Help us achieve our vision that fewer people die by suicide.
We’re looking for a Social Media Manager to join the team for 12 months, covering maternity leave. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the social media presence for Samaritans.
You’ll lead a dynamic team in delivering impactful social media strategies across multiple channels. As part of the External Engagement team, you'll play a crucial role in shaping our online presence and driving connections with our audiences.
If you’re an experien ced Social Media Manager, who is passionate about meaningful online engagement, then we’d love to hear from you.
Contract terms:
£42,000 - £45,000 per annum, plus benefits
£1,500 per year additional ‘on call’ allowance
12-month fixed term contract
35 hours per week (full-time)
We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
Hybrid, linked to our Ewell (Surrey) office
We value meeting in person and working collaboratively. We work in person around 2 days or more per month
28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays
What you'll be doing:
Provide empathetic leadership and mentorship to our social media team, fostering a culture of excellence and growth.
Collaborate closely with stakeholders across various departments to ensure our social media approach is informed by evidence and tailored to our audience's needs.
Lead strategic planning and editorial decision-making to maintain the integrity of Samaritans' messaging across social platforms.
Champion social media literacy across the organisation, providing training and support to empower colleagues at all levels.
Take ownership of Samaritans' social media reputation, managing crisis situations and mitigating reputational risks.
Maintain positive relationships with external agencies to deliver social media moderation.
What you’ll bring:
Experience of line managing a team with compassion and empowering them to deliver their best work. Ideally experience of supporting staff who may often be dealing with sensitive and triggering issues.
Great stakeholder management skills and a proven ability to inspire, influence, and collaborate effectively at all levels of an organisation.
Good prioritisation skills to enable you to manage a range of competing projects.
Understanding of how to develop a channel specific social media content and engagement strategy that meets organisational strategic objectives.
Specialist knowledge of latest trends in social media tactics, strategies and platforms.
Track record in driving successful and strategic social media content, campaigns and community management.
Social media crisis management experience and proven ability to lead and advise senior leaders on approach for social media.
In-depth knowledge of safeguarding vulnerable people via social media.
Experience of delivering EDI commitment within social media context.
Experience working in the charity sector or not for profit sector.
For full details, please see the Job Description and Person Specification
Why Samaritans?
At Samaritans, you’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission. You’ll be part of a collaborative and supportive team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.
We offer flexible hybrid working, great benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across the UK and Ireland. To find out more about Samaritans, please read our recruitment brochure .
We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that reflects the people we support and who support us. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels seen, heard and supported, at all levels of the organisation.
Apply now
If this sounds like the opportunity for you, we’d love for you to apply. You will be asked to upload your CV and a cover letter outlining your motivations for applying and your relevant experience. If you require adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know.
Applications close: 09:00am on Monday 27 th July 2026
Interviews: w/c 3 rd August
At Samaritans, human connection is at the heart of everything we do.
We do not use AI at any stage during the selection process. Your application will always be carefully reviewed by the recruiting manager or a member of the Talent Attraction Team.
We kindly ask that you avoid using AI tools to generate your application or interview answers. We want to hear your own ideas, insights, and writing style so your unique strengths can shine through. We recognise that some candidates may use assistive technology or tools to help with accessibility, structure or grammar.
