Digital and Social Media Strategist

Digital and Social Media Strategist Mesa, Arizona Base Salary: $62,327 Position Type: Full-time Starting Date: To Be Determined Job Summary: The Digital and Social Media Strategist leads and supports Mesa Public Schools’ social media strategy, digital storytelling, and online engagement efforts in alignment with the district’s vision, goals, services, and the MPS Promise. They enhance the district’s online presence through strategic social media management, content development, community engagement, and system implementation that support coordinated storytelling across schools and departments. Key Responsibilities Develop, implement, and manage the district’s social media strategy to enhance brand awareness, increase engagement, and support district strategic priorities. Lead the planning, development, and execution of a comprehensive district-wide social media content strategy, including editorial calendars, content workflows, and systems for timely, consistent storytelling. Create and maintain systems for content creation, collection, scheduling, approval, and distribution to improve efficiency, collaboration, and alignment across communication channels. Collaborate with Regional Engagement & Outreach Specialists to identify, gather, develop, and amplify school and district stories, ensuring consistent messaging and strategic distribution. Oversee the district’s social media presence, ensuring message consistency, brand integrity, accessibility standards, and compliance with policies and public information laws. Create, curate, and distribute high-quality digital content for social media, websites, newsletters, video, and related platforms. Collaborate with Strategic Communications staff to align campaigns and digital messaging with broader marketing initiatives. Design, manage, and analyze cost-effective social media advertising and paid digital campaigns, reporting insights and ROI improvements. Develop and support a district-wide Social Media Ambassador group, facilitating collaboration and content sharing. Design and deliver professional learning and training for staff on social media, digital storytelling, and web content management. Provide ongoing support for school-based and district communications, including crisis response and serving as a back-up public information officer. Supervise and mentor assigned staff, including interns, promoting alignment with branding standards and professional development. Collaborate with administrators, leaders, designers, and communications staff to identify improvements in communication operations and service delivery. Implement streamlined processes to increase efficiency and enhance outcomes districtwide. Integrate emerging technologies and platforms to support staff effectiveness and engagement. Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations in communications practices. Align Communications & Engagement department vision with district goals. Initiate, plan, and manage innovative programs, events, and special projects aligned with priorities. Apply change management strategies to lead and sustain initiatives. Monitor and ensure timely completion of communication projects and initiatives. Foster continuous improvement through data-informed decision-making and accountability. Maintain positive, professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders, emphasizing customer service and responsiveness. Prioritize effective recruitment, development, and retention of staff. Lead or participate in special assignments and additional duties as directed by leadership. Required Qualifications High school diploma or GED equivalent. Three years of work experience in digital marketing, social media, or communications. Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or related field. Management and/or supervisory experience. Public school district experience. Ability to speak Spanish. Skills & Competencies Professionalism, integrity, discretion, and a strong interpersonal presence. Alignment with Mesa Public Schools’ Portrait of a Graduate. Knowledge of relevant laws, policies, and compliance requirements. Understanding of organizational development and strategic planning principles. Application of change management frameworks and leadership of innovation initiatives. Design and facilitation of high-quality professional learning and staff development. Use of data and analytics for decision-making and strategy optimization. Execution and evaluation of comprehensive digital marketing and communications campaigns. Proficiency with digital tools, Adobe Creative Suite, CMS, social media platforms, and digital advertising. Current knowledge of emerging communication technologies. Strong written and verbal communication skills; proficiency in AP Style. Effective communication with diverse stakeholders, culturally responsive. Collaboration across teams to support alignment and shared outcomes. Project management with efficiency, adaptability, and deadline focus. Student-centered, service-oriented culture valuing equity, inclusion, and growth. Adaptability and openness to innovation in a dynamic environment. Leadership or contribution to special projects aligned with district goals. Work Environment & Physical Requirements Workspace typically in office, media production studio, or editing suite. Frequent visits to schools for media projects, training, or broadcasts. Times may include evenings or weekends for events, meetings, or programming. Extended use of computers, video editing software, and broadcast equipment. Setup and transport of cameras, lighting, microphones, and other equipment. Ability to lift heavy equipment up to 75 pounds. Equal Opportunity Employer Statement Mesa Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding equal employment opportunity and anti‑discrimination. The District strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. Applicants and employees may contact Human Resources to request reasonable accommodations needed to perform the essential functions of this position. #J-18808-Ljbffr Mesa-Public-Schools---A