People news

The University has appointed Vickie Sheriff as our new Director of Communications, Engagement and Advancement. Vickie will start her new role on 1 July 2024.

Vickie is currently Director of Communications and Marketing at the University of Surrey. At Surrey Vickie is responsible for leading the internal and external communications, marketing (corporate and recruitment), digital, public affairs and major events teams. She has had a long and varied career in senior communications and marketing roles in the corporate, charity and government sectors, including Communications Director at Imperial College London and roles at Heathrow, Which? and the British Red Cross. Whilst working in government communications Vickie ran the Downing Street press office for two Prime Ministers. Vickie has led teams working on brand development and marketing, as well as crisis management and public affairs.

When Vickie starts in July, the Division of Communications, Marketing and Advancement will be renamed Communications, Engagement and Advancement to reflect the establishment of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Global and Civic Engagement) role, and the Division’s crucial function supporting our strategically core work around external and internal engagement. Vickie will report directly to the Vice-Chancellor. 

Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sasha Roseneil, said: “Vickie has an impressive career history and her exceptional leadership skills in communications and engagement will be incredibly valuable for Sussex. I am delighted that Vickie will be joining us in the summer and I am looking forward to working with her to share and implement the new Sussex 2035 strategy with the Sussex community and the wider world.” 

Vickie said: "I am excited about joining the Sussex community and getting to know new colleagues across the University. Sussex has a legendary reputation but it is a challenging time for the higher education sector, so there is a lot to do. With a great team to work with, and a new strategy in the offing, it is a good time to join.”