Audience Development Officer(UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the newly established Division of Library, Culture and Heritage at the University of Sussex, where you will play a key role in shaping communications, marketing, and audience engagement strategies for the Division’s vibrant cultural activities.

As Senior Communications, Marketing and Audience Development Officer, you will lead efforts to enhance the visibility and impact of the Division’s work—locally, nationally, and internationally. A particular focus will be on promoting the public programme and community events at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA).

In this role, you will:

• Develop and deliver engaging communications and marketing campaigns.
• Lead the Division’s digital and social media presence, ensuring alignment with the University’s brand and values.
• Manage partnerships and collaborations with external organisations.
• Build strong relationships across academic, cultural, and community networks.
• Lead on storytelling initiatives that communicate the Division’s impact and creative vision.

ACCA is an interdisciplinary arts hub that connects the University of Sussex with regional, national, and international arts communities. Its programmes span performance, dance, film, live art, digital practice, and debate—guided by the humanistic values of Sir Richard Attenborough, including human rights, social justice, creative education, and access to the arts for all.

About You

• You are a creative and strategic communications professional with a deep enthusiasm for arts, culture, and heritage. You bring:
• Proven experience in communications, marketing, and audience development, preferably within the arts or cultural sector.
• A solid understanding of arts promotion, event marketing, and digital engagement strategies.
• Strong copywriting and editing skills, with experience directing photography or video content.
• Excellent relationship management skills, with the ability to work effectively with artists, producers, and creative professionals.

A good understanding of the arts and heritage landscape in Sussex would be an advantage, though not essential. Most importantly, you have a passion for connecting people with the arts and expanding access for diverse audiences.

About the Division

• The Library, Culture and Heritage Division, established in 2024, brings together:
• The University of Sussex Library — a leading research and learning resource with internationally significant collections.
• The Keep — a major archive service operated in partnership with East Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council.
• The Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA) — a multidisciplinary arts venue that bridges the University and wider creative communities.
• The Division is currently developing its strategic plan, making this an ideal time to contribute to shaping its future direction.

Why Work with Us

The University of Sussex offers an inspiring and collaborative environment, situated on a 150-acre campus next to the South Downs National Park, just five minutes from Falmer train station. We support sustainable travel through a Cycle to Work scheme and extensive public transport links.

Sussex is a renowned, research-led international university recognised for its commitment to creativity, diversity, and social impact. By joining us, you’ll become part of a dynamic community where every member contributes to making Sussex exceptional.

Further Information

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students and welcomes applications from all backgrounds.

All work for the University must be undertaken within the UK.

Visa sponsorship:
This role may be eligible for Skilled Worker sponsorship under SOC code 2493. The going rate for this code is £41,700 per annum. Eligibility depends on whether tradeable points can be applied to meet the salary threshold or if an applicant holds an existing Skilled Worker visa that began before 4 April 2024. For details, see the UK Government Skilled Worker Visa guidance
.