Student Communications Executive in Sheffield

The Student Communications Team play a key role in every student’s journey at the University of Sheffield, directly influencing the quality and sense of belonging that defines the Sheffield student experience. We’re looking for a motivated, creative communicator with a flair for great copy and a strong awareness of emerging trends. You’ll be someone who brings energy, fresh ideas and a willingness to try new approaches, combined with excellent organisational skills and the confidence to manage multiple priorities. You’ll support the coordination and delivery of timely, authentic and relevant communications and engagement activity, with the agility and judgement to respond quickly to emerging situations. Whether planning proactive campaigns or reacting in the moment, you’ll help ensure our communications feel human, supportive and in tune with student life. Working with our diverse community of over 28,000 students, you’ll keep the student experience at the heart of everything you do. The role reports into the Student Communications Manager in Marketing, Admissions, Recruitment and Communications (MARC).

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the University’s regular schedule of student communications across multiple channels, ensuring messaging is timely, consistent and student‑focused.
• Write compelling, accessible and inclusive copy tailored to student audiences.
• Proactively identify emerging trends, topics and issues affecting the student community, and develop timely, relevant ways to engage students in response.
• Use data, feedback and student insight to continuously improve engagement approaches and communication effectiveness.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across the University to align activity and ensure a joined‑up student experience.
• Manage team email inboxes, responding to enquiries, triaging requests and maintaining a high standard of customer service.
• Support the promotion, organisation and delivery of student voice events.
• Plan, create, and publish engaging, high‑quality content for the University’s student‑facing social media channels, while managing day‑to‑day community engagement by responding to queries and conversations, and identifying emerging themes or issues.
• Lead a strong focus on communications for postgraduate taught (PGT) students, supporting PGT recruitment, retention and progression.
• Support the development and delivery of student communication campaigns.
• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

Person Specification

• Good honours degree or equivalent experience in a communications role.
• Aware of diverse student audiences and an interest in communications and the higher education sector.
• Experience producing timely, effective and authentic communications and content.
• Ability to effectively communicate and build relationships with stakeholders.
• Enthusiasm for staying updated with the latest trends, developments and sentiment within the student community.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to adapt content/messaging for platforms and audiences.
• Strong organisational and planning skills.
• Experience of writing copy for websites and newsletters.
• Experience of conducting insight, research and feedback to inform content, tactics and strategy.
• Experience of supporting development and delivery of campaigns.

Benefits

• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
• A range of generous family‑friendly policies.
• Paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies.
• Support for those going through menopause.
• Paid time off and support for fertility treatment.
• and more.