Job Vacancy: BUILA Executive Director (permanent post)

Executive Director: The British Universities Liaison Association (BUILA)

Employment Type: Permanent Contract

Location: Hybrid mostly remote with occasional meetings and events across the UK·

Salary: From £75,000 pro rata

Working Hours: 0.8 (4 days)

Seniority: Senior

Closing: 5:00pm, Friday 22nd May 2026 BST

Job Description

BUILA is seeking an exceptional leader to help drive the next phase of its development. We are seeking an experienced senior leader to drive forward a change agenda for the British Universities’ International Liaison Association (BUILA). This is a unique opportunity to work in partnership with elected Directors and members of the newly established Council to shape a clear and compelling vision for “BUILA 2.0”. Strengthening our impact, enhancing member value, and ensuring we remain a trusted and influential voice in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

BUILA is a not-for-profit UK-wide, membership-led organisation that supports the work and professional interests of Higher Education internationalisation professionals. We do this by:

• Providing a strong and unifying international practitioner voice, representing a broad and diverse sector.
• Helping to shape and influence future policy at a national, and regional governmental level, through lobbying and work with government departments
• Helping to unify the sector by supporting, enabling and encouraging collaborations with partners at key stages of the international student journey.
• Strengthening the sector by enabling the sharing of best practice and enhancing the knowledge and skills of our members.

The Role:

The Executive Director will provide strategic and operational leadership for BUILA, working closely with the elected Directors and members of the Council, and Operational Team.

You will:

• Help shape and deliver BUILA’s strategic vision and direction
• Articulate and demonstrate the organisation’s impact to members and stakeholders
• Build and manage relationships with key sector bodies and government partners
• Support effective governance and work collaboratively with the elected Council
• Lead key projects, events, and initiatives that deliver value to members
• Oversee financial processes, organisational systems, and operational delivery
• Contribute to policy, public affairs, and lobbying activity

About you:

You are a credible and collaborative leader with a strong understanding of the international higher education sector.

You will bring:

• Significant (5+ years) leadership experience, at Head of/ Director level, within international higher education or related sector.
• A strong track record in strategic leadership and delivery
• Experience working with Non-Executive Boards, elected Councils or governance structures
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Confidence operating at a senior level across the sector and with government
• Strong organisational and project management capability
• A collaborative, transparent, and accountable leadership style

Why Join BUILA?

This is a rare opportunity to play a central role in shaping the future of a respected and influential sector organisation.

You will work alongside senior sector leaders, contribute to national conversations on international education, and help ensure BUILA continues to support its members and lead positive change across the sector.

A full job description can be downloaded below. 

Please submit a cover letter (limited to 2 sides of A4) demonstrating how you meet the person specification and supporting curriculum vitae to [email protected].