UKSPF Skills Projects Assistant x 2 posts

University of Sunderland; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Sunderland is seeking two experienced Project Assistants to support project administration and compliance for skills and innovation initiatives. The ideal candidates will be strong administrators with excellent relationship-building skills, capable of working independently and as part of a team. Positions are fixed-term until March 2026, with a focus on providing high-quality support within an inclusive environment.

Benefits

Generous annual leave entitlement

Access to a pension scheme

Discounts at retailers

Discounted private medical insurance

Discounted fitness membership

Qualifications

• Previous experience in administration and project support.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong communication skills for internal and external stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Support project administration and compliance for skills and innovation projects.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Travel independently within Sunderland to attend training and events.

Skills

Strong administration

Relationship building

Attention to detail

Ability to work under pressure

Job description

About the University

The University of Sunderland offers life-changing opportunities for 27,500 students across its campuses in Sunderland, London, Hong Kong, and through global partnerships with learning institutions in 19 countries. We\'re proud to be a top 50 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2024), with top-quality facilities, inclusive culture, and our vibrant, ever-changing city.

The University of Sunderland is in an exciting phase of its development with a new vision and redefined strategic ambitions designed to take advantage of the ever-changing higher education landscape at home and overseas.

About the role

UK Shared Prosperity Funding has been secured by the University of Sunderland through the Skills and Inclusion and Innovate and Grow Projects. The projects deliver skills training through a range of credit and non-credit bearing taster sessions and short courses and short-term innovation projects across the City of Sunderland local authority area.

We are seeking two experienced Project Assistants to work alongside the UKSPF team to support the administration and compliance of the skills and innovation projects.

The roles will support the team and ensure that the project administration and compliance, which will include communication with internal and external stakeholders and employers, is delivered to a high standard.

The candidates will be required to work with colleagues from across the department, including Business Development, Compliance and Management and as such will be required to have excellent relationship building skills.

The roles will be based at the University of Sunderland; however, the roles will require the role holders to travel independently within Sunderland to and attend training delivery to support the registration processes and occasional events to promote the service.

The post is fixed term until 31st March 2026. There may be a potential of extension to contract subject to future funding application.

What you can bring

The successful candidates will be experienced administrators prepared to work to tight deadlines and respond to enquiries and queries quickly and professionally. The candidates need to be dynamic, hardworking and self-starters. To undertake the role successfully the post holders will be required to work under their own initiative with the ability to operate in a fast paced, ever-changing environment whilst maintaining a high level of customer service and attention to detail.

We are looking for the following skills and experience:

To be an effective and active team member and work dynamically within the team.

To be a strong administrator with a critical eye for detail.

What we can offer you

Our University is not just a place of academic excellence, but also a community that embraces inclusivity and support. We value our staff and offer a rewarding package that goes beyond just salary. At the University of Sunderland, we prioritise not only your professional growth but also your happiness and well-being.

• Enjoy a generous annual leave entitlement of 31 days, along with an additional 5 closure days over the Christmas break and 8 Bank Holidays.
• Enrolment into our pension scheme, ensuring your financial security for the future.
• Access to our “My Lifestyle Benefits Platform”, where you can enjoy online discounts at hundreds of retailers every day. Plus, take advantage of exclusive schemes that allow you to purchase a new car, bike, or technology at a discounted rate.
• Your health and well-being are important to us. That\'s why we provide access to discounted private medical insurance, health cash plans, and guidance on financial well-being.
• Maintaining an active lifestyle is made easy with discounted membership for CitySpace Fitness, our state-of-the-art facility for sports and social activities.

Equality, diversity & inclusion

We strongly believe that an inclusive university, where a diverse range of individuals feel valued and have equal opportunity to get into work and reach their potential, is good for our staff, students, university, and society.

Our work on equality, diversity and inclusivity has never been more important. We believe inclusivity is an essential value at the heart of what we do, and we want all our staff to be part of that journey with us.

Our recent staff survey conducted in 2023 showed that 97% of our staff believed that we were committed to achieving an inclusive university.

The closing date for applications is Monday 22nd September (23.59 GMT).

For any informal enquiries please contact Nicola Jackson Skills Projects Co-ordinator [e-mail] or Ross Waldie Skills Business Development Manager [e-mail]