At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead social media management and create engaging content for a globally recognised boating brand.
- Company: Join the Royal Yachting Association, a leader in recreational and competitive boating.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days holiday, birthday off, and discounts on retail and entertainment.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the boating community through creative storytelling and digital innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in social media, content creation, and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Digital Marketing Executive (Social Media) - Maternity Cover
The Royal Yachting Association, based in Hamble, near Southampton, is the national governing body for all forms of recreational, competitive and professional boating.
It represents dinghy and yacht racing, motor and sail cruising, RIBs and sports boats, windsurfing, inland cruising, and personal watercraft.
- Digital Marketing Executive (Social Media) -
- Maternity Cover
Contract
12 Months Fixed Term, Maternity Cover
Salary
£30,000 - £35,000 per annum, depending on experience
Full-Time
35 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Location
- Hamble, Southampton (with hybrid working)
- Help Us Inspire More People on the Water
Are you a creative and results-driven social media professional looking to work with a globally recognised brand?
Do you have a passion for creating engaging content, growing online communities and delivering impactful digital campaigns?
We're looking for a Digital Marketing Executive (Social Media) to join our Marketing team on a 12-month maternity cover contract.
This exciting role will see you lead the day-to-day management of the RYA's social media channels, working across a broad range of campaigns, initiatives and audiences to increase engagement, awareness and advocacy for the organisation and the benefits of being on the water.
Reporting to the Digital Marketing Manager, you'll collaborate with teams across the organisation to develop compelling content, support integrated marketing campaigns and help position the RYA as a leading voice within boating, sailing and watersports communities.
- Manage and grow the RYA's social media channels, including Facebook, Instagram and Linked In.
- Plan, schedule and optimise engaging social media content aligned with organisational priorities and campaigns.
- Maintain and manage the social media content calendar.
- Create compelling content including post copy, captions, graphics, image assets and video content.
- Work with internal teams, freelance creatives and agencies to deliver high-quality campaign assets.
- Monitor community engagement and manage responses across social channels, maintaining the RYA's tone of voice.
- Analyse channel and campaign performance, producing reports and actionable recommendations.
- Support the planning, delivery and optimisation of organic and paid social media campaigns.
- Collaborate with digital agencies to manage paid social activity across Meta and Tik Tok platforms.
- Act as a centre of excellence for social media, providing guidance and best practice support to colleagues across the business.
- Provide occasional out-of-hours social media support for events and live coverage, with time off in lieu provided
- Ensure consistency of messaging, tone of voice and brand guidelines across all social media activity.
- Support integrated marketing campaigns through effective use of organic and paid social channels.
- Contribute to the continued growth and development of the RYA's digital presence.
- Strong understanding of social media algorithms, trends, KPIs and best practice.
- Experience developing and maintaining content calendars.
- Excellent copywriting, content creation and storytelling skills.
- Experience creating content using Canva and Adobe Creative Cloud tools.
- Strong reporting and analytical skills.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple projects effectively.
- Self-motivated team player who can also work independently.
- Educated to A-Level standard or equivalent.
- Experience managing Tik Tok and You Tube channels.
- Experience running paid social campaigns.
- Knowledge of Hootsuite, Google Analytics and Google Data Studio.
- Degree qualification in Marketing, Digital Marketing or a related discipline.
- Sailing, boating or watersports experience.
- Understanding of social media legal, compliance and crisis management best practice.
Why Join the RYA?
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the digital voice of one of the world's leading boating organisations.
You'll work across a diverse range of campaigns and audiences, from grassroots participation initiatives and training programmes to major events and the British Sailing Team.
As part of a supportive and collaborative marketing team, you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact through creative storytelling, audience engagement and digital innovation
The RYA offers a range of benefits which include
- 36 days holiday including public holidays (pro rata for part-time employees)
- Birthday Day Off
- 10% RYA contribution to a personal pension scheme
- Free life insurance
- Discounts platform for retail, entertainment, holidays & gym membership
- Two paid volunteering days per year
- Free on-site electric vehicle charging
- Social events
- RYA membership
The RYA is committed to equality of opportunity.
As an equal opportunity and disability confident employer, we celebrate and welcome diversity in all its forms and believe that a diverse workforce boosts innovation, productivity and creativity.
We are dedicated to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion and strive to be an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone can be their authentic selves.
Interested?
Closing date for applications: 12 October 2026
We reserve the right to close applications early should sufficient applications be received.
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Digital Marketing Executive (Social Media) - Maternity Cover in Southampton employer: Royal Yachting Association
The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) is an exceptional employer located in Hamble, Southampton, offering a unique opportunity to lead membership initiatives for a prominent sporting governing body. With a strong commitment to employee development, a collaborative work culture, and generous benefits including 36 days of holiday and a personal pension scheme, the RYA fosters an inclusive environment where passionate individuals can thrive and make a meaningful impact on over 100,000 members. Join a team dedicated to promoting active participation in boating and creating welcoming communities.
Contact Details:
Royal Yachting Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Digital Marketing Executive (Social Media) - Maternity Cover in Southampton
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We think you need these skills to ace Digital Marketing Executive (Social Media) - Maternity Cover in Southampton
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Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work on short timelines. Share examples from your past where you had to pivot a strategy or campaign swiftly to meet changing demands. This will reassure Royal Yachting Association that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
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