Head of Social Media

Responsibilities

• Maximise Sussex Police’s social media presence, supporting Force priorities and using mechanisms, measurement and marketing tools that provide enhanced opportunities to engage audiences and leverage the benefits of individual social media platforms.
• Develop, implement and maintain the social media strategy, related policy and guidance for Sussex Police to ensure its optimum, ethical and legal use across the full range of Force communications; ensure appropriate governance and information management processes are in place, followed and monitored.
• Develop a disciplined approach to evaluation and analytics to measure critical success factors of campaigns, media activity and digital engagement including the increase of public confidence and legitimacy in policing activities.
• Actively horizon scan to identify trends in digital and social communications, assess impact on policing and in particular Sussex Police, and to inform possible responses within the Force and digital communications strategies.
• Direct a programme of training activity, in liaison with the Head of Media, that identifies, develops and delivers training/coaching to ensure colleagues are using social media and other digital channels effectively and responsibly.
• Direct the implementation of a wide range of content forms, including video, text, still imagery, animation and live action that best uses the technology available on any given social media platform.
• To lead the Social Media Team and District Engagement Officers, including recruitment, retention, performance, welfare and engagement, and develop close alignment and social media upskilling of colleagues in the wider Media and Communications Department.
• Where required, operate as a senior member of the major incident structure in the context of a major/critical incident, developing and directing digital communications tactics to meet strategic or operational aims.

Requirements

• Recent and proven experience of delivering an engaging and high-performing social media strategy in a work/business environment for a high-profile organisation.
• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, public relations, advertising or communications or relevant professional experience in a hands-on social media role at supervisory level or higher.
• Sound understanding and application of the approach, governance and tailored content requirements across the range of social media platforms including Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.
• Able to demonstrate clear strategic thinking in the development of social and digital channels and content, including to mitigate risk.
• Excellent understanding and application of analytics to drive performance using native and third-party tools.
• Understanding of the relative benefits of paid-for versus organic social content with evidence of practical application.
• Knowledge, use and business implementation of social media management platforms (SMMP).
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment while being innovative in providing solutions to challenges in a digital environment.
• Excellent communication skills, including adoption of appropriate tone of voice.
• Experienced and comfortable with presenting to senior management teams and key stakeholders, including delivery of training.

Benefits

• career progression
• contributory pension scheme (LGPS)
• generous annual leave allowance
• discounts for everyday spend
• on-site gyms and a range of sports clubs
• generous and supportive parental leave
• financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support
• discounted contributory healthcare scheme