Content Specialist

Where will you be working?

The Communications Department consists of approximately 25 communications professionals who work in clusters on communications, marketing, and events for HKU, covering both our academies and support services. The team leaders, together with the Director of Communications & HR, form the Communications Management Team (MT).

Every day, we work together on offline and online productions and communications that contribute to the HKU brand. At HKU, we strive to reach and engage diverse audiences, each with their own unique needs and preferences.

With over 4,300 students, the Utrecht School of the Arts (HKU) is the largest arts university in the Netherlands and, as such, one of Europe’s largest knowledge institutions focused on the arts, culture, the creative industries, and arts education. HKU offers a wide range of programs across nine schools.

HKU is at the heart of society. We are rooted in Utrecht and operate nationally and internationally. Learning, researching, and creating together are central to our mission. HKU’s ambition is “to use our arts education and practice-oriented research to provide students with the best possible preparation for a career as professional creators who make an impact on people and society.” As HKU, we are at the heart of that society and strive to be as diverse and inclusive as possible. Our success depends entirely on the quality of our people and the ideas they bring. That is why we are curious about your talent and how you can make a difference for our organization.

What will you be doing?

As a content specialist, you’ll work with colleagues on both print and digital projects for the HKU brand—from printed materials for Open House events to videos for social media and news articles on hku.nl. You’ll collaborate closely with colleagues in Communications, as well as with the various Academies and support services, on a wide range of projects. The focus of this role is on video and social media.

• Planning, creating, and sharing content in the broadest sense of the word, across internal and external channels
• Videos, photos, and short texts created to support the HKU brand;
• Create content that supports HKU's events;
• Editorial team for the HKU website.
• You know our target audiences, study them in depth, and monitor them;
• You will work as part of a team and occasionally handle general communication tasks or assist colleagues.

What are we looking for?

Must-Haves

• A completed degree at the vocational or college level in the field of communication, journalism, content creation, or a related field, plus one to three years of relevant work experience;
• Are you a content specialist and do you have:

1. Experience in quickly producing Reels/YouTube Shorts, as well as basic photography skills;
2. You have a way with words and can write content tailored to your target audience. From short promotional copy to news articles and social media posts, you’ve got it down;
3. With experience in image editing in Photoshop, you can easily create a simple digital flyer in InDesign.

• You are up to date on the latest developments in content creation (particularly video production and social media) and can provide advice on these topics;
• You have recent experience with SEO/SEA (including optimizing text and images, writing SEO-friendly content, improving link structure, using relevant keywords, etc.);
• You have a can-do attitude and are willing to monitor or work in the evenings or on weekends when the job requires it.

Nice to have

• Experience in education and/or experience in the arts and culture sector;
• Experience with Spotler (managing lists and creating/sending mailings).

What do we offer?

• Working with dedicated colleagues in an inspiring environment;
• Flexible work hours and options for hybrid work;
• The gross monthly salary for a full-time position ranges from a minimum of €3,610 to a maximum of €4,910 (pay grade 9), depending on education and experience;
• Vacation pay (8%) and a year-end bonus of 8.3%;
• Time and resources to support your professional development, well-being, and long-term employability;
• A good pension plan, commuting allowance, parental leave, and much more.
• We are offering a one-year contract, with the possibility of a permanent position if your performance is satisfactory.

Would you like more information and/or to apply?

• If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Melinde Gerber (Head of Communications) at melinde.gerber@hku.nl. Due to the summer break, she will be available until July 25 and again starting August 25.
• You can apply until August 31 by answering the questions below and uploading your resume.
• The first round of talks is expected to take place on September 5; the second round on September 9.

Between these interviews, we may ask you to complete a short assignment. This will take place in person on September 8 at HKU in Utrecht.

Questions

• How does this step fit into your career? How does this job fit into the next stage of your professional development?
• You’ve been asked to create a Reel about a student and what he, she, or they learned during the program. What ideas do you have for this, and what is your step-by-step approach to creating the Reel?
• What Reels have you created in the past that you're proud of? Share the link(s) with us and explain why you're proud of them. These can be work-related or personal Reels.
• How do you stay up to date on the latest developments in social media and content, and can you share a recent insight on this with us?

This position is being advertised both internally and externally. In the event of equal qualifications, internal candidates will be given priority. In our selection process, we recognize the value that diversity brings to our organization. Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this position.