Graduate Development Officers x 3

University of Sunderland; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mentoring

Training and development

Flexible working

Job summary

University of Sunderland is offering an 18-month Graduate Development Officer internship aimed at recent graduates. You will gain hands-on experience across Student Journey services and contribute to initiatives that improve the student experience.

The role includes structured mentoring, training and professional development to support your early career. We value an enthusiastic communicator who can collaborate with colleagues, bring fresh ideas and a proactive, flexible approach to learning

Qualifications

• Recent University of Sunderland graduate enthusiastic about supporting students.
• Strong communicator who enjoys teamwork and learning.
• Proactive, flexible and eager to learn from new experiences.

Responsibilities

• Gain experience across Student Journey services and the wider University.
• Develop projects and initiatives to enhance the student journey.
• Receive mentoring, training and professional development as part of the internship.

Skills

Strong communicator

Proactive & flexible

Interest in student engagement

Education

Recent University of Sunderland graduate

Job description

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)

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.

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.

Contact - [e-mail]

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