Student and Graduate Opportunities Placement (0097-26) - Derby, DE22 1GBAbout the UniversityWe have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes. Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.About the College/DepartmentWe are right at the heart of the issues and challenges that matter - to our city, our region, to business, industry and our communities and society in general. Investing in our future, partnering with sector-leading businesses to drive innovation and create a collaborative environment where research has real impact and graduate talent can flourish.Our Business Engagement and Employability Team focuses on how the University interacts with industry in three key areas: support for our students and graduates to develop and successfully reach their aspirations, linking business to academics and research students to assist with research, knowledge exchange and consultancy, and the provision of skills that are relevant to industry, whether through courses, apprenticeships, CPD or further training.Careers and Employability Service The Careers and Employment Service support University of Derby students with reaching their career ambitions. We are dedicated to helping students gain the skills, knowledge and confidence they need to achieve a positive Graduate Outcome through in-curriculum delivery, tailored appointments, digital resources, on-campus events and industry connections. We are available to all students from the first day of their university journey, up to three years post-graduation.As an Applied University, real-world learning is embedded across all programmes. The Careers and Employment Service encourage and supports students to secure further industry experience from internships and placements to boost their employability and career prospects. We provide guidance to academics on impactful employability activity and curriculum delivery.The Team works closely with the wider Business Engagement and Employability Team to create valuable student development and recruitment opportunities with a diverse range of local, national, and global industry partners.About the RoleThis placement role plays a key part in supporting the work of the Student and Graduate Opportunities team, contributing to activities that help students and recent graduates progress successfully into employment, further study, or other meaningful opportunities. Working at the heart of the University’s employability provision, you will gain hands-on experience across a wide range of functions, from employer engagement and event delivery to data handling and resource creation.You will collaborate with colleagues across the University’s colleges, professional services, and the Students’ Union, helping to ensure that students and graduates can access highquality support and a diverse range of opportunities. The role offers an excellent development pathway for someone looking to build skills in administration, communication, digital content creation, project support, and relationship management.The post holder will be organised, proactive, and willing to learn, with the ability to work collaboratively with staff, students, and external partners. You will contribute to a positive team culture, support engagement initiatives, and uphold University policies, including Health and Safety requirements. Please note, this role is only available to University of Derby second year undergraduate students who start their academic year in September.Students who are studying on a Student Visa will NOT be eligible to apply for this post unless a placement year is a mandatory stipulation of the course.This role is a fixed term contract for 10 months.About YouYou are a secondyear undergraduate student at the University of Derby, bringing a blend of academic experience, practical skills, and a genuine interest in supporting others. You have experience in customerfacing roles, as well as working on tasks and projects through your studies, parttime work, volunteering, or extracurricular activities, demonstrating your ability to collaborate, stay organised, and meet deadlines.You are comfortable using your initiative, whether solving problems independently or contributing ideas to improve processes. You have a strong interest in careers and employability, supported by good organisational skills, strong interpersonal abilities, and confidence communicating with a wide range of people. Your attention to detail and methodical approach help you produce accurate, highquality work, and you are able to assist with presentations, workshops, or events when required.You bring a basic understanding of digital communication tools and social media, a willingness to develop your problemsolving skills, and the flexibility to adapt to changing tasks or priorities. You communicate clearly in both written and verbal formats and are open to supporting research or evaluation activities where appropriate, contributing positively to the wider aims of the team.BenefitsGenerous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)Local Government Pension SchemeSuite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance ProgrammeAccess to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailersDiscounted onsite gymCycle to Work schemeA flexible working environmentA commitment to personal and professional developmentKey ContactFor further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Jacqui Measures, Student and Graduate Opportunities Manager via j.measures@derby.ac.uk. For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.ukImportant InformationThe University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.Please visit our website for more information.The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.Please find our Safeguarding pages including our Safeguarding Policy here. Closing Date: 25 May 2026 Area: Administrative Support Salary: £25,045 to £25,421 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £29,234 per annum)