Associate Dean for Internationalization and Global Partnerships(UK visa sponsorship available)

Job Description

About XJTLU

Founded in 2006 by the University of Liverpool and Xi’an Jiaotong University (a top-10 university in China), XJTLU delivers a unique international education model combining the strengths of both institutions. The University provides students with globally competitive skills and knowledge while building on deep Chinese roots.

Students: 25,000+ across Suzhou and Liverpool (expected 28,000 by 2025)

Staff: 2,000+, including 1,000 academic staff (50% international)

Programmes: 100+ undergraduate and postgraduate programmes

XJTLU is entering a new stage of growth with its Syntegrative Education (SE) model, the Entrepreneur College (Taicang), and the development of new academies and international collaborations. The University is dedicated to combining global best practices with Chinese innovation to shape the future of education.

About IBSS

The International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) is one of China’s leading international business schools, founded on the principles of internationalism, innovation, inspiration, and integrity.

Triple Accreditation: AACSB (2016), EQUIS (2018), AMBA & BGA (2020) – one of the world’s youngest triple-accredited schools.

Departments: Accounting, Economics, Finance, Intelligent Operations & Marketing, Strategic Management & Organizations.

Community: 170+ faculty members, 6,000+ students from 60+ countries.

Programmes: Undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, PhD, and executive education.

Role Overview

The Associate Dean for Internationalization and Global Partnerships (AD IGP) provides strategic leadership for advancing IBSS’s global engagement and partnerships. This role aligns with XJTLU’s vision to be “a deeply rooted Chinese international university and a globally recognized Chinese institution.”

Key objectives include:

Developing high-impact global partnerships and collaborations.

Expanding cross-border executive education and international programmes.

Driving international student recruitment and diversification.

Embedding global perspectives across teaching, curriculum, and research.

The AD IGP will act as IBSS’s senior ambassador abroad, represent the school in international forums, and strengthen its position as a connector between China and the world. The role also carries a clear revenue-generating mandate through international executive education and global programme development.

Key Responsibilities

1. Global Partnerships & Institutional Relations

Build and manage strategic partnerships with international universities, business schools, and networks.

Negotiate and oversee agreements (student/staff mobility, dual programmes, joint research).

Represent IBSS in international forums and act as a senior ambassador for global engagement.

2. Cross-Border Executive Education & International Programmes

Lead the design and delivery of co-branded executive education programmes with international partners.

Drive revenue growth through bespoke cross-border offerings.

Establish long-term collaborations, including corporate training partnerships and international hubs.

3. International Student Recruitment & Market Development

Shape recruitment strategies to diversify and internationalize the student body.

Build relationships with high schools, scholarship providers, and feeder institutions abroad.

Contribute to global positioning and accreditation goals through enhanced student diversity.

4. Strategic Integration & Institutional Leadership

Embed internationalization into programme design, curriculum, and faculty development.

Provide leadership on transnational education rooted in China but globally visible.

Track performance on partnerships, revenue, recruitment, and engagement, feeding into school-wide planning.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential:

PhD in a business-related field.

Eligible for appointment as Senior Associate Professor or Professor.

Proven leadership in internationalisation or global partnership development.

Strong cross-cultural communication and negotiation skills.

Experience with transnational education and international teams.

Desirable:

Knowledge of Chinese higher education and global mobility trends.

Background in executive education or consulting.

Understanding of global market trends in business education.

Skills and Competencies

Strategic thinker with international vision.

Strong diplomacy and cultural fluency.

Entrepreneurial approach to partnership and revenue development.

Ability to represent IBSS in academic, government, and industry contexts worldwide.

Career Development

Clear promotion and career development pathway.

Annual performance review.

Professional training and leadership development.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary: Competitive, based on academic rank.

Allowance: Administrative duty allowance + housing, travel, relocation, and children’s education.

Insurance: Comprehensive international medical coverage for staff and family.

Leave: 36 days annual leave + 11 statutory holidays + family-related leave (maternity, paternity, marriage, sick leave, etc.).

Visa Support: Sponsored work visa and residence permit in China.

Research Funding

Research Development Fund and Research Engagement Fund available to all faculty.

Access to school-level and external grants, including:

Outstanding Youth Science Foundation (Overseas): RMB 1–3M

Innovation Leading Talent: up to RMB 2M

Outstanding Leading Talent: 50% of annual package

Young Leading Talent: 50% of annual package

Citizenship & Visa Regulations

Employment complies with Chinese labour laws and provincial regulations.

Candidates over 65 may not qualify for a work visa.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the XJTLU website in one PDF file including:

Cover letter

CV (with nationality and highest qualification)