Social Media and Digital Content Officer

Marine Biological Association

Hours
30 hours per week

About the Organisation

Marine Biological Association (MBA) is one of the world’s longest-running societies dedicated to promoting research into our oceans and the life they support. Since 1884, we have been providing a unified, clear, independent voice on behalf of the marine biological community and currently have a growing membership in over 40 countries.

About the role

Join the Marine Biological Association as a Social Media and Digital Content Officer. Your role will be to plan, create, and deliver high-quality, engaging social media and digital content that supports the Marine Biological Association’s (MBA) research, Membership growth, fundraising, and events. This role is key to building the MBA’s digital presence in line with our brand, values, and strategic goals.

To plan, create, and deliver high-quality, engaging social media and digital content that supports the Marine Biological Association’s (MBA) research, Membership support, fundraising, and events. This role is key to building the MBA’s digital presence in line with our brand, values, and strategic goals.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities and Skills:

• Develop and implement a social media plan to increase reach, visibility, and engagement across all platforms
• Plan and produce platform-appropriate content (including short-form video, audio, graphics, photography, and written copy) that communicates the breadth of the MBA’s work and engages diverse audiences
• Daily horizon scanning across all active social media platforms and international news
• Schedule and manage day-to-day activity across social media channels using appropriate scheduling and monitoring tools
• Monitor social trends, platform algorithm changes, and best practices to ensure MBA content remains current and effective
• Collaborate with colleagues to source and shape compelling stories that highlight the MBA’s work across marine science, Membership, policy, and outreach
• Lead the creation of video and audio content, both independently and to a brief, ensuring visual storytelling aligns with MBA branding and campaign goals
• Use web-based analytics and reporting tools to evaluate content performance and recommend improvements
• Support paid and organic digital campaigns that drive Membership, fundraising, event promotion, and public engagement
• Ensure all content adheres to legal, ethical, and regulatory standards (consent for images, advertising guidelines, GDPR)
• Provide guidance and occasional training for staff on using social media in a professional capacity to ensure social media standards and policies are adhered to
• Represent the MBA positively and confidently online and in person when required
• Adaptable and supportive to the needs of the team, including travel and the ability to work unsociable hours when required
• Undertake any additional duties as may reasonably be required and are within the scope and capabilities of the post holder, in support of the organization’s objectives.

Skills, Competencies & Experience

Essential:

• A creative, proactive, and adaptable communicator with a flair for digital storytelling
• A socially confident, outgoing, and engaging team player, able to motivate others, build strong internal and external relationships, and welcome visitors to the MBA
• Experience managing social media platforms in a professional capacity, including LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Bluesky, and YouTube
• Demonstrable ability to produce compelling video and audio content with measurable impact on reach and engagement
• Strong photography skills and an eye for selecting effective imagery
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to craft engaging content
• Up-to-date knowledge of social media trends, analytics, and audience engagement techniques
• Experience using social media scheduling and monitoring tools, analytics platforms, and design applications (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Confidence in delivering talks, workshops, and digital training sessions

Desirable:

• Experience working in a charity or non-profit environment.
• A good understanding of marine science and the ability to communicate scientific research to a variety of audiences
• Experience working in a fundraising, campaigning, and supporter engagement context, and an understanding of the unique opportunities this brings
• Full driving license

Required Qualifications

• Further education qualifications in a relevant subject

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary based on experience
• 30 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• 3 Privilege Days given by the MBA (used during festive closure week)
• Sick pay
• Pension scheme contributes 10% 
• Contribution scheme 3% minimum contribution. 
• Additional employee contributions up to an additional 5%
• Cycle to work scheme and electronic vehicle lease scheme
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependent/min.60% on site)
• Low-cost bookable parking on site

Conditions of employment

•  You must have the right to work in the UK

Working locations

• Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK

How to apply

• Please email [email protected] quoting reference 0725SMDCO. You will need to provide three things to apply:
  • A cover letter that outlines your previous and most relevant experience and explains how and why this makes you right for the role.
  • CV of education and employment history, along with details of two referees (one must be your most recent employer). References will not be sought in advance.
  • Confirmation of your right to live and work in the UK*  If providing a share code, please also include your date of birth. Your application will not be considered without this information.
• For further information, don't hesitate to get in touch with Amy Schofield at [email protected]  

Interviews

• You will only be contacted if invited to attend an interview. Interviews are likely to take place in person on 11th August 2025

Policies

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and seek talented people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to enhance all that we do.

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