The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

Our connections with our external partners play a vital role in our success and that of our students and alumni.

We are seeking a people focused individual to coordinate the placements and attachments scheme in our  dissertation with placements core module for Postgraduate Taught International Development Programs, alongside this you will lead the organisation of and set up events to enrich the educational experience in the School.

Our goal is to bring on board a motivating, people-centric, and enthusiastic individual who is dedicated to enhancing our student experience. The ideal candidate will be adept at establishing solid connections as they partner with colleagues and students. Moreover, they should possess exceptional communication skills to provide clear and effective responses to inquiries from students, external customers, and staff.

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Main duties and responsibilities

• Coordinate the School's postgraduate placements and attachments programme for students on PGT International Development programmes, working closely with the Research Foundations module convenor. 
• Maintain and develop collaborative and productive working relationships with existing host organisations and attachment mentors,  and source and nurture new partnerships each year to meet the needs of the programme.
• Agree and finalise Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with external placement partners each year, as a record of mutual commitments and expectations.
• Compile and circulate the annual Placements & Attachments Directory, ensuring all entries are clear, correct and consistently presented, giving details of research focus, practicalities, costs, person specifications etc for all placement/attachments.
• Manage the student placement/attachment application process, assess applications, match students with appropriate placements/attachments, and liaise with external organisations and attachment mentors in final selection and acceptance of applicants.
• Lead on delivering Risk Assessment training to students, review and sign off on all Risk Assessments pre placement (with support from the School Health & Safety Officer)
• Provide pastoral care and support to all students undertaking placements or attachments, acting as first point of contact for students on placement/attachment matters, and instigating and overseeing a system of regular check-ins.
• Carry out a post placement/attachment survey of students' experiences to ensure the programme continues to meet needs and expectations, and share any key issues with external organisations and attachment mentors. Similarly, obtain feedback from external organisations and attachment mentors and build this into future running of the programme.
• Lead on the organisation and management of School specific external events, including careers fairs, networking events and guest speaker sessions.
• Take a leading role with alumni/employer engagement in the department, by running the School LinkedIn account.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place around mid-November 2025. This will consist of an in-person interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within a week of the application closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact gpl-ops@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.