The Journal of Social Policy, Social Policy and Society, and the Journal of International and Comparative Social Policy ('the Journals') are international academic journals sponsored by the UK Social Policy Association (SPA) and published by Cambridge University Press (CUP).

Media Editor

The Media Editor will be responsible for the social media presence of the Journals on a dedicated shared blog on WordPress, individual X (formerly Twitter) accounts, and other appropriate channels, with support from the journal editors, the publisher and the SPA.

This role will require a strong background and experience in social policy as well as experience of using social media and knowledge of the various platforms. In addition to these requirements, the primary considerations are good communication and editorial skills, commitment and enthusiasm. Applications from anyone with an interest in social policy are welcome, and the successful candidate does not need to be working in the academic sector. Previous experience in a similar role would be advantageous but not essential.

General Responsibilities

1. Promote all new articles and issues via social media for the Journals, liaising with CUP where relevant.
2. Liaise with journal authors to encourage them to provide tweetable abstracts and a blog post outlining their article.
3. Maintain the Journals’ individual X (formerly Twitter) accounts with regular postings of interest to their readership (a minimum of two posts per account per week).
4. Liaise with the Editors and CUP to develop new strategies for maximising the Journals’ impact on X (e.g., strategies for targeting potential authors).
5. Maintain and administer the Social Policy Blog (https://socialpolicyblog.com/), the companion blog to the Journals, liaising with the editors for guidance when needed. Edit blog posts where necessary, ensuring that 2-4 blogs per month are added. Posts can include various content types, including articles, interviews and multimedia content.
6. Maintain and administer the SPA blog https://social-policy.org.uk/category/spa-blog/.
7. Inform CUP and the Editors of any potential marketing opportunities which could benefit the Journals outside of social media (e.g., specialist conferences, department events, newsletters).
8. Participate in meetings and video conferences with the Editors and Editorial Boards, as requested.
9. Act as an ambassador in the promotion of the Journals and all their related activities (meetings, etc.).
10. Carry out any other duties which may be reasonably expected by the Editors of the Journals.

The position will commence officially on or near 1 January 2025, with opportunities for job shadowing before taking over the role.

How to Apply

Applicants are not limited to residents of any country, although a high level of proficiency in the English language is essential. Nor are they restricted to anyone with an academic affiliation, and anyone with an interest in the area is encouraged to apply. The appointment will be on the recommendation of the Editors, initially for three years with the possibility of extension.

The successful candidate will hold a freelance contract with Cambridge University Press, and we anticipate that the role will take up around 25 hours per month at a competitive hourly rate.

Interested candidates should apply by 30 November 2024. Please include a CV and a short statement (maximum two pages) explaining how you would approach the role and send your application by email to the publisher:

Jamie Davidson, jamie.davidson@cambridge.org