Head of Media and Social Media

Hours: Full time. 37.5 hours.

Requests for flexible working options will be considered (subject to business need).

Location: Brighton, UK

Contract Type: One year maternity cover  

Applications must be received by midnight of the closing date.

Expected Interview date: ASAP

Expected start date: ASAP 

About the role

Are you a strategic communicator with expertise in media relations and digital engagement?

We are seeking an exceptional Head of Media and Social Media to drive our external communications strategy, ensuring our stories resonate across platforms. This is a unique opportunity to shape how the University is seen and heard, amplifying our achievements and values to a global audience.

Working closely with the University’s Executive Group, you will provide expert media counsel, forge trusted relationships, and lead on the strategic direction of our media and social media output - ensuring our message is impactful and aligned with our key priorities.

If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for storytelling and a track record of delivering outstanding media engagement, we would love to hear from you.

About you

We are seeking an experienced leader to manage and lead a team of six, ensuring the delivery of high-quality media and social media content that promotes the University’s key strategic priorities.

You will play a crucial role in shaping the University’s media presence, using innovative digital storytelling techniques and emerging platforms to enhance engagement and amplify our voice.

You will provide expert advice to senior leaders on media and social media trends, ensuring our strategies remain forward-thinking and competitive.

Championing diversity and inclusion in media representation will be central to your work, ensuring our communications reflect the values and broad community of the University. You will also use data and analytics to inform decision-making, optimise content strategies, and measure the impact of campaigns across channels.

This role offers the opportunity to engage students and staff in media and social media initiatives, building a sense of community and belonging. You will also oversee training programs to upskill staff in media relations, social media engagement, and crisis communications.

As part of the communications leadership team, you will manage the communications planning function and support the University’s wider content creation efforts while building key relationships across the Communications, Engagement, and Advancement directorate.

In addition, some out of office, evening and weekend working may be necessary. As part of a duty rota, you will be required to respond to emergencies and/or incidents at other times outside of the core hours. Compensatory time for out-of-hours work will be given.

About our Division

Please find further information regarding the division at Communications, Engagement and Advancement: University of Sussex

Why work here

Find out more about our reward and benefits package.

Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion

Further Key Information

Please contact Jon Street (j.street@sussex.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.

The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK. 

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