Social Media Executive in Sheffield

Overview

The role of Social Media Executive requires an outward-facing, trend‑aware expert in channel management, community building and data‑driven reporting. Working as part of the Social Media Team, you will enhance the University’s reputation by leading the strategic management, optimisation and growth of our social media channels and engaging diverse global audiences.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Publish engaging high‑quality content for the University’s social media channels – primarily Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok – in collaboration with creative content teams and other stakeholders.
• Coordinate day‑to‑day posting schedules, ensuring timely and relevant updates that reflect key university news, campaigns and announcements.
• Write compelling, accessible and inclusive copy tailored to different audiences (students, staff, alumni, prospective students, industry partners).
• Support the implementation of the university’s social media strategy in line with institutional goals.
• Coordinate and evaluate social media campaigns for student recruitment, reputation and events.
• Support community management to ensure timely responses to content including comments and mentions, fostering positive engagement with the University’s key audiences.
• Identify and escalates reputational risks, sensitive issues or crises to senior colleagues.
• Track, analyse and report on social media performance using analytics tools, providing insights and recommendations to improve engagement and reach.
• Keep up to date with trends and platform developments.
• Coordinate key initiatives such as the student photographers.
• Act as a brand guardian, driving appropriate usage and messaging by ensuring accurate and consistent representation within the brand and reputation guidelines.
• Carry out any other duties as required, including attendance at events and other critical business activities throughout the year, including evenings and weekends.

Person Specification

We recognise the unique abilities, backgrounds and beliefs of all staff and students and encourage applicants to reference the application criteria in their statement, even if previous experience does not match perfectly.

Criteria

• Good honours degree in Communications, Marketing, Business or a related subject, or equivalent experience.
• Experience working in a social or digital media role.
• Experience producing timely, effective and authentic social media content for specific audiences on Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to adapt content/messaging for platforms and audiences.
• Experience in social media community management and listening, including monitoring and identifying reputational risks.
• Familiarity with Meta Insights, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube Analytics.
• Strong organisational and time‑management skills, able to handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Enthusiasm for staying updated with the latest social media platforms and trends.
• Understanding of the relevant audiences and demographics.

Salary and Working Arrangement

Salary: £27,319 – £31,236 per annum, with potential to progress to £33,951 per annum through sustained exceptional contribution.

Work arrangement: Full‑time, Hybrid.

Duration: Open ended.

Line manager: Social Media Manager.

Right to Work in the UK

This role does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship under the UK Visa & Immigration points‑based system. Information on alternative visa options is available on www.gov.uk.