Deputy Director - International Recruitment

Role Description

The University of York is embarking on an exciting period of international expansion and diversification. Following a strategic refresh, we are continuing to invest in our global ambitions, positioning York as a destination for international students in an increasingly complex global landscape.

If you are an insightful and inspiring leader in international higher education, this is your opportunity to take a leading role in our global growth strategy, build influential international networks, and help to shape the future direction of international recruitment across the University of York.

The Opportunity

As Deputy Director, you will translate strategy into high-impact global recruitment outcomes. Working directly with the Director of IRPM, you will hold strategic and operational oversight for international student recruitment, global operations, and conversion strategies.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership: Lead, coach, and empower a high-performing team, including Deputy Heads of International Recruitment and offshore teams across six strategic global hubs.
• Strategic Oversight: Manage global operational budgets and deliver evidence-based, data-informed advice to senior leadership, academic departments, and professional services.
• Network & Partnership Expansion: Act as a key global ambassador for York, building and deepening high-value relationships with recruitment partners, pathway providers, sponsor bodies, government agencies, and international schools.
• Cross-Institutional Collaboration: Drive a joined-up strategy across the university. Collaborating with Global Partnerships, Global Opportunities, Marketing, Admissions, Visa Compliance, Alumni, and Careers to deliver a seamless candidate journey.

About You

We are seeking a dynamic international education leader with commercial acumen, strategic vision, and an authentic, collaborative leadership style.

• Proven Track Record: Extensive experience delivering successful international recruitment strategies within higher education or associated sector partners.
• Global Market Insight: Expertise in market diversification, international risk and compliance, and leveraging data to spot emerging global trends.
• Partner Management Expertise: Strong commercial instinct and experience cultivating high-performing networks, pathway partnerships, and sponsor relationships.
• Exceptional Leadership: A supportive, inspiring approach to leadership that fosters innovation, builds resilience, and unites geographically dispersed teams.
• Collaborative Mindset: The political acuity and influence needed to bring academic and professional services colleagues along on the international growth journey.

Why Join the University of York?

At York, we are a university dedicated to the public good. We offer a supportive, highly collaborative culture where innovation is encouraged, and internationalization is at the heart of our mission. You will join a welcoming community located in one of the UK’s most beautiful, vibrant, and historic cities.

Informal Enquiries

We welcome informal conversations prior to application. Please feel free to reach out to:

• Gwion Sims, Director of IRPM (gwion.sims@york.ac.uk)
• David Hudson, Director of GRMA (d.hudson@york.ac.uk)

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.