Our People – Kirsty Webber
Former student Kirsty Webber is now Digital Content and Communications Manager at the University of Chichester.
Tell us about your role at the university.
My role is overseeing the press team, the social media team and video production. My main drive is student recruitment, but my role does also cover internal communications, crisis management and campaign management as well.
When did you join and what brought you here?
I studied BA (Hons) English Literature and Media Studies at Chichester between 2007-2010, and got a role as a student ambassador working in the Marketing office in 2008. I also worked with the International Short Programme Unit (ISPU) programme over two summers working with people from all over the world.
I’m nearly at the point where I have worked here longer than our applicants have been alive, and while lots has changed on campus, Chichester still manages to retain the values which first attracted me as a student – community, support and inclusivity. I still love my job – I recently took 10 months off on maternity leave, and really enjoyed working keeping in touch days being back in the office with everyone and working Open Days and Graduation.
What’s an average day at work like for you?
It is essentially a balance of ensuring all areas of the University are being promoted, shouting about our successes and celebrating all of the idiosyncrasies of being a student at Chichester.
Since becoming a mum I am now part time, so I check the five inboxes to see what has happened while I was out the office. If there is any press or social media issues, I will follow up with relevant members of staff and check any statements are prepared. I will check the video production schedule, what deadlines need to be met for adverts and sign off any videos. There’s normally a few press releases that need signing off, and looking over the staff newsletter too. Usually lots of meetings about advertising campaigns tying in social media content creation, videography and ensuring we are on budget and time. I make sure our organic social media output is performing across the seven main channels, and plan for the week ahead.
People underestimate the planning, filming, editing, analytics that goes into social media and videography. I can go from looking over a light-hearted TikTok to assessing budgetary needs for the next campaign, signing off a department video, and looking at analytics for referrals on our website, all in one morning.
What do you love most about working at the University of Chichester?
Due to the nature of my role, the majority of my team are usually graduates or young people in their first professional role. I really love nurturing them, teaching them about the corporate world and watching their confidence and creativity grow. It’s so important to listen to them, as they understand the target audience and what they need from us, and then we tailor that into our communications.
I love working Graduation. Watching all the proud families celebrate their loved ones achievements and seeing the friendships forged over the years of studying makes me remember why our jobs still matter.
Mostly I love that no day ever goes to plan, and you just have to embrace that.
What is your greatest achievement in your job or research?
There are too many to choose from!
- Growing the digital team from two people to eight people, and proving the importance of social media and digital marketing
- Organising the comms coverage around Harry and Meghan opening the Tech Park in 2018
- Watching my team win awards for their amazing work and commitment
- Building a virtual Open Day website with over 100 live chats in under two months in 2020
- Launching two new University websites in 2012 and 2022.
