Heriot-Watt University
Communications & Content Officer (Video & Digital Storytelling)
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Role Title: Communications & Content Officer (Video & Digital Storytelling)
Grade and Salary: Grade 6, £31,236 - £36,636 per annum
FTE and working pattern: Full-time (35hrs per week) Fixed-term (24 months)
Reward and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.
Purpose of Role
The Communications and Content Officer (Video and Digital Storytelling) is responsible for developing and delivering integrated communications, with a particular focus on video and multimedia content that supports the University’s Strategy 2035, institutional priorities and corporate reputation.
Working across the University, the postholder will plan, film, edit and publish compelling video and visual content for internal and external audiences, alongside high-quality written communications. The role combines strong storytelling and communications judgement with hands-on production skills – from capturing footage on campus to editing polished films for digital channels, events and leadership communications.
The role works collaboratively with colleagues across the Communications and Engagement team and the wider MRAC Directorate to deliver integrated communications that complement marketing, recruitment, brand and digital activity, while maintaining a clear focus on institutional communications, stakeholder engagement and content production.
The postholder will manage a varied portfolio of communications and content activity, exercising professional judgement in developing content, selecting appropriate formats and channels, and advising colleagues on effective communications and video approaches.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Video and Multimedia Production
- Plan, film, edit and deliver high-quality video content for a broad range of internal and external audiences, including news and feature films, case studies, event coverage, campaign assets, social-first video and leadership messages.
- Manage the full production process, from concept development, scripting and storyboarding through to filming, editing, colour grading, audio, motion graphics, subtitling and final delivery.
- Capture professional-quality footage on location across campuses and at events, using cameras, audio equipment, lighting and stabilisation kit appropriately.
- Edit and repurpose content into multiple formats and aspect ratios optimised for different platforms, including web, social media, digital screens and internal channels.
- Produce accessible video content, including accurate captions, subtitles and transcripts, in line with accessibility standards and brand guidelines.
- Maintain and manage production equipment and a well-organised library of media assets, footage and licences.
Strategic Communications and Content Development
- Develop and deliver communications and content plans supporting Strategy 2035, institutional priorities and major University initiatives.
- Research, write and edit engaging communications content – including news stories, feature articles, case studies, scripts, presentations, newsletters, web and social media content – to complement video and multimedia output.
- Identify and develop compelling stories that demonstrate the University’s achievements in education, research, innovation, enterprise and global engagement, and translate them into effective visual and written content.
- Ensure all communications and content reflect the University’s tone of voice, values, accessibility standards and brand principles.
- Coordinate content activity across multiple projects, ensuring delivery to agreed timescales, budgets and objectives.
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Digital and Channel Delivery
- Publish and optimise video and digital content across University channels, including the website, YouTube, social media platforms and internal communication tools.
- Use content management systems, video hosting platforms and analytics tools to deliver and evaluate effective content.
- Keep up to date with developments in video, digital communications, accessibility requirements and emerging technologies, identifying opportunities to enhance content delivery.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build effective working relationships with colleagues across Schools, Global Research Institutes, Professional Services and international campuses.
- Provide professional communications and content advice to colleagues, helping them identify appropriate approaches, formats and opportunities.
- Work collaboratively with subject matter experts and contributors to develop accurate, engaging and audience-focused content, directing and putting people at ease on camera.
Campaign and Project Delivery
- Coordinate integrated communications and content activity supporting major institutional campaigns, events and strategic projects.
- Produce content schedules, production plans, briefing materials and project updates.
- Ensure communications and content are delivered consistently across appropriate channels and aligned with wider institutional activity.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Monitor communications and content activity using agreed performance measures.
- Analyse engagement data, viewing figures, audience feedback and campaign performance to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
- Produce reports and evaluation summaries that demonstrate the effectiveness of communications and content activity.
Team Contribution
- Work collaboratively across the Communications and Engagement team to deliver shared objectives.
- Contribute ideas and innovative approaches that improve communications, content and stakeholder engagement.
- Share knowledge and best practice with colleagues across the Directorate.
- Undertake any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post.
Person Specification
These are the criteria on which the short-listing and recruitment selection will be made.
Essential
- Degree, professional qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
- Experience of working in communications, content production, media, marketing communications or corporate communications within a complex organisation.
- Demonstrable experience of filming and editing professional-quality video content for a range of audiences and platforms, with a strong portfolio or showreel.
- Practical knowledge of video editing and production software (for example Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve or Final Cut Pro) and motion graphics or design tools (for example Adobe After Effects, Photoshop or Canva).
- Working knowledge of camera, audio and lighting equipment and of capturing footage on location.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce high-quality written content and scripts for a variety of audiences and channels.
- Experience of developing digital content, including websites, newsletters and social media video.
- Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with experience of working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders and directing contributors on camera.
- Experience of monitoring and evaluating communications or content activity and using insight to improve performance.
- Good understanding of accessibility, inclusive communications, captioning and digital best practice.
- Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft 365, content management systems and digital publishing tools.
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Desirable
- Membership of, or willingness to work towards, the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) or another relevant professional body.
- Experience of working within Higher Education or another large, complex organisation.
- Experience of photography and multimedia storytelling.
- Knowledge of animation, live streaming, podcast production or drone videography.
- Knowledge of AI-assisted content creation and editing tools (for example Adobe Firefly, Descript or Runway) and their appropriate application within a professional communications environment.
- Experience of delivering communications and content to support organisational change or strategic projects.
Knowledge, Skills and Attributes
- Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills.
- Strong video production and editing skills with a keen creative and visual eye.
- Strong planning and organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to manage a varied workload and respond effectively to changing priorities.
- Creative approach to storytelling and audience engagement across written, visual and video formats.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build productive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Good analytical skills with the ability to interpret communications and content performance data.
- Commitment to delivering excellent customer service.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
How to Apply
Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system. Applications should include a CV, and a covering letter including a link to your portfolio/showreel.
Applications can be submitted until 23:55 on Wednesday 30th September 2026.
About Heriot-Watt University
At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.
Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/.
We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.
Use our total rewards calculator: [https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm](https://www.hw.
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