JOB DESCRIPTION 1. JOB TITLE: Content Coordinator 2. ROLE CODE: POMRA 3. DEPARTMENT: Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions 4. ORGANISATION CHART: Please see attached. 5. JOB PURPOSE: To develop the University s range of marketing publications for a variety of target markets, suitable for print and electronic publication. This will include overall responsibility for the production and co-ordination of copy for the prospectuses, other marketing and recruitment publications and the corporate website. To co-ordinate and integrate the content produced by the Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions Department in all printed publications (including both the Undergraduate and Postgraduate prospectuses) and the corporate website using print/web copywriting style guide produced by the role holder. These guidelines must take into account key messages, branding, differentiation and communicating with a number of different key stakeholders. To write, edit and amend all content and incorporate the University s key messages with a clear understanding of the audience for each piece of written work. 6. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions is a central administrative department that services the whole University in support of the recruitment and admission of students to all programmes of study. The department provides the administration of all aspects of student recruitment, from marketing, initial contact and prospectus request, through to admission, and works closely with the Management Information Section in the provision of information for Senior Managers and a wide range of other clients. The admission of full-time undergraduate students remains the cornerstone of student recruitment to programmes of study across the University. In the context of improving the quality and number of applications, and for target intake allocations to be achieved, the successful recruitment of good quality students is crucial for the University to achieve its strategic plan objectives. With the need to provide a consistent and realistic student experience for potential applicants of the University of Chester, and more specifically, to
reinforce our brand image, as well as meeting the University s declared aim of widening access, the role of Content Co-ordinator requires both technical skills and a marketing understanding, in addition to excellent communication and organisational skills. In the light of increased sector competition, this post is central to the University s annual achievement of Contracted Student Numbers. 7. WORK PERFORMED AND/OR KEY RESULT AREAS: 7.1 Communication To take responsibility for the management, sourcing and co-ordination of The University of Chester s corporate website content, undergraduate and postgraduate prospectus copy/content, and the written content of all other printed marketing materials. To ensure efficient workflow management for all of the above (including working to print deadlines and the proof reading process etc.). To liaise and communicate with colleagues at all levels across the University by email, telephone and in person. The role holder is required to get a detailed understanding of all areas of the University from such communications to feed into the content of the website and prospectuses. To write copy for the University of Chester corporate website, prospectuses, brochure, course leaflets, flyer, posters and exhibition stands where necessary. To proof read and copy edit all print and online content. To make presentations about all aspects of their work to colleagues at all levels across the University. 7.2 Teamwork and Motivation To co-ordinate the proofreading process for all print and on line copy, liaising with colleagues across the university effectively in order to streamline this process. To work closely with the Marketing Communications Manager, Deputy Director, Web Project Manager and Web Developer to create the best web and print content for marketing purposes and for a variety of key stakeholders and audiences. To occasionally help out as required with Open Days, Applicant Days etc. 7.3 Liaison and Networking To liaise with colleagues across the University to ensure that the University s web and print copywriting style guides are implemented consistently. To liaise with web and prospectus content champions as well as other academic and support staff within and outside of the University to ensure all copy used for marketing purposes adheres to the university s style guide. To maintain an up-to-date list of the University s offering (courses) in liaison with colleagues from across the University, and disseminating that list to members of the web team and marketing team on a regular basis.
7.4 Service Delivery To create the new Print/web writing style guide. This must take into account key messages, branding, differentiation and communicating with a number of different key stakeholders. To ensure accurate and consistent auditing of web and print content. To disseminate best practice guidance on writing copy for defined audiences and on proofreading. To maintain up-to-date electronic records of all marketing materials produced on the university s intranet IBIS for academic reference. 7.5 Decision Making The role holder makes independent decisions such as on the creation of suitable content for different media, such as the website or print documents. The role holder makes collaborative decisions with the department s Management Group, such as on the implementation of strategic changes to the content of the website and printed marketing collateral. The role holder provides advice to colleagues at all levels across the university to enable them to take decisions on how they can best promote their faculty/department/service in the University s marketing collateral. The role holder takes independent decisions on how to moderate (and amend as necessary) all print and online content using the University s corporate website Content Management System (CMS). The role holder takes independent decisions when proofreading, editing and amending all print and online content. 7.6 Planning and Organising Resources To implement efficient administrative processes for all assigned projects such as the annual redevelopment of the prospectuses and the collation and re-writing of copy, and content audits of the website. To work in conjunction with other members of the Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions team to provide editorial support to academic departments and content contributors of the University s corporate website. The role holder is responsible for the coordination and prioritisation of their own schedule and work flow. 7.7 Initiative and Problem Solving The management of work in this area is primarily autonomous and the role holder must show an excellent sense of initiative and the ability to turn workload round quickly and competently. The role holder has considerable freedom and authority in the processing of information, as well as determining working processes, and advising on and developing procedures for the development of all marketing content. The role holder must proactively drive and inform change, based on a sound knowledge and understanding of the University s marketing and recruitment strategy.
7.8 Analysis and Research To keep up to date with key issues and hot topics in recruitment and HE marketing and continually establish and develop information sources as the basis for copy to respond or provide advice on copy requests within the University. To research, identify and progress potential ideas and leads for the basis of producing copy. Proactively liaise with internal departments and academic and administrative staff at all levels to source and record up to date key facts and figures and information about the University for the creation of editorial content for marketing and recruitment purposes. Further to identify and advise on unique selling points specific to marketing and student recruitment, and to maintain the website detailing unique selling points. Identify and advise on USPs and incorporate these into the content of the website/prospectus. Involvement in MRA research projects and competitor analysis to create the best marketing content and to understand the markets and audiences involved. 7.9 Sensory and Physical Demands The role holder uses a PC for the majority of their working day, and uses a wide range of computerised packages. Work is often driven by tight deadlines and complicated web and print briefs, and can involve managing personal stress. 7.10 Work Environment The role holder works in a busy shared office. Physical effort is as expected for administrative work. 7.11 Pastoral Care and Welfare To show sensitivity to colleagues as required. 7.12 Team Development To cascade training to fellow members of staff on skills or information they have learnt as a result of staff development training, conferences, or seminars. To explain any aspects of the copywriting style guide and its processes to members of teams such as the Admissions team, the Marketing team and other support and academic departments when requested, including suitability of content, tone of voice and appropriate styles for different media types. 7.13 Teaching and Learning Support To participate in presentations to colleagues across all levels of the University from members of the department to academic department management groups and SMT.
7.14 Knowledge and Experience Please see person specification. 7.15 General To undertake any other duties commensurate with your grade, and/or hours of work, as may reasonably be required of you. To take responsibility for upholding and complying with the University s Equality and Diversity policies and for behaving in ways that are consistent with fair and equal treatment for all. To comply with all University Health and Safety policies.
PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title & Department: Content Coordinator, Marketing, Recruitment and Admissions Criteria Qualifications: Relevant undergraduate degree (or equivalent qualification) Marketing, copywriting, editing or journalism qualification Proven Experience: Two year post-qualification experience in an office environment in a copywriting/editing/journalism related setting, Significant experience of writing and editing a range of online and published materials to strict deadlines and for a range of audiences Experience of managing a diverse workload and working on concurrent writing projects Ability to work effectively under pressure and as part of a team Experience of writing/developing/editing content for the web using a content management system Experience of working within higher education marketing Experience of liaising with designers and printers Experience using style guides, style sheets or publishing systems. The role holder must become a member of the CIM HE Interest Group and HELOA to keep up to date with current thinking. They must also keep track of current thinking in HE marketing techniques by attendance at conferences and desk based research. OR Method of identification (i.e. application form,, test) Selection Panel use this section to match your skills and abilities to the criteria outlined Application form Application form Application Form/ Application Form/
Knowledge, skills and abilities: Strong copywriting, proofreading and editing skills Ability to communicate with a range of people on different levels Knowledge and experience of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word and Excel Project management skills Excellent use of English language and grammar An understanding of search engine optimisation and how to write copy to fulfil this goal A knowledge of and passion for marketing, print publishing and online communication principles Excellent knowledge of web usability and accessibility issues, requirements and standards Other Attributes: Dedication, determination and a dynamic outlook Understanding the importance of addressing and responding to the needs of different audiences Excellent attention to detail and accuracy Excellent team working skills Initiative a self starter able to work to deadlines Application form, and test Application form Application form, and test Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at the shortlisting stage. Requirements are those that would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.
UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT CONTENT COORDINATOR SALARY SCALE University Scale OS6, points 19-22, 21,565-23,566 per annum payable monthly in arrears. RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT It is a requirement of this post that within 12 months of appointment, the post-holder should live within a 30 mile radius or within a one hour travelling time by public transport from the University. HOURS OF WORK Monday to Thursday 9.00am - 5.30pm Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm A flexible approach to work will be required as there may be occasions when it would be necessary for you to work additional hours as dictated by the workload. HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT 22 days per annum (pro-rata during the commencement and cessation years), rising to 27 days after five years' continuous service. Two extra statutory days per annum during the Christmas period. MEDICAL EXAMINATION Successful candidates will be required to complete an Occupational Health questionnaire, and may be required to undergo a medical examination. ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATES Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring to, proof of qualifications as outlined on the Job Description and Person Specification provided. Upon appointment, copies of essential certificates will be required by HRM Services. PENSION SCHEME The University is an admitted body to the Cheshire local government pension scheme. All support staff are eligible for membership of the scheme, and upon appointment, will be asked to indicate whether or not they wish to join the scheme. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The University has a policy of equal opportunity aimed at treating all applicants for employment fairly. SMOKING POLICY The University operates a No-Smoking policy. PROBATIONARY PERIOD A nine months' probationary period applies to all University posts. CLOSING DATE Completed application forms should be returned to HRM Services, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ, no later than Wednesday 25 th August 2010 at 12:00 noon quoting reference number HRMS/09232.