Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The Sussex Beacon is committed to equality of opportunity and to creating an inclusive working environment where difference is valued and respected.
The Sussex Beacon welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and identities and particularly encourage applications from people living with HIV and from communities that are underrepresented within health and social care services.
Who We Are
The Sussex Beacon was established as a hospice and charity in 1993, dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of people across Sussex who are living with or affected by HIV. We provide specialist clinical care, emotional support, and community services that help individuals manage the medical, psychological, and social challenges associated with HIV.
While treatment has advanced significantly, people living with HIV (PLWH) continue to experience higher rates of chronic health conditions and age-related co-morbidities. In Sussex, 61% of those accessing services are now over the age of 50. This ageing population, combined with the long-term impact of HIV and its treatments, means that many experience increased frailty, multi-morbidity, and complex psycho-social and physical care needs.
Our service users frequently experience significant health inequalities they often come from marginalised communities and may face intersectional discrimination related to gender, sexuality, age, ethnicity, or migration status. Many also live with the ongoing effects of stigma, trauma, socio-economic disadvantage, and social isolation.
The Sussex Beacon plays a vital role in addressing these inequalities. Through inclusive, person-centred services, we work to promote dignity, resilience, and improved quality of life for everyone who comes through our doors.
The Sussex Beacon offers a range of services to people who have been living with HIV for decades to those who are newly diagnosed. Our services include:
· Community Nurse-led Clinical Hub
· Community Outreach Support Services
· Peer Mentoring
· Living Well Exercise Programme
· Day Services and Group Work.
The Sussex Beacon has two charity shops in Brighton and an active fundraising team who help raise the money we need to keep our services running for the people who need them across Sussex.
Our Future
Over the past 18 months we have been working very closely with local commissioners and the wider NHS and other health and community providers to re-instate our unique hospice inpatient clinical palliative care for people living with HIV.
As part of our new strategic direction, we will build on our expertise, experience and cultural competence to meet the unique needs of LGBTQ+ people who choose the Sussex Beacon because of our trusted reputation and proud history of affirmation and inclusion for palliative and end of life care.
Our Community Services Team is an essential part of the support pathway for people living with HIV in Sussex; the team plays a crucial part in supporting vulnerable people living with HIV assisting them navigate health and support services; intervening in a timely manner to prevent crisis and providing integrated multi-agency support for those who are struggling with their physical and mental wellbeing.
Our Values
Whilst we are completing our strategic plan; we have adopted the widely recognised I CARE model of Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Excellence to demonstrate the values that underpin and reflect our approach, behaviours and culture.
I CARE
Integrity We are honest and open We are trustworthy and authentic in our relationships with others We strive to do the right thing, accept feedback and learning
Compassion We are kind, supportive and caring We have empathy, we listen and learn from those around us We relate to people with warmth and understanding
Accountability We own our actions and work collaboratively as one united team
We are responsible for our work, performance and behaviour We do not blame or deflect, acknowledge and learn from our mistakes
Respect We are inclusive, value difference and work together to deliver our vision We are sensitive to the spectrum of experience and views of others We treat everybody with dignity and affirm their identities
Excellence We strive for quality & continuous improvement We are open to innovation, development and change We share our skills, knowledge and learning to wider systems improvement
Role Summary
The Marketing and Communications Manager leads the management, development and performance of The Sussex Beacon marketing and communications activity. Working closely with the Chief Executive and Head of Income, the role shapes how marketing and communications contribute to the charity’s strategic objectives, reputation and ambitions for sustainability.
This is a hands-on role the postholder will develop and drive marketing and communications activity, be responsible for delivering high-quality, consistent and impactful marketing, creative, content and campaign activity across all channels. The role exists to strengthen organisational capability in digital and performance marketing, ensuring activity is insight-led, outcome-focused and demonstrably effective.
The postholder will translate strategic direction into operational delivery, embedding a data-driven, test and-learn approach that maximises return on investment. They will work collaboratively with the Fundraising Team to ensure marketing activity effectively acquires and converts new supporters, providing a strong and sustainable pipeline into supporter engagement journeys.
As a visible internal and external ambassador for the charities brand and values, the Marketing and Communications Manager will champion consistency, quality and audience focus across all communications, ensuring output is accurate, engaging and aligned to the Sussex Beacons purpose and values. The role requires an enthusiastic and proactive leader who can meet deadlines, thrive in a varied environment and brings strong judgement, creativity and attention to detail to every aspect of delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Marketing & Growth
· Translate strategic direction into focused marketing and communications plans that support organisational objectives, income growth and brand reputation.
· Embed a performance led, insight driven approach, ensuring all activity is measurable, continuously optimised and delivers strong return on investment.
· Drive development of modern, effective marketing practice, particularly in digital and performance marketing, ensuring The Sussex Beacon is equipped to deliver high impact activity.
Campaign, Content & Creative Leadership
· Oversee the planning and delivery of high quality, compelling campaigns and creative content across digital, print, PR and social channels.
· Design effective promotional materials including fundraising guides, leaflets and flyers.
· Ensure all communications are audience centred, emotionally resonant and aligned with brand, messaging and organisational values.
· Lead structured experimentation using a test-learn-adapt approach to improve engagement, acquisition and conversion.
Supporter Acquisition, Conversion & Growth
· Lead marketing strategies that drive supporter acquisition, conversion and long-term value, working closely with the Head of Income, Fundraising Team and Retail Managers to build a strong pipeline into fundraising journeys.
· Deliver high quality activity across key digital disciplines including paid media, search, SEO, web and analytics.
· Oversee governance and prioritisation for website content, accessibility and functionality, ensuring it remains aligned with organisational objectives and audience needs.
· Use insight, segmentation and digital optimisation to enhance campaign effectiveness and audience engagement, monitoring performance at a strategic level to guide continual improvement.
Brand Stewardship & Reputation Management
· Act as a guardian of The Sussex Beacon brand, ensuring consistent quality, tone and visual identity across all touchpoints.
· Champion The Sussex Beacons purpose and values internally and externally, strengthening trust, understanding and community reputation.
· Lead proactive and reactive PR activity, managing sensitive communications and protecting organisational reputation.
New Media, Innovation & Emerging Channels
· Identify and develop new and emerging channels, formats and technologies to reach new audiences and diversify acquisition.
· Lead innovation through structured experimentation, applying data led decision making to test and scale effective approaches.
· Keep pace with sector and commercial best practice, including opportunities created by AI, automation and marketing technology.
Insight, Data & Performance Reporting
· Embed data driven decision making across marketing, ensuring performance is tracked, analysed and communicated clearly.
· Work closely with CRM, Supporter Engagement and Fundraising teams to ensure joined up measurement from acquisition through to retention and long-term value.
· Produce clear performance reports and recommendations for senior stakeholders, demonstrating impact, learning and ROI.
Team Leadership, Capability & Development
· Lead, motivate and develop the Marketing & Communications team, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability and continuous improvement.
· Identify and address skills gaps to strengthen team capability.
· Coordinate resources effectively to manage competing deadlines and support team wellbeing, development and succession planning.
Collaboration & Cross Organisational Partnership
· Build strong relationships across Income Generation, Clinical & Community Services and Trading supporting functions to deliver joined up, responsive marketing support.
· Provide expert guidance on marketing, brand and communications best practice to colleagues at all levels.
· Contribute to cross organisational projects and transformation initiatives, representing marketing strategically and operationally.
Governance, Compliance & Resource Management
· Manage marketing budgets effectively, ensuring transparency, value for money and investment aligned to strategic priorities.
· Ensure all activity complies with GDPR, fundraising regulations, accessibility standards and safeguarding considerations.
· Maintain robust systems for digital asset management, creative workflow and performance reporting, ensuring high standards and operational resilience.
Other Related Duties
· Actively contribute to the Senior Management Team and maintain a good understanding of all services and their financial requirements.
· Support the CEO, Head of Income and Finance Director and regularly update them on financial issues and concerns.
· Take a proactive & enthusiastic approach to tasks, problem solving & team working.
· Actively participate and contribute to all required meetings and training.
· Attend and contribute to team meetings and help build and maintain healthy working relationships within the organisation.
· Take up training opportunities in areas relevant to the job with prior agreement with the line manager.
· Attend Trustees meetings when required.
· Always act in the best interests and follow the values of The Sussex Beacon. Ensure that any actions or comments made on behalf of or linked to Sussex Beacon damage or tarnish the organisation's reputation.
· Adhere to organisational policies and procedures. Including a professionally curious approach to Identify safeguarding concerns and follow organisational procedures including referrals to Adult and Children’s Social Care Teams
· Undertake any other duties as may be reasonably required
Essential Qualifications
Relevant degree in communications and marketing and /or relevant experience
Experience of
Developing, monitoring and maintaining management information systems and
procedures
Relevant background in a previous role, including planning and deploying paid social
media, digital campaigns (Google Ads), and email marketing.
Content creation – for websites and social media.
Digital skills including Office 365 systems (inc. Teams and SharePoint), WordPress,
Photoshop, InDesign and Canva.
Analytics and data skills including Google Analytics
Developing an engaging end to end digital customer experience.
Experience of insight reporting and key metric tracking
Broad understanding of social media insight software and campaign management
Search engine optimisation.
Digital copywriting and editorial skills
Experience with design software
Skills & Knowledge
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal skills
Excellent organisational skills: the ability to reliably manage a large number of tasks
to multiple deadlines
Ability to identify, plan and prioritise own work, set and meet targets and deadlines
Self-motivated, energetic and able to use own initiative
Professional approach to all tasks, flexible and self-demanding of excellence
Ability to be discreet and able to work with confidential information
Knowledge of health equalities issues for people living with HIV and intersectionality
Knowledge of health equalities issues for people from LGBTQ+ communities and
intersectionality
Teamwork
Ability to receive and to provide constructive feedback, work collaboratively with
peers to positively meet challenges adapt to change, demonstrate an ability to
problem-solve and work under pressure.
Ability to support other team members and where appropriate students
A commitment to modelling the I CARE values of compassion, inclusivity and non-
judgemental approach, valuing service users and colleagues, embracing diversity
and gender-affirming support and care.
Commitment to equalities, inclusion and diversity principles and practice and service
user involvement.
Values & Attitudes
Passionate about enabling tackling health inequality for people living with HIV and
those from LGBTQI+ communities
A purpose-driven mindset and commitment to an ethical approach
Flexible, positive and proactive approach to problem-solving, maintaining exemplary
behaviours and professional integrity
Works collaboratively and communicates openly, building trust within the team and
contributing to a supportive, transparent working environment.
Proactive, self-starter with energy and drive.
Professional, approachable and compassionate.
Commitment to equalities, inclusion and diversity principles and practice,
safeguarding and service user involvement.
Upholds the values and mission of The Sussex Beacon
Other Requirements
Commitment to personal wellbeing, supervision and appraisal
Pay: £19,800.00 per year
Benefits:
- Discounted or free food
- Free parking
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
