The Post

An excellent opportunity has arisen within the Directorate of Communications, Marketing and Recruitment for a Social Media Officer. The post holder will play a key role in our Digital team, which alongside the Marketing and Communications teams form the University’s Communications, Marketing and Recruitment (CMR) Directorate. This role will be based at the University of Stirling Campus but agile working is permitted and the post holder will need to be able to commute to the university when required.

At the University of Stirling, we communicate with a wide range of audiences across multiple platforms including print and digital, with social media playing an important part of our digital growth strategy. We are looking for an experienced social media professional to help us grow our social media presence and engage with our audiences across the globe.

Reporting in to the Social and Digital Media Strategist, the post-holder will be responsible for implementing the Social Media Strategy for the University. This includes the planning, creation, and curation of engaging and creative social media content. You will have a track-record of creating engaging digital content, with first class copywriting skills as well demonstrable experience in video editing and creative design. A pro-active person, with the ability to work in a fast paced and dynamic environment, the post holder will be customer centric and responsible for monitoring channel activity, maintaining social engagement, and conducting social listening research to stay on top of the latest trends and topics to inform future content.

Utilising our social media channels, we’re looking to maintain the integrity of our reputation and brand, maximise our impact on increasing student recruitment and engagement, raising the profile of our research and expanding the University’s international presence.

Description of Duties

Support the development and implementation of the social media content calendar including Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube and TikTok and any other emerging social media spaces
Coordinate the execution of social media activity across the University to ensure all University social voices support the brand and apply our tone of voice
Engage with and respond to social media communities through comments, mentions and private messaging
Assist the Social and Digital Media Strategist to implement the Social Media Strategy
Generate dynamic, creative and visually appealing content to support and drive key marketing messages
Work with the in-house graphic design and brand team to generate gifs and creative assets for use on social platforms
Identify opportunities to repurpose campaign and brand content on relevant platforms
Manage and monitor the University’s presence on social media sites using inbuilt platform analytics and social media management tools such as Brandwatch
Work with student social media ambassadors to identify and develop authentic student generated content that will help position the University as an influencer and leader in subject related conversations
Identify key influencers and conversations where we can engage to increase our reach
Identify key influencers and conversations where we can engage to increase our reach
Ensure a high standard of customer service for both internal and external stakeholders
Work with a variety of stakeholders, support the creation and delivery of content ensuring delivery on time / budget, as well as on brand
Assist with the management of the social media budget by raising purchase orders and monitoring monthly spend
Provide social media analysis and monitor trends to ensure we remain relevant and innovative
Support the delivery of regular reporting of insights and analysis on current engagement and learnings
Monitor competitor social media activity and provide updates on innovative ideas and activities

Essential Criteria

Degree, Diploma or equivalent relevant experience
Experience in implementing social media content plans
Experience in administrating social media accounts
Experience in creating a range of engaging digital content for platforms including Facebook, X, Instagram (Reels, stories), YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok
High level of IT literacy with excellent MS Office skills
Excellent written communication skills, particularly in writing engaging copy for social media channels
Good interpersonal skills, with ability to persuade, motivate and organise others
Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
Excellent time management, organisational and planning skills with ability to prioritise workload and meet deadlines
A flexible working attitude and ability to work as part of an out of hours and on call rota

Desirable Criteria

Knowledge and experience of working with video and image editing software packages, including Adobe Creative Cloud Suite e.g. Photoshop and Premiere Pro
Knowledge of and interest in current developments and trends affecting online media and digital technologies
Experience of analysing digital campaigns using analytics, insights, and other tracking tools

Additional Information

Full time
Fixed term for 12 monthsor until the substantive post holder returns

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 12 January 2025.
Interviews are expected to take place on Friday 24 January 2025.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances under SOC code 2493.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

About Us

Communications, Marketing and Recruitment encompasses: Corporate Communications, Media Relations, Internal and Corporate Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, Web and Digital Media, and International, UK and European Student Recruitment, and Admissions and Access.

In delivering the strategic priorities of the University, we support the enhancement of the University’s reputation for excellence in the student experience, teaching and learning, and high-quality research with global impact.

The Directorate provides a wide range of services to internal and external stakeholders and works closely with the University’s senior management team and across all faculties and professional support services. By adopting an integrated holistic approach to our work, we ensure the University’s strategic messages are effectively conveyed and understood by our stakeholders across all communications platforms.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe – addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.

The University has 18,500+ students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented on our scenic central Scotland campus. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top three in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and top five in the world (International Student Barometer 2022, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.

We are shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.

Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland’s International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

Job Reference: SERV01955

University of Stirling

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