Digital and Web Content Officer

£32,260 to £36,251 per annum (For exceptional performers, there is scope for further progression up to £41,689 per annum)

This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location. 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.

The Digital and Web team are responsible for enhancing the University’s website and digital platforms to improve user experience and ensure content is accessible, engaging and effective. As part of the External Relations department, we collaborate across teams to ensure the University’s digital presence reflects our shared goals and delivers real impact.

This vital role focuses on maintaining and advancing our digital systems to support the University’s robust marketing strategies, with a particular emphasis on student recruitment, customer experience, and brand promotion. We are seeking a driven individual to manage and maintain web content that aligns with our strategic goals. You will oversee digital platforms to enhance user experience, optimise content delivery, and drive SEO improvements.

You will integrate key call-to-action elements with our CRM to optimise the user journey. In this role, you will collaborate closely with diverse teams to implement projects that activate our marketing strategies, ensuring a seamless customer experience. You will have creative autonomy to champion best practices in digital content creation, shaping the narrative and functionality of our website.

We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in digital content management and web system maintenance. The ideal candidate will have demonstrable experience working effectively with cross-functional teams while managing multiple projects simultaneously. Exceptional organisational skills and the ability to champion best practices in content strategy are essential.

Ensure our digital channels and systems ultimately support the delivery of the marketing strategy. Maintaining digital systems that support our web functionality and content development projects to include progressing our ambitions for greater levels of personalisation, as well as overseeing SEO improvements. Assist with the development of business cases for new or enhanced systems and technology solutions to support our digital delivery.

Implement and use quality-control methods in order to approve content across digital systems and channels taking an iterative design thinking approach. Ensure we optimise website content for search engines and use analytics to support changes to Intelligent Automation (IA) and the User Interface (UI) that will ultimately benefit User Experience (UX). Ensure content adheres to Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and data protection requirements and promote best practice in the context of both across the wider organisation.

Work with our Web Developers to optimise the website and identify opportunities to personalise the user experience. Maximise opportunities to capture and integrate quality data from our digital channels within CRM. Proactively promote the use of CRM technologies to support marketing activity. Work with content producers across the organisation to disseminate best practice, coordinate content activity and share ideas. Deliver continuous improvement methodology to ensure content is planned, checked and reviewed regularly.

Have up-to-date knowledge of digital marketing trends and techniques. Degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.

• Experience and demonstrable success in a similar role involving digital systems and content production with creative ability and technical expertise.
• Experience in co-ordinating digital systems to support the delivery of integrated marketing campaigns.
• Experience of using a content management system.
• Experience of managing multiple projects at the same time.
• Experience of brand application in a digital context, working with pre-defined content and design guidelines.
• Experience of structuring and presenting digital content to support effective user experience, including consideration of usability, navigation and engagement.
• Experience of monitoring digital systems and website performance, evaluating success against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and making informed recommendations for improvement.

Skills, knowledge & abilities:

• Strong knowledge of current and emerging trends in digital marketing.
• Knowledge of web accessibility and data protection requirements and solutions.
• Knowledge of SEO.
• Skilled in writing accurate, compelling copy with a strong eye for detail.
• Analysis of data and data patterns with the ability to review and make recommendations aligned to the insight it provides.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral.

Business requirements:

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

Qualifications:

• Relevant professional marketing qualification (such as CIM).

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.

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Lewis Love, Head of Digital and Web via l.love@derby.ac.uk.

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

The University of Derby 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. In line with the University's strategic framework, we expect all our staff to embed sustainability into their working practices and support the University's objective to reach net zero carbon by 2050.

Unlock your potential and apply today.

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. If you are creating an account for the first time, please ensure you provide an email address that you access regularly as this will be our main means of contacting you regarding your application. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please note all applications must be submitted online by Midnight GMT on the closing date of the vacancy. The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.