Audience Development Officer(UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

About the Role

The University of Sussex is seeking an experienced and creative Senior Communications, Marketing and Audience Development Officer to join its newly established Division of Library, Culture and Heritage.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in developing and delivering effective communications and marketing strategies to raise the profile of the Division locally, nationally, and internationally.

The postholder will lead promotional activity for the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA) — a vibrant interdisciplinary arts hub — focusing on marketing the public programme and campus-based cultural events. The role will also oversee the development of digital content, manage social media and online presence, and coordinate partnerships with external collaborators.

A key aspect of this role is storytelling — sharing the creative work, cultural values, and community impact of ACCA and the wider Division through engaging narratives and targeted communication campaigns.

About You

You will be an experienced communications and marketing professional with a strong understanding of the arts, culture, or heritage sectors.

You should demonstrate:

• Proven experience in marketing, audience development, and communications, ideally within an arts or cultural setting.
• Excellent copywriting and editing skills, with the ability to produce engaging content for different platforms.
• Experience in managing photography, filming, or visual media to support promotional activities.
• A good understanding of digital and social media marketing strategies.
• Confidence in collaborating with artists, creative practitioners, producers, and promoters.
• A genuine passion for arts and culture, and a commitment to improving public access to creative experiences.
• Knowledge of the Sussex arts, culture, and heritage landscape would be an advantage but is not essential.

About Our Division

• The Library, Culture & Heritage Division was established in 2024 and brings together three major cultural and academic assets:
• The University of Sussex Library, a leading research and learning hub with internationally significant collections.
• The Keep, an archival service jointly run with East Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council.
• The Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA), a multidisciplinary arts venue presenting a dynamic programme of performance, music, dance, film, digital art, and debate.
• The Division is currently developing its first strategic plan, making this an exciting time to join and contribute to its future direction.
• The Library, founded in 1961, is central to the University’s learning, research, and civic engagement mission. It supports the creation, preservation, and dissemination of knowledge, ensuring it remains closely connected to the evolving needs of students, academics, and the broader community.

About the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts

The Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts (ACCA) connects the University with regional, national, and international arts communities. It curates a rich seasonal programme of performance, live art, film, music, dance, debate, and digital practice.

Guided by the values of Sir Richard Attenborough, former Chancellor of the University, ACCA champions human rights, social justice, creative education, and inclusive access to the arts.

Why Work Here

Our campus is located just off the A27, beside the beautiful South Downs National Park, offering a vibrant and welcoming working environment.

We are easily accessible by public transport, with Falmer train station only a five-minute walk from campus and multiple bus routes serving the area. Staff can also take advantage of dedicated cycle routes and the Cycle to Work scheme.

The University of Sussex is a research-led, internationally recognised institution. Our success is driven by our people — whether academic, professional, or technical — and we are proud of our inclusive and collaborative culture.

Learn more about our:

Reward and Benefits Package

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Visa Information:
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. The assigned SOC code is 2493, with a going rate of £41,700. Eligibility will depend on whether the candidate can meet tradeable points criteria to align with the offered salary or already holds a valid Skilled Worker visa issued before 4 April 2024.

Work Location:
All work for the University must be undertaken within the UK.

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