Social Media and Marketing Specialist

Social Media And Marketing Specialist

Location: Guelph, ON, CA, N1G 2W1 Primary Category Page: Staff and Management Division: Office of Registrarial Services Temporary full-time from 09/14/2026 to 06/30/2027

General Purpose

The Social Media and Marketing Specialist supports the development, delivery and evaluation of marketing and communications initiatives that advance the University of Guelph's domestic and international student recruitment goals. The incumbent oversees the department's social media presence and manages a team of Social Media Ambassadors, strengthening student voice across recruitment content while ensuring alignment with the University's accessibility, equity, inclusion and brand standards. Working collaboratively with recruitment teams, students and campus partners, the incumbent develops content and supports digital campaigns, recruitment websites and other marketing initiatives designed to engage prospective students and their supporters. The role contributes to projects across the recruitment journey, adapting content and approaches for different audiences, channels and priorities. Using audience insights, performance data, competitive intelligence and emerging best practices, the incumbent identifies opportunities to strengthen recruitment marketing and the University's digital presence. The ideal candidate is a creative, collaborative and highly organized professional who combines strong content skills with sound judgment and attention to detail. Occasional evening and weekend work is required to support recruitment events, including webinars, Fall Open House and March Open House, as well as other time-sensitive priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities

Plan, develop and deliver content across social media and other digital channels in support of recruitment priorities. Oversee the day-to-day management of the department's social media presence, including publishing, audience engagement, performance monitoring and the escalation of sensitive or urgent issues. Recruit, onboard and manage Social Media Ambassadors, including assigning and reviewing work, providing coaching and supporting their professional development. Collaborate with students, recruitment teams and campus partners to identify stories, gather information and coordinate content that reflects a range of student experiences and perspectives. Support digital campaigns and content-production initiatives by developing and adapting creative assets and coordinating with internal partners, participants and external vendors. Maintain and enhance recruitment and admission website content, contributing to accessible user journeys and the ongoing accuracy and effectiveness of digital information. Use analytics, audience insights, emerging trends and competitive research to evaluate performance and recommend improvements to content, channels and marketing approaches. Coordinate assigned recruitment marketing projects by managing information, materials, timelines, contributors and quality-control activities. Support recruitment events, collaborative initiatives and other time-sensitive departmental priorities as required.

Requirements

Two-year diploma in marketing, communications, digital media or a related field. Minimum of two (2) years of related experience in social media management, digital marketing, content creation or web communications. Demonstrated ability to create engaging written, visual and video content, supported by strong writing, editing and proofreading skills. Experience planning, publishing and monitoring social media or digital content, with an understanding of current platform practices and audience engagement. Experience providing guidance, coordination or mentorship to students, employees or other content contributors. Strong organizational and project coordination skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and time-sensitive work with close attention to detail. Demonstrated interpersonal skills and sound judgment when working with students, campus partners, vendors and members of the public. Working knowledge of web content, analytics, search engine optimization and digital accessibility practices, with the ability to use insights to recommend improvements.

Experience in recruitment, marketing, admission or communications within a post-secondary environment. Experience creating content for domestic and international audiences. Experience using social media management, analytics, content management and creative production tools. Experience supporting digital advertising campaigns, multimedia productions, website optimization or other integrated marketing initiatives. Photography or video production experience. Knowledge of the University of Guelph's programs, services and recruitment landscape.