Head of International Reputation & Rankings Strategy

The role

Are you ready to shape the global reputation of a world-leading university? We’re looking for a Head of International Reputation and Rankings Strategy to drive our ambition of securing a top 50 global position. This is a high-impact role where you’ll embed a strategic, data-driven approach to enhance our standing on the world stage.

As our global rankings champion and expert adviser, you’ll work across the institution and with external partners to showcase our research excellence, academic leadership, and international impact. You’ll identify opportunities to elevate our global academic influence, ensuring our staff and research are recognized at the highest level.

You’ll also play a key role in shaping our strategic global relationships, ensuring senior university leaders engage effectively in priority regions for maximum impact.

What will you be doing?

• Global Rankings Champion & Strategic Adviser – Act as the University’s expert on global rankings, advising senior leadership, ensuring engagement, and driving activities aligned with key rankings timelines.
• Lead External Partnerships – Build and maintain strong relationships with global ranking bodies (e.g., Times Higher, QS), serving as the University’s key contact and ensuring strategic engagement.
• Data-Driven Insights & Methodology Expertise – Work with Data & Insights, Planning & BI, and DREI teams to analyse ranking methodologies, forecast changes, and recommend actions to enhance the University’s global standing.
• Optimising Academic Recognition & Nominations – Oversee and refine the QS nominations process, ensuring School Academic and Leadership teams are engaged, monitoring results, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Shaping Global Engagement Strategy – Use data insights to inform senior-level international delegations and engagements, ensuring alignment with the University’s global reputation and strategic priorities.
• Enhancing Strategic Storytelling & Thought Leadership – Leverage research insights to support Strategic Communications & Marketing in shaping compelling narratives, identifying global thought leadership opportunities, and driving impactful campaigns.

You should apply if

• Strong Data Literacy & Analytical Skills – Confident in interpreting and analysing complex datasets to drive insights and inform strategic decision-making.
• Project Management Expertise – Proven ability to lead and deliver projects effectively, ensuring timely execution and alignment with key objectives.
• Exceptional Stakeholder Engagement – Skilled in building and managing relationships with internal and external partners, influencing senior leaders, and driving collaboration.
• CRM & Data Systems Knowledge – Experience in developing and managing customer relationship management (CRM) systems or similar platforms to enhance data accuracy and usability.
• Problem-Solving & Decision-Making – Ability to assess challenges, analyse data-driven insights, and implement effective solutions to enhance global rankings and reputation.
• Strong Communication & Influence – Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to present ideas persuasively, engage diverse audiences, and communicate complex insights clearly.

For a full view of the requirements and responsibilities for this role, please refer to the job description.

Additional information

We offer a flexible hybrid working model, typically allowing up to 4 days of working from home per week, depending on business needs. In instances where more in-office presence is required during a particular week, we would expect candidates to be adaptable & work with these requirements.

Informal Queries:

Joanna McGarry, Deputy Director of Global Engagement -

joanna.mcgarry@bristol.ac.uk

Interviews are anticipated to take place w/c Tuesday 6th May 2025

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