International Partnerships Development Manager, Aston University Account at In-country

About In-country

In-country is a British education management company launched in 2016 and now has a team of more than fifty people across Delhi, Mumbai, Lahore, and the UK. We manage the South Asian student recruitment operations for multiple blue-chip international universities and work on creative and exciting projects for many others.

In-country is looking to appoint an International Partnerships Development Manager to work as part of our team for our client, Aston University.

More information on the University can be found at https://www.aston.ac.uk/, and more on In-country at https://in-country.com/

Main purpose of the job: 

To contribute to Aston University’s global strategic objectives through the delivery of transnational education (TNE) and the development of international partnerships in line with the Aston University 2030 Strategy.

The role will develop, manage, and strengthen a portfolio of global partnerships, ensuring effective delivery, performance, and governance of TNE activity in line with the University’s Global Partnerships Policy and oversight through the Global Development Steering Group (GDSG).

While the portfolio will include significant activity in India, the postholder will contribute to a broader partnership portfolio across the International Development team.

The role focuses on partnership development, market engagement, stakeholder relationship management, and delivering measurable international impact aligned with Aston’s strategic priorities.

Travel Required: Yes 

Location: India 

Person specification: 

• Proven experience in international partnership development within higher education

• Understanding of UK higher education regulatory frameworks and quality assurance processes

• Strong knowledge of the UK and Indian higher education market

• Proven track record of delivering partnership growth targets

• Experience of working with institutional partners

• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with experience working across cultures and geographies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage senior external stakeholders

• Experience managing multiple projects or priorities simultaneously

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and inform decision-making

• Experience contributing to partnership due diligence, delivery, or performance monitoring within an international higher education context

• Ability to work independently and proactively in a fast-paced environment

• Flexibility to work across time zones

Main duties and accountabilities: 

Partnership Development 

• Identify and develop partnership opportunities (articulation, progression, dual degrees, and other TNE models)

• Lead or support the development of new collaborations in line with institutional priorities and risk appetite

• Work with academic and professional services teams to shape partnership proposals 

• Ensure all opportunities are channelled through appropriate governance routes (e.g. the University’s Global Development Steering Group)

TNE Governance, Compliance & Quality

• Ensure all activity operates in accordance with Aston’s Global Partnerships Policy, governance frameworks, and approval processes

• Contribute to and coordinate due diligence, approval, contracting, and periodic review processes, including partnership re-approvals

• Act as the partnership lead for the preparation and coordination of partnership proposals for consideration by the Global Development Steering Group (GDSG), ensuring that:

  • New opportunities are clearly scoped, evidence‑based, and appropriately presented for consideration

  • Delivery, compliance, and partner risks are identified early and escalated through agreed governance routes

• Maintain oversight of local regulatory compliance, coordinating necessary approvals and regulatory requirements for programme delivery

• Work closely with academic and quality teams to support quality assurance processes, including:

  • Programme mapping/benchmarking

  • Programme monitoring and partner performance review

  • Monitoring student outcomes, progression, and overall student experience

• Ensure clear, accurate documentation is maintained across all partnerships to support transparency, audit readiness, and internal reporting requirements

• Monitor partner compliance with contractual, regulatory, and quality requirements, escalating concerns and contributing to agreed mitigation actions where required

• Support contract implementation, variation, and ongoing partnership review in collaboration with legal, academic, and professional services teams

Partnership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop, manage, and strengthen relationships with international partners, government bodies, and sector stakeholders

• Act as a key point of contact for international partners, ensuring effective communication and long-term, sustainable engagement

Build and maintain strong relationships with:

• Partner institutions

• Government bodies and regulators

• British Council and sector networks

Performance, Reporting & Operational Delivery

• Work closely with admissions, marketing, and academic teams to support conversion and enrolment

• Monitor application pipelines, enrolment trends, and performance metrics

• Coordinate and support the delivery of international partnerships and projects, ensuring alignment with agreed objectives, timelines, and budgets

• Collaborate cross-functionally (e.g. finance, legal, marketing, academic teams) to ensure effective execution of international activity

• Monitor the performance and impact of partnerships and initiatives, producing reports and insights for senior stakeholders

• Provide regular reporting to the UK team, including:

  • Recruitment performance

  • Partnership pipeline updates

  • Market intelligence

• Maintain accurate operational records relating to partnerships and project delivery

International Strategy & Growth

• Support the delivery of the international development strategy, identifying growth opportunities across priority regions

• Conduct market research and analysis to inform international partnership development

• Contribute to international business development plans, proposals, and funding applications where relevant.

Benefits:

• Extremely generous paid annual leave.

• Competitive salary. 

• Medical insurance.

• Flexible working hours.

• Super-fast professional development.

• Emphasis on work-life balance, ownership of tasks, and staff development. 

• Being part of a high-functioning, close-knit team.

How to apply:

Complete the application form on the In-country website no later than 27th April 2026. Be sure to attach a bespoke cover letter.