Media Relations Co-ordinator

University of Sunderland; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Up to 44 days holiday

Award-winning staff networks

Lifestyle benefits

Health and well-being support

Learning and development

Job summary

The University of Sunderland seeks a Media Relations Co-ordinator to join the fast-paced Communications & Stakeholder Engagement team at Sunderland Campus. You will craft engaging media content and manage relationships with internal and external partners to showcase our stories and impact.

We're looking for excellent writers with a keen eye for detail, who can spot opportunities for coverage across multiple platforms and work collaboratively to meet deadlines.

Qualifications

• Excellent writing and editing skills for diverse audiences and platforms.
• Strong understanding of media relations and news agendas.
• Ability to engage internal and external stakeholders at all levels and manage priorities.

Responsibilities

• Create engaging communications to tell the University story across channels.
• Spot and develop compelling stories and opportunities for coverage.
• Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders and deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines.

Skills

Excellent writing and editing

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Media Relations Co-ordinator

Please note: this vacancy is only available to current employees of the University

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

This role is an opportunity to join our fast paced, varied and purposeful Communications function at the University of Sunderland. From telling the stories of our students and staff, to covering exciting research developments and showcasing our civic impact, no two days are the same. You'll have the opportunity to make a real impact and gain a broad range of skills and valuable experience along the way.

Is this you?

We're looking for someone who:

• Has excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to create engaging communications for different audiences and platforms.
• Has a strong understanding of media relations and the news agenda, with the ability to spot and develop compelling stories and opportunities.
• Is confident engaging with internal and external stakeholders at all levels, who can build strong relationships, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines.

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.

Closing date:

Tuesday 15th September (23:59 GMT)

If you have questions about the role, please contact:

Craig Thomson at [e-mail]

Job Details

• Department: External Relations - Communications & Stakeholder Engagement
• Location: Sunderland Campus
• Salary: £31,604 to £36,545
• Hours per Week: 37
• Closing Date: Tuesday 15 September 2026
• Interview Date: To be confirmed