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
08.2021 - 09.2025
- 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
01.2018 - 08.2021
- 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
10.2013 - 01.2018
- 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
05.2007 - 10.2013
- 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
08.2005 - 05.2007
- 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
09.2004 - 08.2005
- Responsible for delivery of intensive English courses in schools (Europe/Asia).
Website Manager
University of Manchester
10.2003 - 09.2004
- Responsible for development of a website for a European research project.
Student Recruitment Officer
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
05.2002 - 10.2003
- Responsible for wide range of UK/EU student recruitment activity.
E-government Assistant (Education)
Lancashire County Council
04.2001 - 05.2002
- Supported e-delivery of services to schools and colleges.
Education
MA - Marketing
Northumbria University
Newcastle 01.2002 - 01.2004
BA (Hons) - Business Management
University of Newcastle
Newcastle 01.1997 - 01.2000
4 A-Levels - French, History, Music, General Studies
01.1994 - 01.1996
10 GCSEs - English & Mathematics
01.1989 - 01.1994
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
08.2021 - 09.2025
Global Engagement and Partnerships Manager
University of Leeds
01.2018 - 08.2021
Senior International Marketing Manager
University of Leeds
10.2013 - 01.2018
International Officer
University of Leeds
05.2007 - 10.2013
International Communications Coordinator
Leeds Metropolitan University
08.2005 - 05.2007
English Teacher (EFL)
English in Action
09.2004 - 08.2005
Website Manager
University of Manchester
10.2003 - 09.2004
Student Recruitment Officer
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
05.2002 - 10.2003
MA - Marketing
Northumbria University
01.2002 - 01.2004
E-government Assistant (Education)
Lancashire County Council
04.2001 - 05.2002
BA (Hons) - Business Management
University of Newcastle
01.1997 - 01.2000
4 A-Levels - French, History, Music, General Studies
01.1994 - 01.1996
10 GCSEs - English & Mathematics
01.1989 - 01.1994
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