Graduate Development Officers (Student Journey)

Graduate Development Officers (Student Journey) x 3

Further details:

Job Description

Proud to be Sunderland

The University of Sunderland offers life-changing opportunities for more than 27,500 students across our campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong, as well as through global partnerships in 19 countries.

We're an inclusive, ambitious and forward-looking University in a vibrant city that's constantly evolving. We're also entering an exciting new phase with a refreshed vision and strategic ambitions shaped around the changing higher education landscape.

As we move through 2026, we're celebrating being recognised as:

• A top 30 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2026)
• 1st in the North - East for student support services (Daily Mail University Guide 2026)
• 1st in the North - East for teaching quality (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)

Your next opportunity

As a Graduate Development Officer, you'll have the opportunity to build your professional experience while making a meaningful contribution to the student experience at the University of Sunderland. Through a range of placements across Student Journey services and the wider University, you'll gain valuable insight into different teams, projects and areas of work, developing a broad understanding of higher education and the impact of student-focused services. The role offers the chance to bring fresh ideas, work on initiatives that enhance the student journey, and collaborate with colleagues across the University, all while benefiting from structured mentoring, training and professional development designed to support your future career.

Please note this is an 18-month internship.

Is this you?

We're looking for a recent University of Sunderland graduate who is enthusiastic about supporting students and contributing to positive change. You'll be a strong communicator who enjoys working with others, brings a proactive and flexible approach, and is keen to learn from new experiences. You may have an interest in areas such as student engagement, communications, social media, projects or service improvement, and you'll be motivated by the opportunity to develop new skills while helping to create an outstanding experience for our students.

Why join us?

At the University of Sunderland, we're more than a place of learning, we're a welcoming community that values inclusivity, collaboration, and well-being. We don't just offer jobs, we offer careers that come with support, flexibility, and plenty of perks:

• Up to 44 days' holiday - that's 31 days' annual leave, 5 festive closure days and 8 Bank Holidays!
• Award-winning staff networks that celebrate who you are.
• Lifestyle benefits, with savings on shopping, tech, bikes, and even cars.
• Health and well-being support, from private medical cover to gym discounts.
• Learning and development that helps you achieve your goals.

Ready to Apply?

Before getting started, please download the Role Profile under 'Job Description' so you have everything you need.

Our application questions assess you directly against the essential and desirable criteria for the role. We do not review CVs at this stage, so please provide detailed, evidence-based answers to help us understand your suitability.

If you have graduated from the University of Sunderland within the last two years, we encourage you to engage with our Graduate Prospects team for support during your application process. Our team can help you with your job applications and interview preparation.

More information on the support available can be found below:

• Learn more about Graduate Prospects
• Create a graduate account on our digital hub here to access one-to-one support and guidance with our Graduate Success Learning Pathway
• Strengthen your interview responses by learning more about the STAR framework - Competency-based interviews: How to prepare and example answers | Prospects.ac.uk
• Join our Interview Skills Pathway, a digital learning resource with hints and tips for interview success

Contact - graduateprospects@sunderland.ac.uk

Closing date:

Tuesday 1st September 2026 (23:59 GMT)

Interviews are expected to take place week beginning 14th September 2026.

If you have questions about the role, please contact:

• Ben Hodgson (ben.hodgson@sunderland.ac.uk)
• Mark Colman (mark.colman@sunderland.ac.uk)

• We may close this vacancy earlier than the advertised closing date if we receive a high volume of applications. If this sounds like the opportunity for you, don't wait - get your application in early!

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Job Details

• Department: Student Journey - Student Life
• Location: Sunderland Campus
• Salary: £27,855 to £30,343 - Fixed Term (18 months)
• Hours per Week: 37
• Closing Date: Tuesday 01 September 2026
• Interview Date: To be confirmed

#s1-Gen

We're looking for a recent University of Sunderland graduate who is enthusiastic about supporting students and contributing to positive change. You'll be a strong communicator who enjoys working with others, brings a proactive and flexible approach, and is keen to learn from new experiences. You may have an interest in areas such as student engagement, communications, social media, projects or service improvement, and you'll be motivated by the opportunity to develop new skills while helping to create an outstanding experience for our students.

The University of Sunderland offers life-changing opportunities for more than 27,500 students across our campuses in Sunderland, London and Hong Kong, as well as through global partnerships in 19 countries. We're an inclusive, ambitious and forward-looking University in a vibrant city that's constantly evolving. We're also entering an exciting new phase with a refreshed vision and strategic ambitions shaped around the changing higher education landscape. As we move through 2026, we're celebrating being recognised as:
• A top 30 UK university(Guardian University Guide 2026)
• 1st in the North-East for student support services(Daily Mail University Guide 2026)
• 1st in the North-East for teaching quality(The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)
Your next opportunity As a Graduate Development Officer, you'll have the opportunity to build your professional experience while making a meaningful contribution to the student experience at the University of Sunderland. Through a range of placements across Student Journey services and the wider University, you'll gain valuable insight into different teams, projects and areas of work, developing a broad understanding of higher education and the impact of student-focused services. The role offers the chance to bring fresh ideas, work on initiatives that enhance the student journey, and collaborate with colleagues across the University, all while benefiting from structured mentoring, training and professional development designed to support your future career.

At the University of Sunderland, we're more than a place of learning, we're a welcoming community that values inclusivity, collaboration, and well-being. We don't just offer jobs, we offer careers that come with support, flexibility, and plenty of perks:
• Up to 44 days' holiday - that's 31 days' annual leave, 5 festive closure days and 8 Bank Holidays!
• Award-winning staff networks that celebrate who you are.
• Lifestyle benefits, with savings on shopping, tech, bikes, and even cars.
• Health and well-being support, from private medical cover to gym discounts.
• Learning and development that helps you achieve your goals.