Social Media Specialist, University Communications and Marketing

Job Title:

Social Media Specialist, University Communications and Marketing

Physical Location:

Kent Campus - Kent, OH

Salary:

$53,015 - $58,616

Basic Function:

Create, execute and support social media content and strategy for University Communications and Marketing (UCM) flagship channels, with primary emphasis on engaging prospective and current students. Produce social-native content that advances university priorities, builds affinity and supports recruitment, yield and retention goals. Reports to the Director of Digital Content.

Additional Basic Function – if applicable:

Not applicable.

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following:

Conceptualize, shoot, edit and publish original social-native content including video, photography, graphics and written copy.

Assist with managing day-to-day publishing across university flagship social media channels adapting tone, format and framing to each platform and audience.

Maintain and execute designated tasks from the UCM social media content calendar; coordinate scheduling with campus partners.

Serve as a primary voice in community management; escalate questions, complaints and potential issues according to established protocol.

Cover university events, traditions, campaigns and student-life moments on location by capturing photo and video content from multiple vantage points.

Support paid social media campaigns, including asset development, audience input, trafficking and performance monitoring, in coordination with UCM creative staff and/or vendors.

Compile and interpret performance reporting from enterprise and native platform analytics; identify trends, recommend optimizations and contribute to testing of creative, copy and posting strategy.

Ensure all content meets university brand standards, policy requirements and accessibility standards including alt text, video captioning, CamelCase hashtags and color contrast.

Research and monitor peer institutions, competitor channels and platform trends; recommend new formats, features and emerging platforms for university adoption.

Collaborate with colleges, divisions and campus partners on content contribution, cross-promotion and channel best practices.

Contribute to the maintenance of the university social media account directory and support account compliance review as assigned.

May provide functional guidance to student employees as assigned, which could include scheduling, content review and feedback.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable:

Not applicable.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, journalism or related field. Two years of experience managing social media channels for an organization, brand or publication, which includes social media content creation, including photo/video capture, editing and design basics. Must be able to occasionally work during evenings and weekends.

License/Certification:

None.

Knowledge Of:

Social media platform best practices, algorithms, formats and native features

Marketing and communications principles, especially in digital platforms

Social media analytics, reporting and performance measurement

Digital accessibility standards as applied to social content

Higher education culture and organization

AP style and copy editing for digital platforms

AI platforms for content research and multimedia enhancement

Skill In:

Written, verbal and interpersonal communication

Social media content creation, including video capture and editing

Social media management tools (i.e., Sprout Social, Meta Business Suite, Hootsuite)

Utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva and other applicable software

Organizing information and projects

Adhering to deadlines

Photography and videography using mobile and DSLR equipment

Ability To:

Exercise sound judgment representing the university’s voice in public-facing channels

Work independently and as part of a team

Provide attention to detail and creativity

Multi-task while managing multiple projects and assignments

Build effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff and campus partners

Respond quickly and accurately in a fast-moving, real-time environment

Provide positive leadership and direction for specific area

Work occasional evenings and weekends

Travel on and off campus

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Experience managing social media for a higher education institution. Experience in graphic design for social media platforms.

Experience in short-form vertical video production and editing.

Experience with an enterprise social media management platforms.

Experience generating and interpreting reports from multiple social media platforms.

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which require assessments

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

Position requires occasional prolonged standing, lifting, moving, and carrying equipment and materials related to job responsibilities. Duties may require travel between campus buildings and to off-campus locations.

Working Schedule:

Monday - Friday 8 AM - 5 PM or otherwise discussed with you supervisor.

Additional Information:

*** Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and a portfolio or relevant work samples demonstrating their experience and skills related to the position. ***

Kent State University is committed to creating a community that is culturally and intellectually diverse and to attracting and retaining a diverse staff. We strive to create and maintain working and learning environments that respect differences, and are inclusive, welcoming, respectful and kind.

Must pass a security check.

For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr.

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free.

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.