Graduate Intern – Events and Administration (0257-26) – Derby, DE22 1GB
About the University
We 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/Department
The External Relations Department is responsible for enhancing the University of Derby's reputation and profile, driving student recruitment and supporting the University's strategic ambitions. Through specialist teams spanning marketing, communications, digital, social media, events and student recruitment, the department delivers impactful campaigns, engaging events and outstanding customer experiences that connect prospective students and stakeholders with the University, both nationally and internationally.
About the Role
This Graduate Internship provides an opportunity to support the University of Derby in achieving its student recruitment objectives and enhancing the University's profile through the planning, coordination, and delivery of a wide range of high-quality events. Working as part of the External Relations Events Team, you will contribute to the delivery of recruitment events, including Open Days, Applicant Days, school and college visits, and conversion activities, alongside stakeholder engagement events such as University Court meetings, alumni events, donor engagement activities, and internal University events.
The role offers hands-on experience in event management and administration, supporting all stages of the event lifecycle from planning and logistics through to on-the-day delivery and post-event activities. You will assist with attendee communications, event coordination, administrative processes, and general office tasks, gaining valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of a busy events function while developing key professional skills in a supportive environment.
About You
We are looking for an enthusiastic and organised graduate who is keen to develop a career in events, stakeholder engagement, marketing, communications, or a related field. You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to work with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
You will be highly organised, able to manage multiple tasks and priorities, and have strong attention to detail. A proactive approach, willingness to learn, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team are essential. You should be confident using Microsoft Office applications and be comfortable carrying out a range of administrative and event support activities.
This role would particularly suit someone who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment, has a positive and customer-focused attitude, and is keen to gain hands-on experience supporting the delivery of recruitment, stakeholder, and University events while developing valuable professional skills.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
Key Contact
For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Emma Cropper, Events Operations Manager via E.Cropper@derby.ac.uk
For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via recruitment@derby.ac.uk
Important Information
The 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.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974 and is therefore subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Any information you provide will be treated in confidence and only used when considering your suitability for the post.
To enable us to process your DBS check please ensure you are able to supply the documentation listed on the DBS website at interview stage.
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: 01 Nov 2026
Area: Administrative Support
Salary: £27,547 to £28,381 per annum (for exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £32,638.15 per annum)
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