Communications & Content Officer; Video & Digital Storytelling

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:  to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Publish and optimise video and digital content…