About the role
The Times and The Sunday Times represent a combined 400 years of covering news and providing comment and analysis on the UK and the world. We are authoritative, credible, responsible, trusted and a part of the nation’s cultural heritage. The Deputy Head of Social Strategy (Editorial) supports the delivery of a video-first social media strategy designed to grow reach, engagement and revenue, while upholding our editorial values. Working closely with the Head of Social Strategy, our social production coordinator and the wider newsroom, this role ensures our social content is executed to the highest standards day in, day out. The deputy will play a key role in leading the daily operation of the social and video team, overseeing content production and distribution across platforms, and ensuring our output is audience‑focused, data‑informed and brand‑consistent. The position requires flexibility to work on a shift pattern, including weekends, to provide consistent leadership and support to the team.
Responsibilities
* Support the Head of Social Strategy in executing a video‑first social media strategy that aligns with editorial priorities and business goals.
* Oversee the daily publishing schedule and editorial output across social platforms, ensuring timely, high‑quality and audience‑relevant content.
* Lead on shift and weekend coverage, providing real‑time editorial judgment, escalation support and decision‑making in collaboration with newsroom editors.
* Manage and mentor social editors and video specialists, ensuring strong performance, creativity and adherence to best practices.
* Work closely with the Head of Social Strategy and data analysts to monitor performance, interpret insights and adjust tactics in response to trends.
* Collaborate with marketing, video and commercial teams to maximise reach and revenue opportunities on key social platforms.
* Maintain consistency in tone, visuals and editorial standards across all channels.
* Encourage experimentation with formats, tools and storytelling techniques to drive growth and innovation.
* Act as deputy in the Head of Social Strategy’s absence, providing continuity of leadership and maintaining high editorial and operational standards.
Qualifications
* Proven experience in a senior social media, audience or newsroom role, ideally with a focus on video and visual storytelling.
* Strong editorial judgment and understanding of what drives engagement and conversation across platforms.
* Experience managing or supervising teams in a fast‑paced publishing environment, including shift‑based operations.
* Proficiency in using analytics and audience insights to inform editorial decisions and optimise performance.
* Collaborative, adaptable and confident working with senior editors, marketers and commercial stakeholders.
* Excellent understanding of emerging social trends, tools and video formats.
* Strong communication and organisational skills, with the ability to balance strategic priorities with hands‑on daily delivery.
Diversity
To do this, we believe our employees must represent different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences. We strive to maximise and encourage every individual’s potential and ensure everyone feels valued. We support this through our Diversity Strategy, which focuses on three main priorities – attracting talent from a wider, more representative pool, developing equity programmes to drive better representation in leadership and ensuring diversity in our workforce as well as the journalism and content we produce. We also currently have 13 employee‑led networks and groups that support our strategy and connect like‑minded employees socially.
Benefits
* Maternity leave up to 18 weeks full basic salary & paternity leave up to 2 weeks
* Wide range of training available, plus full LinkedIn Learning access
* Private medical insurance including coverage for pre‑existing conditions
* Discounted gym memberships, free ClassPass at Home, weekly virtual yoga classes
* Bikes for Work and Electric Car scheme
* Up to 60% discount on Harper Collins books
* Access to exclusive events and competitions with exciting brands such as talkSPORT, Virgin Radio UK & The Times. Weekly virtual panel chats with top journalists and celebrities
* Access to wellbeing benefits such as EAP, physio/massage and counselling
* A generous pension scheme with employer contributions of up to 5%
* 30 days holiday, plus bank holidays and up to 4 volunteering days per year
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