Job Description
The University of Reading is seeking an outstanding and experienced candidate to support the coordination and delivery of the University’s Internationalisation and Global Engagement (IGE) Strategic Framework. The Framework sets out an exciting vision for the University’s global reputation and position, with ambitious student recruitment, partnership and mobility targets. It will leverage the University’s existing campuses and other TNE operations to create regional hubs working with local communities to develop our global engagement.
The University of Reading has been at the forefront of UK higher education for nearly a century. We are a collaborative community of innovators and pioneers, pushing academic boundaries and leading social change. We are committed to working together to address the world’s biggest challenges. We are one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities, ranked among the top 200 universities in the world (172nd in the world, 25th in the UK - QS World University Rankings 2025) and extremely proud to be recognised for our leadership in climate and environmental sustainability. We are a truly international institution operating in a highly competitive, global market.
Our 2020-2026 Strategic Plan commits the university to “challenge and transform the outlook of the students we educate, and improve the lives of our neighbours, the prospects for our country, and the future of our planet”. Working towards the plan’s culmination in 2026 and continuing beyond this, our Centenary Year, we want to significantly build on our successes to date, growing our student body and strengthening our brand and profile around the world.
To support delivery of this ambition, the Directorate of External Relations has been established, bringing together four departments: Global Engagement, Brand & Marketing, Communications & Engagement and Future Students.
The Strategy and Projects Manager will be based within the Global Engagement department and will support the implementation of the IGE Strategic Framework across the University, defining and monitoring the progress of objectives and building strong relationships with key stakeholders.
The role reports to the Director of Global Engagement and the post-holder will also work closely with the Pro-Vice Chancellor International and the Planning and Strategy Office. The post-holder will line manage the Strategy & Projects Officer.
Please note that interviews for this role will take place the w/b 7th April. The recruitment process will include a presentation followed by a standard panel interview of circa 45mins.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has extensive knowledge, understanding and experience of strategy delivery and project management within a large and complex organisation.
- Has a proven ability to work effectively with a broad range of senior stakeholders and colleagues, both individually and in the context of committees/working groups.
- Is confident and comfortable in setting objectives and targets, and encouraging colleagues without a direct reporting line to meet these.
- Excellent communication skills, particularly in presenting technical issues for non-specialist audiences.
Closing date: Sunday 30th March
Interviews will be held: w/b 7th April
Contact Name: Alex Boughton
Contact Job Title: Director of Global Engagement
Contact Email address: a.boughton@reading.ac.uk
By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
