Social Media Manager Jobs in Brighton UK – University of Sussex

The University of Sussex is offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced Social Media Manager to lead its social media strategy and strengthen its digital presence. Based in Brighton, this permanent position is ideal for a creative marketing professional with strong experience in social media campaigns, brand development, audience engagement and digital communications.

The successful candidate will play an important role in promoting the university, attracting prospective students and building relationships with different communities. The role offers an annual salary of £39,560 to £46,970, depending on experience and working arrangements. Part-time opportunities are also available, with a minimum commitment of 0.8 FTE.

Good news for international applicants: The University of Sussex states that this position may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. However, sponsorship is not guaranteed and applicants should check the relevant salary and visa requirements before applying.

Job Overview

• Job Title: Social Media Manager
• Reference Number: 60030
• Employer: University of Sussex
• Location: Brighton, United Kingdom
• Salary: £39,560 – £46,970 per year
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Part-Time Option: Available from 0.8 FTE
• Job Type: Marketing and Communications
• Visa Sponsorship: Potentially eligible
• Closing Date: 30 November 2026, 2:59 AM
• Expected Interview: Week commencing 7 December 2026
• Expected Start: As soon as possible

About the Social Media Manager Role

The University of Sussex is looking for a talented social media professional who can develop and deliver an effective digital communications strategy. The successful candidate will help the university connect with prospective students, improve its public reputation and engage audiences across different social media platforms.

Working within the Communications, Engagement and Advancement division, you will collaborate with marketing, communications and creative teams to establish clear objectives for each social media channel.

You will oversee engaging campaigns and creative content, with a particular focus on video. Your work will help showcase university life, academic achievements, research activities and student experiences.

You will also manage a small content team consisting of a Video Content Creator and a Content Officer. Working alongside the Brand Manager, you will support student ambassadors and help them produce content for student recruitment, research and community engagement projects.

Main Responsibilities

Your responsibilities as Social Media Manager will include:

• Developing and managing the university's overall social media strategy.
• Creating campaigns that strengthen brand awareness and institutional reputation.
• Managing social media channels and building active online communities.
• Overseeing creative content production, particularly video-based campaigns.
• Leading and supporting the social media content team.
• Working with student ambassadors, influencers and content creators.
• Monitoring online conversations and responding to audience feedback.
• Managing sensitive social media issues, moderation and escalation procedures.
• Using social listening tools and audience insights to identify trends and potential risks.
• Evaluating campaign performance and presenting reports to senior colleagues.
• Advising university departments on social media standards, accessibility and brand guidelines.
• Supporting important university events, including Graduation, Clearing and Open Days.

Occasional weekend work may be required, although time off in lieu will be provided.

Skills and Experience Required

The university is seeking an experienced social media specialist with a proven ability to develop successful digital campaigns and manage online communities.

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Substantial professional experience in social media management.
• A strong record of planning, delivering and evaluating social media strategies.
• Knowledge of different social media platforms, audiences and algorithms.
• Experience creating accessible and engaging digital content, particularly videos.
• Professional experience using social media management platforms such as Hootsuite or Sprout Social.
• Knowledge of social listening, audience research and performance analytics.
• Experience handling sensitive online discussions and reactive communications.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing, mentoring or developing team members.
• The ability to manage multiple projects and competing deadlines.

Experience in higher education, the public sector or a large organisation would be beneficial. Previous involvement in student recruitment, influencer programmes or ambassador projects would also be an advantage.

Salary and Employment Benefits

The successful candidate will receive a competitive annual salary ranging from £39,560 to £46,970 under Grade 7. The salary will be adjusted proportionately for part-time working arrangements.

The University of Sussex offers a professional working environment on its attractive 150-acre campus, situated close to the South Downs in Brighton.

Employees can benefit from convenient public transport connections, cycling facilities and a cycle-to-work scheme. The university also provides a range of staff rewards and benefits.

Read more about the University of Sussex employee benefits and rewards.

Does the University of Sussex Offer Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship?

One important aspect of this vacancy is its visa sponsorship information. According to the official job advertisement, this position may be eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

This could make the opportunity worth investigating for qualified international applicants who want to pursue a marketing or digital communications career in the UK.

However, applicants should understand that the wording "may be eligible" does not mean that sponsorship is confirmed. The final decision depends on the employer's sponsorship arrangements and whether the individual job and applicant meet the applicable immigration requirements.

Before applying, check the official University of Sussex visa and salary requirements information.

You can also review the UK government's official Skilled Worker visa guidance to understand eligibility, salary requirements and sponsorship conditions.

Why Work at the University of Sussex?

The University of Sussex is an internationally recognised, research-led university with a diverse academic and professional community.

Working in its Communications, Engagement and Advancement division provides an opportunity to contribute to institutional marketing, student recruitment and the university's wider reputation.

The Brighton campus is located next to the beautiful South Downs and benefits from convenient transport links, including Falmer railway station, which is approximately five minutes' walk from the campus.

The university also values equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people with different backgrounds and experiences. Find out more about its equality, diversity and inclusion commitments.

How to Apply for Social Media Manager Jobs at the University of Sussex

Interested candidates should submit their applications through the official University of Sussex recruitment website.

Before applying, prepare an updated CV highlighting your social media management experience, digital marketing campaigns, content creation skills, team leadership and knowledge of social media analytics.

Make sure your application demonstrates how your professional experience matches the responsibilities and essential requirements of this position.

Important: Internal candidates will receive priority consideration during the shortlisting stage, as stated in the recruitment advertisement.

Application Deadline: 30 November 2026 at 2:59 AM.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where is the Social Media Manager job located?

The position is based at the University of Sussex in Brighton, England, United Kingdom.

2. What is the salary for this position?

The advertised salary is £39,560 to £46,970 per year, with pro-rata payment for part-time employees.

3. Is this a permanent job?

Yes. This is a permanent position with 37.5 working hours per week. Part-time working from 0.8 FTE is also available.

4. Does this job offer UK visa sponsorship?

The university states that the position may be eligible for sponsorship. Applicants must confirm eligibility with the employer and check current Skilled Worker visa requirements.

5. When is the application deadline?

The closing date is 30 November 2026 at 2:59 AM.

6. What experience is required?

Applicants should have substantial experience in social media management, campaign development, digital marketing, audience engagement, analytics and team management.

Final Thoughts

This Social Media Manager vacancy at the University of Sussex offers an interesting opportunity for experienced digital marketing and communications professionals seeking permanent employment in the UK.

With a competitive salary, flexible working options and potential Skilled Worker visa sponsorship, it may be worth considering for suitably qualified applicants. Make sure you review the official job description and confirm the sponsorship position before submitting your application.

Always apply through the official university recruitment website and check the latest vacancy information before making any employment or visa decisions.