The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.

We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

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).

Main duties and 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

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.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in April. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 13th April. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Tom Roper - 07786848752

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

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; 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 the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. 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.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.