Claire Mulholland
Ilkley,West Yorkshire
Summary
Experienced professional with expertise in strategy development, partnership development, and team leadership in global higher education. Proven track record in stakeholder management and business development, leveraging exceptional communication and negotiation skills to build strong relationships. Dedicated to driving organisational success through innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.
Driven professional with collaborative mindset, capable of fostering strategic partnerships and navigating complex negotiations. Demonstrates strong leadership and communication skills, coupled with proven ability to deliver organisational objectives.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
12
12
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Head, International Partner Development and Engagement
University of Leeds
2021.08 - 2025.09
- Co-developed global partnerships strategies for University of Leeds with particular focus on strategic partnerships and transnational education. Cross-institutional working to develop and deliver supporting frameworks with operational plans, risk registers and KPI dashboards
- Manage a portfolio of institutional strategic partnerships to deliver objectives in research, student education and knowledge transfer. Role combines strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, working across the full partnership lifecycle, from horizon scanning and prospecting to execution, monitoring, and evaluation, to ensure partnerships create meaningful, measurable outcomes.
- Provide strategic advisory support to University leaders (PVC, Deans, Pro-Deans) and International Office leads to develop regional partnership strategies and plans (particularly China, India, US, Europe, LATAM). Member of University of International Strategy Board.
- Provide business development advice to faculties and schools, including leading cross-functional project teams to develop proposals and business plans to deliver Leeds teaching and programmes overseas.
- Lead the development and implementation of institutional standards, policies and guidelines governing the University’s TNE and partnership engagement.
- Responsibility for the University Europe Office and International Office partnerships team
Global Engagement and Partnerships Manager
University of Leeds
2018.01 - 2021.08
- Supported senior colleagues (DVC, PVCs) in the development, planning and monitoring of strategy for the University`s TNE activity. Worked across global markets and faculties to develop new partnerships and transnational education (TNE) projects. Achieved significant institutional growth in TNE engagement representing fee income of over £6.4m p.a. with participation from 70% schools.
- Responsibility for management of International Partnerships team and relationships with 40 key international sponsors (placing over 600 new international students at Leeds each year).
Senior International Marketing Manager
University of Leeds
2013.10 - 2018.01
- Led and developed regional marketing strategies for South Asia, South East Asia, Japan and Central Asia with responsibility for three overseas offices (India, Malaysia, Japan).
- Managed team of 11 staff and budget of £400k+. Brand management, agent strategy, partnership development.
International Officer
University of Leeds
2007.05 - 2013.10
- Responsible for the University of Leeds marketing strategy to deliver recruitment targets in Asia.
- Managed institutional relationships and feeder routes (eg NCUK representing £6m tuition fee income p.a.), agent strategy, campaign and budget management.
International Communications Coordinator
Leeds Metropolitan University
2005.08 - 2007.05
- Responsible for the development and delivery of a range of on and off-line international marketing communications and large-scale events.
English Teacher (EFL)
English in Action
2004.09 - 2005.08
- Responsible for delivery of intensive English courses in schools (Europe/Asia).
Website Manager
University of Manchester
2003.10 - 2004.09
- Responsible for development of a website for a European research project.
Student Recruitment Officer
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
2002.05 - 2003.10
- Responsible for wide range of UK/EU student recruitment activity.
E-government Assistant (Education)
Lancashire County Council
2001.04 - 2002.05
- Supported e-delivery of services to schools and colleges.
Education
MA - Marketing
Northumbria University
Newcastle 2002.01 - 2004.01
BA (Hons) - Business Management
University of Newcastle
Newcastle 1997.01 - 2000.01
4 A-Levels - French, History, Music, General Studies
1994.01 - 1996.01
10 GCSEs - English & Mathematics
1989.01 - 1994.01
Skills
- Strategy development
- Partnership development
- Team leadership
- Stakeholder management
- Business development
- Communication skills
- Negotiation skills
- Relationship building
Custom
Available on request
Timeline
Head, International Partner Development and Engagement
University of Leeds
2021.08 - 2025.09
Global Engagement and Partnerships Manager
University of Leeds
2018.01 - 2021.08
Senior International Marketing Manager
University of Leeds
2013.10 - 2018.01
International Officer
University of Leeds
2007.05 - 2013.10
International Communications Coordinator
Leeds Metropolitan University
2005.08 - 2007.05
English Teacher (EFL)
English in Action
2004.09 - 2005.08
Website Manager
University of Manchester
2003.10 - 2004.09
Student Recruitment Officer
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
2002.05 - 2003.10
MA - Marketing
Northumbria University
2002.01 - 2004.01
E-government Assistant (Education)
Lancashire County Council
2001.04 - 2002.05
BA (Hons) - Business Management
University of Newcastle
1997.01 - 2000.01
4 A-Levels - French, History, Music, General Studies
1994.01 - 1996.01
10 GCSEs - English & Mathematics
1989.01 - 1994.01