Social Media & Content Specialist

Job description

Social Media & Content Specialist

• Salary: £32,000 per annum
• Contract: Permanent, Full Year
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Annual Leave: 27 days plus bank holidays
• Pension: Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)

Just some of the further rewards you can benefit from joining our staff, include:

- Discounted rates on Apple products

- Free gym membership option and discounted classes

- Discounted rates on college courses

- BUPA Health Expenses cash plan and Occupational Health services

- Free on-site car parking

- Exclusive discounts for high street and online stores with Rewards@CRC

- On site restaurants, retail and coffee outlets (Costa Coffee at Cambridge Campus and Starbucks at Huntingdon Campus)

- Free independent telephone counselling service with our Employee Assistant Programme

- Staff Development opportunities.

Purpose of the Role:

Cambridge Regional College is seeking a creative and proactive Social Media & Content Specialist to lead the delivery of a video-first content and social media strategy that supports student recruitment, employer engagement, stakeholder communications and the College's wider strategic objectives.

The role will focus on capturing and sharing authentic stories from students, apprentices, staff, alumni and employer partners through engaging digital content. Working across both Cambridge and Huntingdon campuses, the postholder will create high-quality video, photography and written content for social media, the College website, local press and other communication channels.

The successful candidate will combine strong storytelling skills with expertise in video production, photography and social media management to help showcase the College's vibrant community, achievements and opportunities.

Key Responsibilities:

Video Content Creation

• Create engaging short-form video content for platforms including TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, Facebook and LinkedIn.
• Film, edit and publish video content using mobile devices and professional editing software.
• Plan and produce a range of content including student stories, employer features, interviews, behind-the-scenes content and day-in-the-life videos.
• Capture high-quality photography for marketing campaigns, publications, website content, media releases and promotional materials.
• Edit and optimise photography using appropriate software and digital tools.
• Build and maintain an organised, GDPR-compliant library of photography, video assets and case studies.
• Ensure all content is accessible through appropriate use of captions, subtitles and digital accessibility standards.
• Operate and maintain photography, video, lighting and audio equipment safely and effectively.
• Ensure all published content complies with copyright, licensing and intellectual property requirements.

Social Media Management

• Lead the day-to-day management and growth of the College's social media channels.
• Develop and maintain a consistent content schedule aligned to the College's marketing objectives.
• Monitor social media trends, emerging platforms, viral content formats and audience behaviour.
• Identify opportunities to create timely and relevant content that increases engagement and brand awareness.
• Monitor channel performance using analytics and insights, making recommendations to improve reach, engagement and content effectiveness.

Content Gathering and Storytelling

• Build strong relationships with students, apprentices, staff, alumni and employer partners across the College.
• Conduct interviews and gather case studies that highlight student success, employer partnerships and College achievements.
• Produce written content including social media copy, feature articles and student stories.
• Support student-led content initiatives and ambassador programmes.
• Ensure all content adheres to safeguarding, consent and GDPR requirements.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion through representative and accessible content.

Website, Media and Communications

• Write and publish news stories, case studies and other content on the College website.
• Produce press releases and media content to support the College's public relations activity.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with local, regional and sector media.
• Pitch stories that generate positive coverage for the College.
• Respond to media enquiries as required.
• Support internal communications through newsletters and staff communication channels.
• Assist the Director of Marketing with reputation management, issue monitoring and communications activity when required.

Special Conditions:

• The role operates across both the Cambridge and Huntingdon campuses.
• Travel to external locations may be required.
• Occasional evening and weekend work will be required to support events, open days, award ceremonies and community activities.
• The postholder will be expected to provide hands-on support at College recruitment and stakeholder events.

Qualifications:

Essential

• GCSE English Language Grade 6/B or above (or equivalent).

Desirable

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Digital Content, Media, Film Production, Marketing, Journalism or a related discipline.

Experience:

Essential

• Demonstrable portfolio showcasing video-first content creation.
• Experience creating and editing short-form video content for social media.
• Experience using mobile filming and editing tools, including applications such as CapCut and Adobe Premiere.
• Photography experience using DSLR or mirrorless cameras.
• Experience editing photography using software such as Photoshop, Lightroom or Canva.
• Experience interviewing individuals and developing engaging human-interest stories.
• Experience developing and managing content calendars or content schedules.
• Experience publishing content via website content management systems.
• Experience writing engaging digital content.

Desirable

• Experience writing press releases and working with media outlets.
• Experience working within further education, higher education or youth-focused organisations.

Knowledge and Skills:

Essential

• Strong video production, filming and editing skills.
• Excellent understanding of short-form video content and social media platforms.
• Excellent written communication and copywriting skills.
• Strong photography skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of GDPR, media consent and copyright requirements.
• Good organisational and project management skills.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable

• Advanced editing skills using Adobe Premiere Pro or similar professional software.
• Understanding of media relations and public relations activity.
• Experience using social media analytics and reporting tools.

Personal Attributes:

Essential

• Creative, enthusiastic and highly motivated.
• Approachable and confident when working with students, staff and employer partners.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Passion for education, vocational learning and student success.
• Interest in emerging digital trends and content creation techniques.

Safeguarding

Cambridge Regional College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including an Enhanced DBS check with Barred List check.