The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

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 is recognised in playing a crucial role in audience connection in the city, providing a real contribution to the work the University undertakes in Civic engagement and advancement.

The Marketing and Audience Development Officer plays a key role in overseeing and driving marketing activity for our two curated performance festivals, the Enable US Project and University of Sheffield Concerts, as well as providing support for external events taking place in all three venues. This part time role is crucial in shaping the public face and voice of Performance Venues together with regular social media management and related administration. Alongside this, the Marketing Officer contributes to the in-house student internship scheme, providing occasional guidance to the in-post social media and audience development intern roles.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Devise and implement marketing campaign plans for all three programmes. Allocate marketing work into manageable clear actions and objectives, to improve brand awareness and maintain/develop audience engagement. 
• Assist in the management, production, and distribution of printed marketing collateral, including season brochure, print advertising and direct mail, in collaboration with team members/external contractors. 
• Create and edit engaging marketing copy for a variety of sources. 
• Write and issue press releases, proactively updating and engaging the press database to build relationships with the media and securing coverage. 
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to market events to university staff and students.
• Plan digital and online marketing campaigns, including (but not exclusive to) e-campaigns, social media, online listings, and paid advertising initiatives. 
• Use mailing software to design e-campaigns, use 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) (hereafter referred to as the Programme Leads). 
• Work independently, having taken information from the strategic guidance provided by Programme Leads, to oversee marketing priorities and resources management to deliver an effective and efficient marketing cycle each year.
• Work with Programme Leads to analyse customer data and develop audience insights, informing approaches to audience acquisition and retention, in support of audience development strategies. 
• Work with the Programme Leads to 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 (both student interns) in collaboration with Programme Leads.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on the week commencing 1st December 2025. This will consist of an interview and a short task to discuss in the interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within one week of the closing date. The anticipated start date will be week commencing 5th January 2026 with a potential to start earlier. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact fmhub@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday 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.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

Closing Date : 19/11/2025 

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.