Marketing & Social Media Executive

The Role

Maynooth University is committed to a strategy in which the primary University goals of excellent research and scholarship and outstanding education are interlinked and equally valued.

We are seeking a creative and driven Marketing & Social Media Executive to join our vibrant Admissions and Student Recruitment Office. This exciting role focuses on boosting undergraduate applications through innovative marketing, digital content, and active participation in outreach events. You will be responsible for producing both organic and paid social media content across various platforms, helping prospective students see what makes Maynooth University a truly special place to study.

This is a hands-on role that involves working closely with the Strategic Outreach and Marketing Officer to implement effective campaigns and strategies. You’ll attend both on-campus and off-campus events, capturing engaging, real-time content that reflects the vibrant academic and social life at Maynooth University. Content creation is a core part of the role, requiring strong storytelling, social media ideation, and scheduling skills. Proficiency in video content production and digital engagement strategies is essential.

A significant part of your role will include leading our team of Student Ambassadors, who support recruitment activities such as Open Days, the Unibuddy platform, campus tours, and social media takeovers. You will guide and inspire this team, ensuring all content is aligned with brand standards and current trends.

In addition to digital content creation, you will support broader student recruitment efforts by representing Maynooth University at national exhibitions, school visits, and career fairs. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, is highly organised, and enjoys public speaking and engaging with young audiences.

This role offers variety, creativity, and the chance to make a real impact by helping prospective students find their path at Maynooth. If you're ready to take on a rewarding challenge and help shape the future of student recruitment at one of Ireland’s leading universities, we’d love to hear from you.

Administrative and other duties include:

• Developing and implementing engaging organic and paid marketing content tailored to various digital platforms, aligned with the University’s student recruitment marketing strategy.

• Collaborating with the Strategic Outreach and Marketing Officer to support undergraduate recruitment objectives and enhance Maynooth University's online presence.

• Capturing and producing high-quality, real-time content across campus to reflect the student experience.

• Creating compelling video content that effectively tells the Maynooth University story.

• Assisting with graphical content using Canva.

• Managing and providing creative direction to the Social Media Ambassador team, ensuring alignment with brand guidelines, outreach goals, and social media trends.

• Overseeing the administration and payment of the Student Ambassador programme.

• Managing the Student Ambassador team for recruitment events such as Open Days and online events.

• Monitoring social media trends and performance analytics to inform content strategy.

• Representing Maynooth University at outreach and recruitment events including school presentations, career fairs, Open Days, and campus tours.

• Engaging with prospective students to promote the opportunities of studying at Maynooth.

• Assisting with the organisation of outreach activities such as Open Days and campus tours.

• Collaborating with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand representation across platforms and events.

• A relevant third-level qualification in marketing, communications, media, digital marketing, or a related field.

• Minimum of two years’ experience in a marketing, communications, or digital media role, preferably in an education or youth-focused environment.

• Proven experience managing social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, YouTube) including content creation, scheduling, and engagement.

• Strong content creation skills, including copywriting, photography, video editing, and graphic design for social media and digital marketing.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt tone and messaging to suit different audiences.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills with attention to detail and accuracy.

• Experience with digital tools such as CapCut, Canva, social media management platforms, and analytics tools.

• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, and travel to off-campus events across Ireland.

• A full, clean driving licence and access to transport for travel to schools, exhibitions, and recruitment events.

• Experience working in a higher education environment, particularly in student recruitment, admissions, or outreach.

• Understanding of the CAO application process and the Irish second-level education system.

• Ability to analyse social media insights and campaign metrics using tools such as Meta Insights, Google Analytics, or similar.

• Experience using Adobe Creative Suite and CRM platforms.

The Admissions and Student Recruitment Office at Maynooth University is dedicated to attracting, supporting, and guiding prospective students through every stage of their application journey—from initial enquiry to application. The office manages all undergraduate, postgraduate, and international admissions, as well as all EU and domestic outreach and student recruitment, ensuring a high-quality, inclusive, and student-centred approach.

Our team leads the University’s efforts to promote its academic offerings and vibrant student experience to a wide and diverse audience. We engage directly with schools, guidance counsellors, and prospective students through various outreach initiatives, including school visits, exhibitions, Open Days, virtual events, and targeted marketing campaigns.

We are responsible for managing applications through the CAO for undergraduate programmes, as well as direct applications for postgraduate and international students. The office provides comprehensive support and guidance throughout the application process to ensure all students receive accurate, timely, and accessible information.

Our mission is to support prospective students from Ireland and around the world in discovering all that Maynooth University has to offer, helping them make confident and informed choices about their future studies.

Maynooth University is a distinctive, collegial institution focused on science and engineering, humanities, and social sciences, equally committed to research, teaching, and community engagement. Located in Ireland’s only university town, the University combines historic roots with a modern, dynamic outlook.

Over the past 25 years, Maynooth University has developed a strong strategic trajectory and reputation. In 2024, it ranked 86th in the world in the Times Higher Education Young University Rankings. Its success is grounded in research quality, academic excellence, teaching, and commitment to widening participation in higher education.

With over 15,000 students, the University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes across a wide range of disciplines. Maynooth is known for its vibrant campus community, innovative teaching, and supportive learning environment.

• Salary: Senior Executive Assistant (2025): €46,241 – €56,265 p.a. (7 points). Appointments will be made in accordance with public sector pay provisions.

• Hours of Work: 35-hour work week for full-time roles (pro rata for part-time). Subject to national agreements.

• Location: Maynooth University campus, Co. Kildare.