Content Editor

This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location with the opportunity to work remotely available in line with our Adaptive Working Framework. We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better. The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.

The External Relations department brings together student recruitment, marketing, PR, social media, profile and reputation management, development and fundraising, alumni relations and stakeholder engagement into one dynamic, expert function. The team is responsible for telling the University’s story in the UK and internationally – shaping how we are seen, understood and experienced by our audiences. From creating compelling messaging and content across campaigns, digital channels and events, to building influential partnerships and driving sustainable income, External Relations delivers complex, high‑impact work that is central to the University’s success.

The Content Editor is responsible for writing and producing printed and digital resources to support the University's marketing plan. This is a hands‑on, broad-ranging role - the post-holder needs to be adaptable and skilled across all areas of content creation with the ability to juggle and prioritise multiple tasks and projects. The successful candidate will create content for brand awareness and recruitment marketing campaigns across a wide range of channels. This position is offered on a fixed‑term basis to cover a period of maternity leave, with the contract due to end in August 2027. There may be the potential for the contract to be extended beyond this date, however this cannot be guaranteed.

You will have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write powerful and compelling copy for a range of audiences and channels, including campaign narratives and brand storytelling. You will have a proven track record of planning, delivering, and editing effective content outputs across broad marketing channels, including print and digital. This involves project management, briefing design and print teams, managing and working with key stakeholders, and making recommendations to senior colleagues. You will ensure key deadlines are met, and that content performance is reviewed, evaluated, and reported on. You will be experienced in managing multiple large‑scale projects at once, keeping key stakeholders regularly updated on progress.

Responsibilities include:

• Writing and producing print and digital communications which support student recruitment and other University priorities.
• Leading on the writing, production and delivery of the undergraduate and postgraduate prospectuses, liaising with key stakeholders across the department and wider University to develop strong and engaging copy that positions the University of Derby as a first‑choice destination.
• Maintaining and updating the Style Guide for Writing and the Why Choose Derby key messages document.
• Creating compelling narratives for key areas of the University to support colleagues in developing promotional content.
• Updating third‑party profile sites and leading the coordination of institutional surveys for major external publications.
• Peer‑reviewing content such as email communications for Content team colleagues.
• Reviewing and evaluating content performance, reporting on outcomes and making recommendations to senior colleagues.
• Representing the University at key events such as Open Days, Graduation and HE fairs.

Experience required:

• Experience and demonstrable success within a similar role.
• Experience in writing powerful and compelling copy for a range of audiences and channels.
• Proven track record of planning, delivering, and editing effective content outputs across broad marketing channels.
• Experience of briefing design and print teams with requirements and key dates.
• Experience of creating, moderating and scheduling social media content across a range of channels.
• Experience of managing and working with key stakeholders and making recommendations to senior colleagues.
• Experience of planning with defined resources and delivering to this plan, successfully meeting key deadlines.
• Experience of reviewing and evaluating content performance and reporting on outcomes.

Skills, knowledge and abilities:

• Ability to write campaign narratives and brand storytelling.
• Ability to manage multiple large‑scale projects at once and keep key stakeholders regularly updated on progress.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including negotiating and persuasion skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to provide a clear brief and project manage complex campaigns.
• Ability to develop brand narrative and uphold brand guidelines.

Business requirements:

• Ability to work outside of normal working hours (including some evenings and weekends), to support the business during key University events.

Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata). Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family‑friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme. Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers. Discounted onsite gym. Cycle to Work scheme. A flexible working environment. A commitment to personal and professional development.

The University is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, regardless of age, disability, trans status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief (or none), sex and sexual orientation. We are Disability Confident Employers, demonstrating our commitment to disability inclusion, and invite applicants to highlight adjustments they may require to ensure equitable participation in our recruitment processes.

At the University of Derby, we are passionate about embedding sustainability into everything that we do. We aim to bring environmental sustainability into all aspects of the University, including teaching, research and operational activities.

Apply today to invest in your career with the University of Derby.

How to apply: You can apply by submitting an online application. Once you have signed in or registered with us you will be able to begin your application. Please note all applications must be submitted online by Midnight GMT on the closing date of the vacancy.