Content Editor

The External Relations department brings together student recruitment, marketing, PR, social media, profile and reputation management, development and fundraising, alumni relations and stakeholder engagement into one dynamic, expert function. The team is responsible for telling the University’s story in the UK and internationally – shaping how we are seen, understood and experienced by our audiences.

From creating compelling messaging and content across campaigns, digital channels and events, to building influential partnerships and driving sustainable income, External Relations delivers complex, high‑impact work that is central to the University’s success. Our work supports growth, strengthens trust and reputation, and makes a significant contribution to the University’s long‑term ambitions.

The Content Editor is responsible for writing and producing printed and digital resources to support the University's marketing plan. 

This is a hands-on, broad-ranging role - the post-holder needs to be adaptable and skilled across all areas of content creation with the ability to juggle and prioritise multiple tasks and projects. The successful candidate will create content for brand awareness and recruitment marketing campaigns across a wide range of channels. 

This position is offered on a fixed-term basis to cover a period of maternity leave, with the contract due to end in August 2027. There may be the potential for the contract to be extended beyond this date, however this cannot be guaranteed.

You will have excellent communication skills, including the ability to write powerful and compelling copy for a range of audiences and channels, including campaign narratives and brand storytelling. 

You will have a proven track record of planning, delivering, and editing effective content outputs across broad marketing channels, including print and digital. This involves project management, briefing design and print teams, managing and working with key stakeholders, and making recommendations to senior colleagues. You will ensure key deadlines are met, and that content performance is reviewed, evaluated, and reported on. 

You will be experienced in managing multiple large-scale projects at once, keeping key stakeholders regularly updated on progress. This includes excellent organisation and time management and great interpersonal skills, including negotiation and persuasion.

1. Write and produce print and digital communications which support student recruitment and other University priorities.
2. Lead on the writing, production and delivery of the undergraduate and postgraduate prospectuses, liaising with key stakeholders across the department and wider University to develop strong and engaging copy that positions the University of Derby as a first-choice destination.
3. Maintain and update the Style Guide for Writing and the Why Choose Derby key messages document, ensuring that they are up to date and reflect the University’s brand.
4. Create compelling narratives for key areas of the University to support colleagues in developing promotional content which boosts brand awareness and raises the reputation of the institution.
5. Update third-party profile sites and lead the coordination of institutional surveys for major external publications including The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, Complete University Guide and The Daily Mail University Guide.
6. Peer-review content such as email comms for Content team colleagues.
7. Review and evaluate content performance, reporting on outcomes and making recommendations to senior colleagues.
8. Represent the University at key events such as Open Days, Graduation and HE fairs.