Head of the Birmingham International Academy

The University of Birmingham is a truly international community, comprising more than 8,000 staff, 38,000 students, and over 350,000 alumni. We have a remarkable platform on which to build, yet there is more we can achieve. Over the next decade, our aspiration is to establish Birmingham in the top 50 of the world’s leading universities.

The Birmingham International Academy (BIA) is a key component of the University’s international strategy and has enjoyed significant investment in its infrastructure in recent years. The BIA delivers the International Foundation Pathways, Pre-sessional English and Academic English (In-sessional) programmes for international students. The BIA has grown significantly in recent years and is well established in the market with a reputation for high quality delivery and excellent student experience. In 2020, the University signed an exciting partnership with Kaplan International to provide recruitment and admissions services for the BIA. Over the next 5 years under the leadership of a new Head of the BIA we plan to deliver significant growth in our International student numbers across all Pathways.

Reporting to the PVC International, and supported by both academic and professional services colleagues, the new Head of the BIA will provide leadership to, and have overall accountability for all aspects of its operation. As a member of the wider University Leadership Team, they will ensure that the mission, aims and objectives of the BIA are aligned with the University’s international strategic aims and ambitions. The Head of the BIA will be responsible for the growth agenda, and work in close collaboration with senior academic leaders within the University. Ultimately, they will lead on new opportunities for the BIA to support the University’s ambitions for international student growth.

This is a role for an inspirational leader who can lead, shape, and realise the potential of the BIA. Good candidates will bring experience of strategic leadership across multiple programmes and subject disciplines, detailed knowledge of International Foundation Pathways delivery in the UK context, and a firm commitment to delivering the highest academic standards. S/he will combine this experience with cultural sensitivity, tact, diplomacy and a commitment to inclusivity. Successful change management experience, ideally in service of growth in some form, is also highly sought.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to The University of Birmingham on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference WBUL. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Tuesday 8 February.