Social Media Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

About Akoya

We’re a woman-owned small business that delivers big results in strategic communications. For 25 years, Akoya has thrived in the government consulting landscape helping agencies launch new programs, leverage internal and external support, and drive their missions forward. Our strategic approach to communications increases the quality of services and makes Akoya a comfortable home for motivated communications professionals who value and rely on the idea-sharing and collaboration inherent in our corporate culture.

The Social Media Specialist will support our clients at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by developing and executing social media strategy and content across platforms including X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. This role builds content calendars, produces platform-native copy and creative, and coordinates with designers, videographers, and writers to bring campaigns to life. The specialist monitors performance analytics and social listening tools, translates results into actionable recommendations, and develops rapid-response content for major announcements and high-visibility moments. Working closely with communications and technical teams, the specialist ensures social content is accurate, accessible, and aligned with office priorities and DOE-wide strategic objectives.

This role calls for a specialist skilled in platform-native tools, content calendars and creative briefing, social listening tools, paid social optimization, and influencer and community management.

• Develop and implement social media strategy across client platforms, aligned with agency mission and departmental messaging priorities.
• Write, produce, and schedule platform-native content across channels including X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and emerging platforms.
• Build and maintain content calendars, creative briefs, and internal social media toolkits.
• Capture and edit original content for social media, including video, photography, and graphics.
• Collaborate with designers, videographers, animators, and writers on creative approach, pacing, tone, format, and platform-specific storytelling.
• Develop and deploy real-time and rapid-response content for major announcements, events, and high-attention moments.
• Track, analyze, and report on social media metrics, translating performance data into actionable recommendations.
• Monitor platform algorithms, emerging channels, and industry trends, and apply social listening tools to surface sentiment and emerging issues.
• Engage with client social media leads and stakeholders to pitch content ideas and coordinate on strategy.
• Ensure all content complies with accessibility (Section 508), records management, security, and platform policies.

• Must have a bachelor’s degree in communications, digital media, marketing, journalism, public affairs, or a relevant field.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in social media, digital communications, or content strategy. (A master’s degree and 3 years of professional experience can substitute for bachelor’s degree and 5 years.)
• Demonstrated experience managing organizational social media accounts across multiple platforms, from strategy through publication and reporting.
• Experience producing and editing social-first content, including short-form video, photography, and graphics.
• Proficiency with social media management and analytics platforms (Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Sprinklr, or comparable) and with Microsoft Office.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to translate technical content into clear, audience-appropriate language.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent deliverables under deadline in a client-facing environment.
• U.S. citizenship is required with verbal and written fluency in English
• Must be able to receive and maintain a federal security clearance (public trust level)

• At least two years supporting federal government clients or working within a government agency.
• Experience supporting the Department of Energy, a National Laboratory, or another federal science or energy agency.
• Familiarity with the energy sector — energy technologies, grid modernization, energy security, or related policy areas.
• Experience with paid social optimization, influencer engagement, and community management.
• Experience presenting digital strategy to senior leadership and translating technical metrics into actionable insights.

• This is an onsite role based in Washington, DC. The selected candidate will work primarily at the client site in downtown DC and must be able to reliably commute to the National Capital Region.

• Base compensation: $82,000 to $117,000. Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as location, education, years of experience, and candidate skillset.

Akoya provides generous benefits for its full-time employees including:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• Eleven federal holidays
• Commuting benefits
• Vacation and sick & personal time
• And more!

Akoya is an Equal Opportunity Employer and in compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations, affords equal opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, age, creed, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.