Mandarin Speaking Marketing and Communications Officer

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university.We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.OverviewWe are seeking to appoint a dedicated, hardworking, and proactive marketing professional to support international marketing and communications for our Mandarin Speaking audiences.The Mandarin Speaking Marketing and Communications Officer will be responsible for developing, implementing, and managing our social media strategy and digital communications specifically for the Chinese market. The primary goal is to increase brand awareness, drive engagement, and support student recruitment by creating engaging content across key Chinese social platforms and in direct digital communications. This role requires fluency in both written and spoken Mandarin and a deep understanding of the Chinese digital landscape.You’ll be comfortable working with minimal supervision and will establish a network of contacts across the University, as well as externally. Reporting to the Head of International Marketing and Communications, you’ll be part of a small, collaborative team within a welcoming and engaged department. The role will involve close working relations with other teams within Marketing, Admissions, Recruitment and Communications and with other professional services departments such as Campaigns and Alumni Relations and Global Engagement. We strive to embed innovation and creativity in all of our work and are passionate about the work we do.Main Duties And ResponsibilitiesPlan, deliver, and manage content and campaigns for key Chinese channels, including Weibo and WeChat, managing the relationship and day-to-day operations with a third-party social media agency. Create high-quality, original, and engaging content (text, images, short-form video, graphics, articles) specifically for Chinese platforms.Provide specialist advice to colleagues to inform brand reputation content and activities to target Chinese audiences.Develop and manage the overall CRM email communications strategy for Mandarin speaking prospective students, writing/editing/proofreading targeted email copy that encourages audiences to move through the student recruitment funnelManage student ambassadors to create regular social media content.Ensure all content is accurate, reflects local traditions and culture, and adheres to University brand guidelines.Develop strong working relationships across the University to source compelling stories and ensure timely, relevant communications.Undertake regular social listening, responding to comments, messages, and inquiries in a timely and culturally appropriate manner.Monitor, analyse, and report on the performance of Chinese social media activities and digital engagements, embedding learnings into future activities.Stay up-to-date with the latest developments, features, and policy changes across the Chinese digital and social media landscape.Support live-streaming events, online Q&As, or other interactive digital activities as needed.Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.Person Specification Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.CriteriaEssential Or DesirableStage(s) assessed atBachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, East Asian Studies or a related field.EssentialApplicationExperience/demonstrable understanding of running campaigns on major Chinese social media platforms (Weibo, WeChat, Xiaohongshu, Douyin) and the key metrics to measure engagementEssentialApplication / InterviewExperience of managing simultaneous projects, planning and organising activities for the short and long termEssentialApplication / InterviewAbility to work independently with the ability to prioritise own workload and work to tight deadlinesEssentialApplication / InterviewExcellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate at all levels and provide a positive and proactive attitude to interacting with othersEssentialApplication / InterviewNative or professional-level fluency in Mandarin Chinese (written and verbal) is essential.EssentialApplication / InterviewStrong understanding of Chinese culture, market trends, and online consumer behavior (e.g. popular topics, taboos)EssentialApplication / InterviewProven skills in creating and editing engaging content tailored for social media, including strong copywriting and storytelling abilitiesEssentialApplication / InterviewExperience in working in a student marketing and/or communications roleDesirableApplication / InterviewExperience of commissioning content (e.g. photography, videos etc) to support recruitment/sales activitiesDesirableApplication / InterviewExperience of working in higher education and an understanding of student recruitment trends and marketing.DesirableApplication / InterviewFurther InformationGrade6Salary£32,080- £36,636 per annum with potential to progress to £39,906 per annumWork arrangementFull-time 35 Hours per week, hybrid - minimum two days a week in SheffieldDurationPermanentLine managerHead of International Marketing and CommunicationsDirect reportsN/AOur websiteFor informal enquiries about this job contact Madeleine Stewart, Head of International Marketing and Communications via email: m.j.stewart@sheffield.ac.ukNext steps in the recruitment processIt is anticipated that the selection process will take place in early January 2026. This will consist of a short stakeholder interview conducted in Mandarin (online) and a formal interview in English (in person). We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Kath Dawson at k.s.dawson@sheffield.ac.ukOur vision and strategic planWe are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).What We Offer A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.Generous pension scheme.A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Professional Services Shared Skills Framework.A range of generous family-friendly policiespaid time off for parenting and caring emergenciessupport for those going through the menopausepaid time off and support for fertility treatmentand moreMore details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.Closing Date : 22/12/2025We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.