Marketing manager

Helping people find jobs in the local area since 2008

Salary £38,000 to £42,000 per annum based on experience (plus excellent benefits)

Location: West Dean

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full Time - 35 hours per week, 5 days over 7 (Monday to Friday).

Marketing Manager - Join the team at West Dean College (West Sussex)

Are you a strategic thinker with a creative spark? Do you thrive on delivering campaigns that make a measurable impact? This is your opportunity to shape the voice and visibility of one of the UK’s most distinctive cultural and educational institutions.

We are looking for an ambitious, insight-driven Marketing Manager to lead integrated campaigns that drive student recruitment, commercial income and brand development across our unique creative organisation based at West Dean, nestled within the stunning South Downs National Park.

What you will be doing

This is a hands‑on strategic role where no two days are the same. You will play a key part in shaping how we connect with audiences locally, nationally and internationally.

You will:

• Lead the planning, creation and optimisation of integrated, multi-channel marketing campaigns
• Deliver activity that supports Higher Education recruitment, short courses, commercial income and brand growth
• Use audience insight, segmentation and performance data to inform campaign strategy
• Monitor and report on engagement, conversion, recruitment and revenue metrics
• Develop and oversee a cohesive, insight‑led content strategy across digital and offline channels
• Commission and manage external agencies and freelancers
• Identify and secure PR and media opportunities, draft press releases and manage enquiries
• Collaborate closely with colleagues across Higher Education, Short Courses, Commercial, Archive and Collection teams
• Line manage and develop the Senior Marketing Executive and Marketing Assistant
• Support budget planning, track ROI and optimise investment for maximum impact

You will act as both a strategic lead and a brand guardian, ensuring all marketing activity reflects West Dean’s distinctive identity and values.

Why this role is special

This is not just another marketing job. It’s an opportunity to help shape the future of a nationally recognised centre for art, craft, design and conservation.

At West Dean, creativity sits at the heart of everything we do. Founded on the visionary principles of Edward James, we believe that making makes a better world.

You will:

• Contribute to a unique organisation that bridges countryside and city life
• Work within a collaborative, creative and purpose‑led community
• See your campaigns directly influence recruitment, revenue and audience growth
• Play a central role in strengthening a respected cultural brand

About you

You will thrive in this role if you have:

• Proven experience delivering integrated, multi-channel campaigns
• Strong content creation and copywriting skills across platforms
• Experience interpreting data and reporting on campaign performance
• Line management experience and the ability to motivate a team
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders across departments
• Experience managing budgets and external suppliers
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities

Experience in Higher Education, arts, heritage or cultural sectors is highly desirable, as is knowledge of SEO, digital marketing best practice and audience journey planning.

Most importantly, you will bring energy, commercial awareness, curiosity and a genuine interest in creativity, craft and conservation.

Role details

Job title: Marketing Manager
Location: West Dean, West Sussex (PO18 0QZ)
Salary: £38,000 to £42,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Hours: 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday, occasional evenings/weekends for events)
Contract: Permanent
Holiday: 33 days per annum inclusive of bank holidays

Interviews will be held on 25 March and 31 March 2026.

Perks & benefits

• Generous pension scheme
• Life assurance (up to 6× salary)
• Employee Assistance Programme and Mental Health First Aiders
• Free and discounted short courses
• Free entry to our renowned gardens and site facilities
• Staff discounts on accommodation, food and drink
• Complimentary hot drinks, fruit and biscuits
• Free on-site parking and Cycle to Work scheme

The impact you will make

Your work will directly shape how audiences discover, engage with and experience West Dean. From prospective students to lifelong learners and visitors, your campaigns will help ensure creativity continues to thrive here for generations to come.

If you’re ready to combine strategic thinking, creativity and purpose in one truly distinctive role - we would love to hear from you.

Apply now via our careers page.