Full-time role (5days a week) including frequent weekend working

4 days in the office and the opportunity to work one day a week remotely.

Who are we?

The Observer’s promise is in the name. The Observer bears witness; the best of journalism being curious minds at work. It loves the arts and ideas, both for their own sake and because they can change lives. It’s proudly progressive, but has no party allegiance. It’s open to different arguments and its editorial independence is non-negotiable. We are building a new Observer across print, audio and digital. We’re here to build journalism that lasts.

We are looking for a Social Media Executive who will be responsible for the day-to-day management and publishing across The Observer’s social media channels. You will help translate editorial content into platform-native formats, actively grow audience engagement, and ensure the publication’s journalism reaches both existing and new communities across a range of digital spaces.

Key responsibilities

You will:

• Support the scheduling, planning, and publishing of content across text-based platforms and social channels, ensuring timely and accurate distribution of content

• Engage directly with audiences by responding to comments and messages, and fostering constructive online discussions

• Conduct outreach to external communities, groups, and organisations to expand the reach and impact of The Observer’s journalism

• Share relevant stories within engaged online communities, including platforms such as Reddit and other forums, in a thoughtful and appropriate manner

• Design social-first visual assets for Instagram and other image-led platforms across multiple accounts

• Work collaboratively with editorial and digital teams to ensure alignment between newsroom priorities and social distribution strategies

Skills and experience required

• Experience managing social media accounts in a newsroom, media organisation or fast-paced digital environment

• Strong understanding of platform-specific best practices (Instagram, X, Facebook, Reddit, Bluesky, TikTok, and LinkedIn)

• Proficiency with design tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, or similar to create social-first visual assets

• Excellent written communication skills and editorial judgement

• Confidence engaging with online communities in a respectful, brand-aligned voice

• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines in a live publishing environment

• Familiarity with analytics tools and performance metrics for social media content

Personal attributes

• Audience-focused with a strong interest in digital storytelling

• Collaborative and comfortable working across editorial and design teams

• Proactive, adaptable, and able to respond well in a fast-paced environment

Benefits

• 30 days holiday + bank holidays

• Private healthcare

• Group income protection & life assurance

• Pension

• Cycle to Work scheme

• Interest-free season ticket loan

• Free snacks and drinks in the newsroom

• Hybrid working (London newsroom + 1 day remote flexibility)

Our Process

We aim to run our interview process at pace and with clarity at every stage, recognising how challenging it can be to balance alongside other commitments or interviews. The number of stages will vary depending on the nature and level of the role, but we see this as a two-way process and hope you’ll enjoy the opportunity to meet a range of potential future colleagues.