Overview
The role of Social Media Executive requires an outward-facing, trend-aware expert in channel management, community building, and data-driven reporting.
The role is part of the Social Media Team which enhances the University’s reputation by leading the strategic management, optimisation, and growth of our social media channels. The team engage diverse global audiences - including current and prospective students, staff, academics, funders, and policymakers - by ensuring our digital communities are vibrant, inclusive and engaging.
Working alongside a dedicated in-house creative team that delivers high-quality assets, the role will focus on distributing this content, fostering active digital communities, and analysing performance to maximise reach and engagement. You’ll work with colleagues to plan activity that is timely, innovative and relevant for our audiences, channels and objectives. You will also serve as a champion for best practices, aligning social media activity across the wider university community.
In return, you’ll work collaboratively with some of the most inspiring students and academics to enhance the University’s global reputation.
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 escalate reputational risks, sensitive issues or crises to senior colleagues.
- Track, analyse and report on social media performance using analytics tools, providing insight 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, to create a clear, confident, consistent voice with correct use of visual ID.
- Any other duties as required including attendance at events and other critical business activity throughout the year including evenings and weekends.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
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 effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
Enthusiasm for staying updated with the latest social media platforms and trends.
Understanding of the relevant audiences and demographic
Further Information
£27,319 - £31,236 per annum with the potential to progress to
£33,951 per annum through sustained exceptional contribution.
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.
For informal enquiries about this job contact Rob Barker, Social Media Manager: on
[email protected] Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place on the week commencing 17 August 2026. This will consist of an interview and related task. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 10 August 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Kath Dawson on
[email protected]Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().
What we offer
- A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
- 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; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- access to menopause support in the workplace
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
