In conjunction with our member organisation, Durham University, CBBC is currently looking to recruit a candidate for the following position.
Senior Partnership Officer – Durham University
Location: Beijing
Package: Competitive salary package based on matched qualifications and experiences, including social insurance, medical insurance, housing fund and 22 days’ annual leave (pro rata).
Durham University:
Durham University is top 100 global university renowned for excellence in Arts and Humanities, Business, Sciences and Social Sciences. Based in a historic city sharing a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Durham Cathedral, the University fosters a collegiate environment welcoming over 150 nationalities among staff and students. With a strong focus on global engagement, we aim to expand our international reputation as a leading destination for research, innovation, and student experience.
The International Office is responsible for:
? The recruitment of international students to all areas of the University to meet institutional targets
? Supporting and managing the development of international partnerships to raise the University’s global profile and to support academic colleagues in developing international links and collaborations
? Managing the University’s student mobility programmes (Erasmus+ and other exchange partnerships) to meet the University’s student mobility targets
The role:
As Durham University’s Senior Partnership Officer in China, guided by the China Country Director, you will drive strategic collaborations through end-to-end partnership development, stakeholder engagement, and market intelligence. Your expertise will strengthen Durham’s academic network, facilitate high-impact initiatives, and support the University’s broader strategic objectives in China.
Reporting line:
Directly to the China Country Director (based in Beijing).
Main responsibilities:
1. Strategic Partnership Development
o Execute end-to-end development of collaborative initiatives (e.g., research and articulation partnerships), managing stages from feasibility assessment through to internal approvals and operational launch.
o Identify and evaluate partnership opportunities through targeted analysis of Chinese institutions’ academic alignment, strategic value, and operational risks.
o Undertake due diligence on a range of partners for collaboration in both research and education.
o Recommend engagement priorities and develop phased roadmaps.
o Partnership Recruitment: Lead strategic promotion of ratified collaborative agreements through targeted marketing campaigns and recruitment event representations.
o Monitor partnership KPIs (student enrolment, programme sustainability) and deliver regular performance reports.
2. Academic Collaboration & Market Intelligence
o Provide actionable insights and comprehensive reports on China’s education policies, market trends, and competitor activities to support strategic planning.
o Work closely with academic departments and professional services to facilitate Durham’s academic engagement with Chinese partners, providing curated market intelligence, co-designing outreach agendas, and managing joint project workflows.
o Develop standardised templates (MoU frameworks, implementation plans) to accelerate partnership activation.
3. Stakeholder Engagement
o Cultivate and sustain long-term strategic relationships with key stakeholders (partner institutions, government agencies, NGOs).
o Design and execute delegation programmes (inbound/outbound), including agenda curation, briefing materials, and post-mission follow-ups.
o Co-organise partnership events to expand Durham’s professional network.
4. Support the University’s Wider China Strategy
o When required, represent Durham University at key student recruitment events (e.g., education exhibitions, school visits) as delegated by the China Country Director.
o Contribute to the development of the University’s wider China strategy aligned with regional priorities.
Essential requirements:
? Bachelor’s degree or equivalent
? Native Mandarin fluency and professional English proficiency (IELTS 7.0+/TOEFL 100+ equivalent)
? Minimum 5 years’ experience in higher education
? Proven track record in:
o Negotiating academic collaborations (joint degrees/articulation agreements)
o Managing government and institutional stakeholder relationships
o Analysing China’s education policy landscape
? Advanced project management skills with ability to prioritise complex tasks
? Willingness to travel extensively within China and adapt to changing priorities.
Desirable requirements:
? Master’s degree from a UK/international university
? Experience using CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) and data analysis tools
How to Apply
Interested candidates are invited to send a one-page cover letter explaining how your personality and experience meet our requirements and an indication of your current and expected salary together with detailed CV through Zhaopin . Please use “Durham University – Candidate Name” as the subject of the email.
We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified and that applicants who fail to provide a cover letter and use wrong subject of the email will not be considered.
The closing date for applications is 10th September 2025.
Telephone enquiries and personal visits will NOT be accepted.