University of Sunderland
Funding Development Officer
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Proud to be Sunderland
The University of Sunderland offers life-changing opportunities for more than 27,500 students across our campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, as well as through global partnerships in 19 countries.
We’re an inclusive, ambitious, and forward-looking University in a vibrant city that’s constantly evolving. We’re also entering an exciting new phase with a refreshed vision and strategic ambitions shaped around the changing higher education landscape.
As we move through 2026, we’re celebrating being recognised as:
- A top 30 UK university (Guardian University Guide 2026)
- 1st in the North-East for student support services (Daily Mail University Guide 2026)
- 1st in the North-East for teaching quality (The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026)
Your next opportunity
The Northern Ophthalmic Research and Innovation Institute (NORI), hosted by the University of Sunderland in partnership with South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, is seeking a Funding Development Officer to help grow an ambitious programme of research, innovation, and healthcare transformation.
This is an exciting opportunity to work at the interface of academia, the NHS, industry, and external funders. You will help identify, develop, and secure funding for innovation-focused research, translational programmes, commercial partnerships, and philanthropic opportunities aligned to NORI and Trust priorities.
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Working closely with senior academic, clinical, and professional services colleagues, you will play a central role in building a sustainable funding pipeline, developing high-quality bids and propositions, and supporting the growth of a new institute with regional, national, and international ambition.
Please note this is a fixed-term contract for 2 years.
Is this you?
We are looking for a highly organised and proactive individual with experience of funding development, bid writing, innovation support, or partnership development. You will be confident identifying opportunities, coordinating contributors, managing deadlines, and producing clear, persuasive written content for funders, partners, and internal decision-makers.
The postholder will work across both the University and NHS Trust environment, so excellent communication, diplomacy, and stakeholder management skills are essential.
The successful candidate will have:
1. Bid development and writing
Experience of developing, coordinating, and writing high-quality funding applications, bids, tenders, or business cases from concept through to submission.
2. Opportunity identification and prioritisation
Ability to horizon scan, assess funding opportunities, understand funder requirements, and prioritise activity based on strategic fit, feasibility, and likelihood of success.
3. Stakeholder coordination and delivery
Strong project management and interpersonal skills, with the ability to coordinate input from multiple colleagues and partners, manage competing deadlines, and ensure submissions are accurate, compliant, and delivered on time.
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Why join us?
At the University of Sunderland, we’re more than a place of learning, we’re a welcoming community that values inclusivity, collaboration, and well-being. We don’t just offer jobs, we offer careers that come with support, flexibility, and plenty of perks:
- Up to 49 days’ holiday - that’s 36 days’ annual leave, 5 festive closure days, and 8 Bank Holidays!
- Award-winning staff networks that celebrate who you are.
- Lifestyle benefits, with savings on shopping, tech, bikes, and even cars.
- Health and well-being support, from private medical cover to gym discounts.
- Learning and development that helps you achieve your goals.
Ready to Apply?
Before getting started, please download the Role Profile under ‘Job Description’ so you have everything you need.
Our application questions assess you directly against the essential and desirable criteria for the role. We do not review CVs at this stage, so please provide detailed, evidence-based answers to help us understand your suitability.
Closing date: Sunday 2nd August (23:59 GMT)
If you have questions about the role, please contact: NORI Director Professor Matthew Campbell at matthew.campbell@sunderland.ac.uk
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