Senior Communications, Marketing and Audience Development Officer

Job Description

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the newly formed Division of Library, Culture and Heritage at the University of Sussex. As the Senior Communications, Marketing and Audience Development Officer, you will play a key role in shaping and delivering impactful strategies to enhance the Division’s visibility across internal, local, national, and international audiences.

Your main focus will be on promoting our core activities—particularly the public programme and campus community events at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA). You will take the lead in developing the Division’s online and social media presence, managing communications partnerships, and coordinating collaborations with external organizations.

The role involves building strong relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, leading on strategic communication, marketing, and storytelling to engage diverse audiences and promote the values of creativity, inclusion, and accessibility in the arts.

The Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts is a vibrant interdisciplinary hub connecting the University of Sussex with regional, national, and international arts communities. Its seasonal programme includes performance, dance, live art, film, music, debate, and digital practices. Guided by the values of Sir Richard Attenborough—human rights, social justice, creative education, and access to the arts for all—the Centre embodies the University’s commitment to culture, learning, and community.

About You

You are an experienced communications and marketing professional with a deep understanding of arts and culture, and a proven track record of working with artists, producers, promoters, and creative professionals.

You should have:

A strong passion for arts and culture, with the ability to engage audiences and widen access to the arts.

Demonstrable experience in copywriting, editing, and content creation across digital and print platforms.

Experience in directing or managing photography and filming projects.

Excellent interpersonal and collaboration skills.

Confidence in leading communication campaigns and maintaining a consistent brand identity.

An understanding of the arts, culture, and heritage landscape within Sussex would be desirable but not essential.

About the Division

The Division of Library, Culture and Heritage, established in 2024, brings together three major entities:

The University of Sussex Library,

The Keep (archive service in partnership with East Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council), and

The Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA).

As a newly formed Division, we are currently developing our first strategic plan, making this an exciting moment to contribute to our vision and growth.

The Library

Founded in 1961, the University Library is a vital research and learning hub, home to internationally significant collections and services. More than a repository, it is a centre for knowledge creation, publication, and preservation. The Library partners closely with Schools across the University, supporting teaching, research, and civic engagement to enrich the academic and cultural life of our community.

For more information, visit: Library: University of Sussex

Why Work Here

Our beautiful campus, located next to the South Downs National Park, offers a unique working environment just five minutes’ walk from Falmer train station, with excellent public transport links and dedicated cycling routes.

We offer:

A cycle-to-work scheme – Learn more on GOV.UK

A comprehensive reward and benefits package

A strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring all staff feel valued and supported.

The University of Sussex is a renowned, research-led international institution, recognised for its innovation and community spirit. Whether academic, professional services, or student, our people make Sussex an exceptional place to work.

The University of Sussex values diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

Visa Information

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route.

SOC code: 2493

Going rate: £41,700
Eligibility will depend on the ability to use tradeable points to meet salary requirements or if the applicant already holds a Skilled Worker visa granted before 4 April 2024.