Professional Placements Senior Administrator

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

Join a team that plays a vital role in supporting students on their journey into professional practice. As a Professional Placements Senior Administrator, you'll help create meaningful opportunities that enable students to gain the experience they need for their future careers, while strengthening partnerships with organisations across the region and beyond.

This is an opportunity to make a genuine impact in a fast-paced and collaborative environment where no two days are the same. You'll work with colleagues, students and external partners to ensure placement activity runs smoothly, while contributing ideas that enhance services, improve processes, and support the continued success of the Faculty and the wider University community.

We are currently recruiting to two Professional Placements Senior Administrator vacancies, comprising one permanent position and one fixed-term position. Candidates shortlisted for interview will have the opportunity to indicate whether they wish to be considered for the fixed-term post alongside the permanent vacancy.

Is this you?

You're someone who enjoys building positive relationships, solving problems and delivering excellent customer service. You thrive in an organised environment, can confidently manage competing priorities, and take pride in producing accurate, high-quality work.

You bring a proactive and adaptable approach, enjoy working as part of a supportive team, and are always looking for ways to improve how things are done. Whether your experience comes from higher education or another professional setting, you'll be motivated by making a difference for students and helping others succeed.

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.

Closing date: Sunday 23rd August (23:59 GMT)

If you have questions about the role, please contact:

Natalie Davis, Professional Placements Co-ordinator, on [email protected]

Veronique Laniel, Professional Placements Co-ordinator, on [email protected]

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!