Business Development Officer at King's College London

Job Opportunity: Business Development Officer - King's Professional & Executive Development (KPED) What the Job is About:

Are you interested in advancing your career in professional education within a globally renowned institution? The King's Professional & Executive Development (KPED) team is looking for a Business Development Officer to support the expansion of King's College London's professional education portfolio. KPED leads the way in designing and delivering Continuing Professional Development, Executive Education, stackable micro-credentials, and post-experience degrees. This growing team collaborates across the university's nine faculties and develops bespoke programs that cater to both domestic and international audiences.

The Business Development Officer will play a vital role in assisting the diversification and delivery of professional education offerings, especially in an era of growing demand for flexible online and blended learning models. From drafting commercial contracts and proposals to managing budgets and liaising with internal and external clients, this position offers a dynamic and rewarding opportunity.

The successful candidate will also promote King's international reputation, helping to forge partnerships and grow professional education initiatives globally. This is a full-time, 12-month fixed-term maternity cover role, primarily based at King's College London's Strand Campus, with opportunities for hybrid working and occasional travel.

Advice on Applying: An International Education Perspective

As this role involves international engagement and promoting King's global brand in education, applicants with a strong understanding of the global educational landscape will have an edge. Here are some tailored tips for applying:

1. Highlight Your International Outlook:

   If you have previous experience working or collaborating across borders in education or a related sector, make this a central point in your application. Share examples of how you've managed cross-cultural communication, built international partnerships, or worked on global education projects.

2. Emphasize Transferable Skills:

   Even if you do not have direct experience in professional education, focus on skills such as business development, project/program management, budgeting, or commercial contract drafting. Showcase how these skills can apply to a professional education setting.

3. Showcase Analytical Abilities and Attention to Detail:

   Highlight experiences where you've successfully handled data, contracts, or budgets, ensuring accuracy and risk management. International roles often require adept handling of complex information, so demonstrate your ability to process and present information clearly.

4. Familiarity with Online and Blended Learning:

   Reflect on any knowledge, experience, or interest you have in online, hybrid, or modular learning-key focus areas for this role. Understanding the latest trends in online learning and micro-credentials will signal your relevance to the evolving education market.

5. Communicate Your Interest in King's Vision:

   Research King's Vision and professional education portfolio to convey your enthusiasm for the university's mission. Demonstrating alignment with King's values can make your application more compelling.

6. Understand Global Opportunities in Professional Education:

   Public tenders, executive education, and international consultancy are growth areas for KPED. If you're familiar with these trends, emphasize how your expertise can contribute to expanding King's footprint in these markets. If not, show a willingness to immerse yourself and learn quickly.

7. Prepare for Practical Aspects of International Engagement:

   Note that there may be occasional evening/weekend events and national or international travel associated with the role. Be ready to discuss your flexibility and enthusiasm for taking on such travel responsibilities.

8. Academic and Linguistic Skills:

   If you're multilingual or have experience working with diverse populations, include this in your application. International education often requires strong cross-cultural communication skills.

How to Make Your Application Stand Out:

• Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Review the essential and desirable criteria listed in the job description. Clearly align your knowledge, skills, and experiences with each requirement.
• Demonstrate Commercial Acumen: Business development often involves understanding market needs, pricing strategies, and stakeholder engagement. Provide relevant examples of handling these challenges.
• Show Willingness to Learn: If you're new to aspects such as drafting commercial contracts or writing tenders, express your eagerness to acquire these skills and adapt quickly.
• Engage with KPED's Growth Vision: Illustrate your understanding of KPED's mission and your enthusiasm for contributing to its innovative, international education projects.

Essential and Desirable Qualifications You Should Emphasize:

• A degree or equivalent qualification (or vocational experience).
• Proficiency in managing projects, client relationships, and budgets.
• Strong IT and communication skills.
• Familiarity with or interest in drafting contracts and understanding public procurement processes. A project management qualification (if applicable) can further boost your application.

This is an exceptional opportunity to work at the forefront of global professional education within a supportive, inclusive, and innovative environment at King's College London. By focusing on your international experience, transferable skills, and enthusiasm for the evolving field of professional education, you can create a strong application to stand out for this role.