The role

Key Responsibilities

- Partnership development: Support the development and maintenance of the University of York’s partner network in China. Assist in identifying and researching potential partnership opportunities with Chinese higher-education institutions, and support engagement with relevant academic departments across the University in line with York’s strategic objectives. Provide administrative, logistical and on-the-ground support for University delegations visiting China.

- Agreement development: Coordinate the development of articulation and progression agreements with relevant both UK-based and China-based internal teams, ensuring all activities follow the University of York’s formal approval procedures.

- Student recruitment and conversion: Support and deliver recruitment and conversion activities linked to teaching partnerships. Respond professionally to enquiries from partners, prospective students, parents, agents and other stakeholders via email, telephone and social media channels, escalating more complex enquiries where appropriate.

- Marketing and promotion: Contribute to the creation and preparation of institutional promotional content and outreach materials for partnership and engagement activities in China.

- Stakeholder engagement: Support the development and maintenance of positive working relationships with key stakeholders, including the British Embassy, British Council, Ministry of Education (MoE), Chinese Service Centre for Scholarly Exchange (CSCSE), China Scholarship Council (CSC), and provincial and municipal education departments. Coordinate regular communications as required.

- Market Insights: Conduct market research and monitor developments in the Chinese higher-education sector, including relevant policies and trends. Assist the Global Partnerships Manager with gathering and analysing information and preparing Market Insight Reports for York’s leadership team, highlighting factors that may influence the development of successful partnerships.

Essential Criteria

- Minimum of 2 years of working experience in higher education, international education, student recruitment or institutional‑level education partnerships

- Proven experience liaising with and maintaining relationships with external organisations, universities and partner stakeholders

- Ability to prepare meeting materials, agendas, minutes and work/progress reports

- Ability to work collaboratively across different teams within the University, including faculties and academic departments, recruitment, admissions, and marketing teams

- Fluent written and spoken English and Chinese

- Bachelor’s degree or higher

- Willingness to undertake extensive travel within China (~30%) and adapt to changing priorities

Desirable Criteria

- Knowledge of, or experience working within, the Chinese higher-education sector and its relevant stakeholder landscape.

- Understanding of Sino-UK education policy, international student mobility and/or Sino-foreign educational cooperation.

- Experience supporting marketing, communications or outreach activities, including the preparation of promotional content and materials and/or digital communications.

Key Skills for Success

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to develop positive working relationships with a range of stakeholders.

- Excellent organisational, administrative and time-management skills.

- Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively and meet deadlines.

- A proactive and solutions-focused approach to addressing challenges.

- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a wider team and take initiative when appropriate.

- Comfortable using project management, communication and standard office tools.

- Ability to produce clear, accurate and professional written reports and documentation.

- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.