Purpose of Role
The postholder is responsible for writing engaging, informative, search engine
optimised content; sourcing images; laying out and building pages using the
University's web content management system, improving the site based on web
analytics, and liaising with stakeholders across the University to source
content and obtain approval. They will ensure that the new content is high
quality, user-friendly, on brand, meets web accessibility guidelines and is
SEO compliant.
The post holder will be expected to act as a champion for new projects and
developments involving web and digital communications for Heriot-Watt Dubai.
Summary of Key Duties and Responsibilities:
* Ensure the extensive range of Heriot Watt Dubai's undergraduate, postgraduate, short and other courses are engaging, accurate and search engine optimised.
* Write web content to describe and promote the Faculty's undergraduate , postgraduate, short and other courses.
* Source and drive the creation of rich media content to enhance and optimise the course pages by identifying existing content, researching competitors, including liaising with stakeholders, interviewing staff and current students, briefing videographers and photographers to create new content
* Ensure the website showcases and promotes the Faculty's research and innovation activities and highlights opportunities for business
* Write and edit web content to showcase and promote the Dubai's research and innovation activities and business opportunities
* Meet with academics and researchers to identify new opportunities, review web analytics and ensure their web content is engaging, accurate and up to date
* Develop engaging web content to showcase research, innovation and business activities, by interviewing staff, writing and editing copy, and briefing and art directing photography or videography to create new visual content
* Support academic colleagues to ensure staff profiles are maintained and have engaging, informative information in PURE
* Ensure Dubai's activities are effectively communicated to staff within the Campus and across Global Campuses, and to current students
* Work with the Communications team to integrate content for key areas on the website
* Write and edit web content for the current student sub-site to promote and communicate the activities of the Faculty to the University's students
* Create and maintain high quality on brand content for the Faculty
* Update and maintain existing web pages and if needed, retire outdated content and create new pages
* Identify and ensure all opportunities are taken to cross promote content showcasing University activities on the website
* To plan and create content (both internal and extermal) to support all programmes the University and marketing campaigns to raise awareness and build reputation.
Education, Qualifications & Experience:
Essential
* Educated to at least first degree or equivalent practical experience in the workplace
* A proven track record of writing high-quality and engaging web copy for a wide range of audiences.
* An applied and demonstrable understanding and experience of the principles of content strategy and SEO best practice.
* Experience in researching, structuring, developing and producing effective, web copy to a specification.
* Experience of editing and developing website content using a content management system (CMS).
* Excellent understanding of web usability, trends and accessibility, including effective use of text and images.
* Excellent copy-editing and proofreading skills, ability to transform copy into compelling content.
* Ability to select and edit images to maximise their impact online.
* Excellent organisational skills, ability to prioritise a busy workload, keep to externally and internally imposed deadlines, multitask in a busy office.
* Ability to write clear and concise job briefs for web development projects.
* Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work confidently and diplomatically with people at all levels from students to senior management.
* An eye for detail and consistency, and the ability to work to high professional standards.
* Excellent face-to-face communication skills including the ability to communicate ideas effectively, good presentation skills, and the ability to develop and maintain excellent relationships with other departments and members of staff
* Excellent IT skills in a range of packages
Desirable
* Experience of delivering compelling digital campaigns, digital asset development and digital marketing integration for large and complex organisations.
* Understanding of website structures, planning, information architecture and user interface design.
* Knowledge and experience of HTML and web authoring, CSS, accessibility and site management.
* Experience in developing, setting, monitoring and reporting on meaningful and robust KPIs and targets to measure effectiveness of web and campaigns.
* Experience of organising photo or video shoots including writing briefs for photographers or videographers
* Experience of managing workflow, setting up and using a content management system in a professional capacity and planning, managing and scheduling content produced by multiple authors.
* Experience of using web analytics, monitoring and reporting tools to inform content strategy and development
* Knowledge and experience of an enterprise level CMS, such as Sitecore or Adobe Experience Manager.
* Social media skills.
* Interested in other websites and their developments (particularly in high performing service sector and HE)
At Heriot-Watt we understand that being diverse makes us better which is why
we support a culture of respect and equal opportunity, and value diversity at
the heart of what we do. We want to increase the diversity of our workplace to
underpin a dynamic and creative environment.
The appointment is conditional upon successful completion of all Labour and
Immigration formalities, and the start date will need to be delayed if the
employment visa is not in place.