Job Description

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

About the University of Sunderland

The University of Sunderland provides life-changing opportunities to over 27,500 students across our campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, as well as through global partnerships with learning institutions in 19 countries.


Ranked among the UK's top 30 universities (Guardian University Guide 2026), we're proud to hold the top position in the North East for student support services (Daily Mail University Guide 2026) and teaching quality (The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026).


We're entering an exciting new chapter, driven by a bold vision and redefined strategic ambitions, designed to embrace the dynamic higher education landscape both at home and internationally.


With outstanding facilities, an inclusive culture, and a vibrant, ever-evolving city, now is the perfect time to join the University of Sunderland and be part of our exciting journey ahead.

About the role

As a Professional Placements Senior Administrator, you will be responsible for providing a customer-focused, agile, and professional administrative service to manage and monitor placement activity within the University's Faculty of Health Sciences and Wellbeing.


This is a rewarding role that will positively benefit students and other key stakeholders, ultimately contributing to employment outcomes for our professional health graduates and our institutional reputation.


You will work independently and as part of a team, role modelling a positive and can-do attitude. You will be responsible for creating and maintaining positive working relationships with stakeholders internal and external to the University, developing an in-depth understanding of your area of responsibility.


There will be a variety of activities within this role, such as liaising with partner organisations to secure placement opportunities, allocating students to those based on professional requirements, managing accurate data for external reporting, and answering complex and wide-ranging enquiries from colleagues, students and external parties in relation to professional placements.


As well as working proactively and positively to support the continued growth of the Faculty, you will be encouraged to identify opportunities for new ways of working and promote continuous improvement.

Please note, this is a fixed term position until 28/08/2026.

What you can bring

You will demonstrate experience of working in an administration environment, with transferable skills not necessarily from a Higher Education background.


You are organised with strong attention to detail and will have experience of successfully working in a team environment. You will approach challenges with an open mind and be adaptable to change.


Extensive expertise in IT systems will be required, with an ability to develop and enhance systems and processes.


Successful candidates will be provided with extensive system and process training, as well as on-going support and development to enhance your career within the University of Sunderland.

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 Tuesday 3rd February 2026 (23.59 GMT).

There will be an in-person interview on our City Campus - we will contact successful applicants with the details.

If you have any questions about the role, please email Linda McMurrough, Professional Placements Manager, at linda.mcmurrough@sunderland.ac.uk to discuss this.

Job Details
Department
Academic Registry & Governance - Professional Placements, Timetabling & Awards
Location
Sunderland Campus
Salary
27,855 to 30,343
Fixed Term
Hours per Week
37
Closing Date
Tuesday 03 February 2026
Interview Date
To be confirmed
Reference
0013-26