Business Development Manager for Confucius Institute
| Posting date: | 09 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £41,064 to £44,746 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 29 March 2026 |
| Location: | Headington, Oxford |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 4 days per week |
| Company: | Oxford Brookes University |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 109245 |
Summary
Oxford Brookes University is distinctive in nature. We are a modern and forward thinking institution rooted in, and connected to a city with a rich history of culture and learning. We are a globally recognised University focused on providing high-quality teaching, delivering impactful research and an excellent student experience. Our vision is simple: “shape tomorrow through our unique blend of the modern and the traditional, by embracing diversity, seeking out the new and excelling in education and research.”
Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.
In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.
Launched in October 2015, the Confucius Institute at Oxford Brookes University is a partnership with the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press in Beijing. The specialist focus is on publishing and we are looking for a driven and forward-thinking individual to create income-generating activities for the Institute. We already run a range of events and activities including short courses in Mandarin, exhibitions about Chinese culture and training programmes in the area of publishing.
The University is home to the Oxford International Centre for Publishing, one of the leading centres for publishing education in the world, which has strong links in China. There are around 500 Confucius Institutes throughout the world and they are non-profit collaborations established to promote Chinese language and culture.
You will be responsible for:
- Contributing to the growth of the Confucius Institute
- Planning and managing a diverse range of events and activities
- Undertaking market research to identify potential income-generating initiatives for the Institute
- Bringing in new business for the Institute
- Developing contacts with relevant media and academic communities.
You should have:
- An honours degree
- Fluent in English
- Knowledge of and an interest in Chinese culture
- Experience of business development and project management
- Excellent teamworking, IT and communication skills.
For more information please see the attached job description and person specification.
As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 bank holidays and additional university concessionary days (normally 5 per year).
We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.
We have an extremely competitive Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, as well as providing all staff with access to an occupational health service, financial education, and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.
We prioritise the wellbeing of our employees - physically, mentally and financially - and we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.
In addition, all employees have access to:
- Discounted rates for the university sports and gym facilities
- An on-site nursery (at Headington Campus; waiting lists for some ages).
- Discounted travel options
- TOTUM card discount scheme
- Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles, subject to terms of the scheme)
- Training and development opportunities
- A connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks, which instil a sense of community and offer employees a space for support, guidance and friendship, making Brookes a vibrant and inclusive place to work.
Equality, diversity and inclusion:
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.
As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
Our people are at the heart of the University - our excellence in teaching, research and knowledge exchange depends on the engagement, capability and wellbeing of our people. We strive to create and encourage an environment where people have the opportunity to develop, progress and thrive.
In acknowledgment of our commitment to gender equality and progression, we proudly hold the Athena SWAN Bronze award, a testament to our unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for all. Join us at Oxford Brookes University, where every step forward is a leap toward a brighter tomorrow.
Launched in October 2015, the Confucius Institute at Oxford Brookes University is a partnership with the Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press in Beijing. The specialist focus is on publishing and we are looking for a driven and forward-thinking individual to create income-generating activities for the Institute. We already run a range of events and activities including short courses in Mandarin, exhibitions about Chinese culture and training programmes in the area of publishing.
The University is home to the Oxford International Centre for Publishing, one of the leading centres for publishing education in the world, which has strong links in China. There are around 500 Confucius Institutes throughout the world and they are non-profit collaborations established to promote Chinese language and culture.
You will be responsible for:
- Contributing to the growth of the Confucius Institute
- Planning and managing a diverse range of events and activities
- Undertaking market research to identify potential income-generating initiatives for the Institute
- Bringing in new business for the Institute
- Developing contacts with relevant media and academic communities.
You should have:
- An honours degree
- Fluent in English
- Knowledge of and an interest in Chinese culture
- Experience of business development and project management
- Excellent teamworking, IT and communication skills.
For more information please see the attached job description and person specification.
As an Oxford Brookes employee, you will enjoy a total of a minimum of 25 days holiday, rising with your service, plus 8 bank holidays and additional university concessionary days (normally 5 per year).
We encourage and support hybrid working where the role allows and ensure that you have the necessary equipment to allow you to work flexibly.
We have an extremely competitive Local Government Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions, as well as providing all staff with access to an occupational health service, financial education, and a comprehensive employee assistance helpline.
We prioritise the wellbeing of our employees - physically, mentally and financially - and we provide a diverse and comprehensive benefits package to support our team.
In addition, all employees have access to:
- Discounted rates for the university sports and gym facilities
- An on-site nursery (at Headington Campus; waiting lists for some ages).
- Discounted travel options
- TOTUM card discount scheme
- Relocation scheme (for moves over 30 miles, subject to terms of the scheme)
- Training and development opportunities
- A connected community - Brookes have a wide variety of staff networks, which instil a sense of community and offer employees a space for support, guidance and friendship, making Brookes a vibrant and inclusive place to work.
Equality, diversity and inclusion:
At Oxford Brookes, inclusivity is one of our five guiding principles: we take positive steps to create an environment in which we celebrate, value and provide equal opportunity to all. We are committed to recruiting from the widest possible pool and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates who embrace our values, regardless of their background.
As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview any disabled applicant who meets the essential selection criteria.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.