Marketing & Audience Development Officer
Join to apply for the Marketing & Audience Development Officer role at The University of Sheffield.
Pay Range
This role offers a base pay range of £27,319 – £31,236 per annum (pro rata for part time) for 21 hours per week, with potential to progress to £33,951 per annum through sustained exceptional contribution.
Overview
The University of Sheffield Performance Venues team programme and manage live events activity in three principal venues: The Octagon Centre, Firth Hall and the Drama Studio. The cultural output of Performance Venues plays a crucial role in audience connection in the city, contributing to the university’s civic engagement and advancement.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
* Devise and implement marketing campaign plans for all three programmes, allocating marketing work into manageable actions and objectives to improve brand awareness and audience engagement.
* Assist in the production, distribution of printed marketing collateral, including season brochure, print advertising and direct mail, in collaboration with team members and external contractors.
* Create and edit engaging marketing copy for a variety of sources.
* Write and issue press releases, proactively updating the press database to build relationships with the media and secure coverage.
* Collaborate with internal stakeholders to market events to university staff and students.
* Plan digital and online marketing campaigns, including e‑campaigns, social media, online listings and paid advertising initiatives.
* Use mailing software to design e‑campaigns, using data and reporting tools to analyse and monitor activity.
* Regularly reflect on and evaluate the effectiveness of all marketing activity, and report recommendations to the Head of Performance Venues, the Music Programme Producer (Concerts), and the Programmer (Enable US Project).
* Work independently, taking information from strategic guidance provided by Programme Leads, to oversee marketing priorities and resources management to deliver an effective marketing cycle each year.
* Analyse customer data in collaboration with Programme Leads to develop audience insights that support acquisition and retention strategies.
* Develop new relationship marketing approaches through ambassador and loyalty initiatives.
* Provide technical guidance and day‑to‑day task management to the Digital Media Officer and Audience Development Officer (student interns).
* Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification
Essential criteria at application/interview stages:
* Good knowledge and passion for a wide range of live performance genres.
* Experience of developing marketing strategy based on social media and ticket data to build defined audiences.
* Experience with social media platforms and backend advertising software (e.g., X, Facebook, Instagram, Business Manager).
* Experience in building mailing lists and generating engaging segmented mailouts.
* Excellent communication skills and experience writing engaging, effective copy for advertising, with strong proof‑reading details.
* Experience with photo‑editing and publishing software (e.g., Canva, Adobe suite).
* Up‑to‑date knowledge and enthusiasm for new marketing channels and approaches.
* Experience marketing to audiences across various performance types and genres.
Desirable criteria:
* Experience and enthusiasm for training and encouraging interns.
Job Details
* Grade: 5
* Work arrangement: Part Time, 21 hours per week (three days)
* Duration: Permanent
* Line manager: Head of Performance Venues
* Direct reports: Oversees the work and development of three interns alongside the Music Programme Producer
* Website: https://performancevenues.group.shef.ac.uk/
* Contact for enquiries: Nick Hopwood – n.hopwood@sheffield.ac.uk, 0114 222 8889
Next Steps in the Recruitment Process
Selection will take place during the week commencing 10 November 2025, consisting of an interview and a short task. Candidates will receive notification of progression within one week of the closing date. For assistance or adjustments, contact fmhub@sheffield.ac.uk.
Disability Confident Employer
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria, you will be invited to the next stage of selection.
Closing Date
09/11/2025
What We Offer
* Minimum of 38 days annual leave, including bank holidays and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
* Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
* Generous pension scheme.
* A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
* Variety of staff networks for social interaction, peer support and personal development (e.g., Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
* Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond.
* Commitment to development through access to learning and mentoring schemes, integrated with the Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
* Family‑friendly policies:
o Paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies.
o Support for those going through menopause.
o Paid time off and support for fertility treatment.
o Other family‑friendly benefits.
More details on benefits: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits.
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