Social Media Coordinator

Purpose of Role

To execute the social media strategy and plans for Heriot-Watt University to engage audiences and enhance the brand and reputation of the University. The role will be responsible for managing social media channels and creating a wide range of content types for other digital channels, such as the website, partner websites and podcasts, and working with student ambassadors to produce targeted and engaging content.

To manage and deliver all social media activity for Heriot-Watt’s main University channels such as Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube; coordinating the creation and publication of posts for marketing and communications teams as well as stakeholders. Create and develop a wide range of content types for other digital channels, such as the website, partner websites and podcasts. Working with student ambassadors to produce targeted and engaging content and finding innovative ways of engaging with youth audiences.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• To be the main point of contact for social media requests across the University; prioritising, publishing, and managing requests on a day-to-day basis.
• To provide direct support to social media users through the main University channels by replying to comments, queries, and messages on the key digital channels.
• To work collaboratively with stakeholders across the University to create, produce and publish strong, visually led content on our key digital channels, according to our content strategy and directed by the Content and Social Media Manager.
• Under the guidance of the Content and Social Media Manager, to work closely and recruit, mentor and guide our student ambassadors to create and produce engaging user generated content for all our digital channels.
• To provide support and guidance to stakeholders on content development and best practices for social media.
• To use online social media monitoring systems, Google Analytics, and other appropriate software to evaluate, audit and update content.
• To exercise rigorous quality control over social media presences and website presences by ensuring that content is on brand, accurate, and up to date.
• To ensure that all content complies with accessibility guidelines, legal compliance, web standards and usability best practice.
• To work in collaboration with communications and marketing colleagues in our Dubai and Malaysia campuses.
• To provide support to the Marketing Team on the execution of social media activities that support communications messages.
• Generate a wide range of compelling and engaging content to support HWU's communications strategy, in line with key messages and overall objectives.
• To build and maintain relationships with external agencies; delivering content to agreed timelines and specifications.
• To storyboard, plan, record and edit user-generated video content – including animated/illustrated content and vlogs.

Essential & Desirable Criteria

Essential

• University Degree or equivalent relevant experience 
• Experience with search engine optimisation, Google Analytics and other analytics tools
• Two years’ experience of working with content management systems
• Experience and passion for social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok
• Experience in industry-standard Adobe creative suite in particular photo, audio and video editing software.
• Excellent levels of competency in written and spoken English; with experience in writing marketing copy
• Experience of working in a team and leading on own initiative
• Ability to operate under pressure to strict deadlines and tight budgets
• Ability to make decisions and prioritise workloads and requests on a daily, weekly and monthly basis
• Knowledge of industry best practices including content delivery standards and usability
• Ability to think creatively and to communicate creative ideas to others
• A ‘can do’ attitude and a great problem solver

Desirable

• A good eye for visuals, with graphic design and/or photography skills 
• Keen interest in social media platforms, with their finger on the pulse of what inspires youth audiences and the latest technologies/social platforms 
• Experience working with teams internationally or a keenness to learn 
• Video production

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Ability and willingness to learn new digital skills and capabilities appropriate to your role and how it evolves
• Understand and adhere to information security practices particularly as it relates to personal or sensitive information
• Maintain awareness of my own digital wellbeing by being mindful of the length of time spent at a screen and the impact on mental and physical health in using digital technologies.

Grade and Salary: Grade 6, £29,605 - £34,980 per annum

FTE and working pattern: 1 FTE, 35hrs per week, Monday - Friday

Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)