Skip to content Accessibility statement
University of York

External Relations

Our mission is to support the delivery of the University's strategic objectives and advance York's reputation as a world leader in:

  • the provision of teaching and learning with a global mindset
  • fundamental and applied research for the benefit of people and society
  • ensuring a student experience that prepares students for a globally competitive jobs market.

The Directorate is comprised of four divisions that work across the operational and collaborative workstreams of branding, international, fundraising, environment, student experience and recruitment.

'The provision of higher education and research is fundamental to civic society. External Relations plays a vital role in advancing York's reputation as a university for public good in order to attract diverse talented students and staff from around the world regardless of background and beliefs.

We articulate the public benefit derived from research and teaching, support income generation and reputation management to deliver our institutional academic mission.' 

      Joan Concannon, Director of External Relations 

Our delivery principles

  • Understanding stakeholder and market requirements and interests.
  • Leveraging of cross-directorate resource and skills.
  • Development of key account management principles to support institutional objectives and academic departments, underpinned by shared systems and data handling and data mapping.
  • Collaboration with other support directorates to deliver against shared objectives.

Communications

Advancing the University’s reputation through media relations, research communications, public events, staff and student engagement, and shared creative and digital services.

Marketing, Recruitment, Admissions and Outreach (MRAO)

Promoting the University's study opportunities, engaging with schools and colleges, advancing access and outreach, and managing applications and admissions.

Centre for Lifelong Learning

Offering an exciting range of postgraduate distance learning courses, accredited courses for local learners, options to study for pleasure and massive open online courses.

International Recruitment, Partnerships and Mobility (IRPM)

Promoting study opportunities globally, building global partnerships and facilitating international student mobility.

‌

Office of Philanthropic, Partnerships and Alumni (OPPA)

We work with a community of global donors including individual philanthropists, family trusts, foundations and corporations and our alumni community.