Chief Executive Officer

Overview UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)

— Salary: £90,000–£100,000; Location: Remote, with regular travel; Contract: Permanent.

UKCISA is the UK’s leading organisation supporting international student experience and advice across higher education, further education, students’ unions, and private providers. With over 400 member institutions, we shape policy, support expert practice, and champion international students nationwide. We provide trusted, expert advice directly to students through our website, advice line and communications.

We are now seeking a Chief Executive to lead UKCISA’s next chapter. Working closely with the Chair, Board of Trustees and Committees, the Chief Executive will shape and deliver strategies and policies that advance the interests of international students and those who support them. You will promote UKCISA’s aims nationally and internationally, and lead our engagement with government departments, agencies and key sector bodies to influence immigration and education policy.

The Chief Executive will provide visible, values-led leadership to a dedicated and expert team, ensuring that UKCISA continues to deliver high-quality services to students and members. The Chief Executive will also play a crucial role in driving income diversification and supporting long-term financial sustainability.

We are seeking an experienced and collaborative leader with a strong commitment to education and student experience. You will bring senior-level experience in a relevant organisation, along with the credibility to engage government, influence policy and represent UKCISA’s members with confidence. Strong operational leadership, experience working with or alongside a board, and an inclusive leadership style are all essential.

This is a pivotal moment for international education in the UK, and a rare opportunity to lead the organisation that sits at the heart of policy, practice and student experience. If you are driven by purpose, motivated by impact, and ready to champion the voices of international students across the country, there has never been a more important time to lead UKCISA.

For further information please click apply on website and contact our recruitment partners at GatenbySanderson.

Closing date:

Sunday 16th March 2026

Responsibilities

Lead UKCISA’s strategy and operational delivery in collaboration with the Chair, Board of Trustees and Committees.

Shape and implement strategies and policies to advance the interests of international students and their supporters.

Promote UKCISA’s aims nationally and internationally and lead engagement with government departments, agencies and key sector bodies to influence immigration and education policy.

Provide visible, values‑led leadership to a dedicated and expert team and ensure delivery of high‑quality services to students and members.

Drive income diversification and support long‑term financial sustainability.

Qualifications

Senior‑level experience in a relevant organisation with credibility to engage government, influence policy and represent UKCISA’s members.

Strong operational leadership experience, including working with or alongside a board.

Inclusive leadership style and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.

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