Sustainability Officer (Travel and Engagement)

About the University of Sunderland 

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 30 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

We are looking to recruit a Sustainability Officer (Travel and Engagement)) to the Estates and Facilities Service on a permanent basis. This role offers a great opportunity, working with our award-winning Environmental Sustainability Team, to implement the University’s Travel Plan, and to develop and deliver a programme of communications and events across the wider environmental sustainability themes to engage staff and students and raise the profile of Environmental Sustainability issues.

This key role offers the chance to work collaboratively to reduce the University’s environmental impact including the implementation of the Travel Plan. The role will be a specialist on environmental matters and represent the University as required with key external stakeholders on a local and regional basis.

What you can bring 

You will be able to demonstrate the ability to develop and deliver an engaging programme of communications and events around environmental sustainability to staff and students. You will have excellent organisational and prioritising skills and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines as well as demonstrable verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders through various media.

The successful candidate will have knowledge of transport legislation, policies and sustainable travel modes and have the ability to develop business cases and manage delivery of projects.

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 36 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 19 January (23.59 GMT).

Please note that applications are only accepted via the University of Sunderland's job portal, we do not accept CVs as part of the process.

For any informal enquiries please contact Keith Slater, Head of Environmental Sustainability: [email protected]

Laura Middlemass, Sustainability Manager: [email protected]

Closing Date: 19 Jan 2026

Team: Support

Salary: £38,786 to £46,049