Social Media and Design Specialist

Social Media And Design Specialist

The Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station (AAES) is seeking a creative and strategic Social Media and Design Specialist to join our Communications team. This full time position is ideal for someone with a passion for social media storytelling and who has strong writing and editing skills and the ability to create high-quality, engaging graphics for social media, web and print.

The Social Media and Design Specialist plays a key role in communicating the mission, research, and impact of AAES to a wide range of audiences. This role works closely with the Research Communications team to promote news, web, publications and video content across social media, and reports to the Director of Research Communications.

The Social Media and Design Specialist will:

• Write, edit, design, and publish engaging and accessible content daily (e.g., original text, photos, videos and graphics) that meets platform-specific requirements on all AAES social media platforms.
• Coordinate with communications team members to promote news releases, web content, events, and ongoing campaigns.
• Ensure social media content amplifies the broader research communications mission.
• Oversee social media strategy and execution by following updated best practices and trends, including content planning, execution, collaboration with team members, and day-to-day engagement with followers.
• Oversee design of social media accounts (e.g., Facebook timeline cover, profile pictures and branded images).
• Analyze performance metrics, using insights to refine strategy and improve engagement and reach.
• Schedule content in advance to ensure consistent posting.
• Provide technical and strategic social media support to departmental and other official, AAES-affiliated social media accounts (troubleshooting, strategic advisement, account registry, analytics, etc.).
• Maintain social media governance process and recommend best practices for AAES-affiliated social media accounts.
• Plan and conduct regular social media training for employees.
• As needed, attend AAES events for social media coverage, which may include infrequent in-state travel.
• Create on-brand visual assets to support AAES communications, including graphics for social media, basic web visuals, event promotions, presentations, and limited print materials.
• Maintain visual consistency and brand standards across AAES social media platforms and select communications materials, ensuring graphics align with established brand guidelines.
• Support design needs for campaigns and initiatives, including adapting existing templates or assets and making minor design updates to meet platform or audience needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field. Degree must be obtained prior to the start date.

Must submit a portfolio and/or links to previously produced social media content and design work. Candidates should include a brief description of their role in creating submitted materials.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years' experience in social media management
• 2+ years' design experience
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Strong photography skills
• Experience creating videos (shooting and editing using smartphone) for social media
• Knowledge/awareness of WCAG accessibility standards
• Experience with paid ads and boosted posts in all social media platforms
• Experience managing Facebook, Instagram, Reels, X, LinkedIn, and Threads, as well as scheduling tools (e.g., SocialPilot)
• Proficiency with design tools (Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
• Positive and collaborative work ethic

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to write, edit, and proofread content for a variety of audiences; strong attention to detail required
• Ability to balance multiple priorities
• Project management skills, including planning, organization, and prioritization of social media content and design projects
• Analytical skills, with the ability to interpret social media metrics and make informed decisions to refine content strategy
• Knowledge of social media platforms and best practices, including platform specific content requirements, emerging trends, and accessibility considerations.
• Design skills, including the ability to create and edit visually engaging, on brand graphics for social media, web, presentations, and limited print materials.
• Ability to use graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) to adapt templates, resize assets and make basic design updates as needed.
• Ability to master AAES brand standards and visual consistency, with the ability to apply established guidelines across digital and print communications.
• Collaborative skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to develop content and visual materials.
• Basic familiarity with AI as it relates to communications and design tools, with the ability to use them responsibly to improve workflow efficiency while maintaining human judgment and final editorial control.

Salary Information:

Starting at $50,000, commensurate with education and experience

Required Documents to Apply:

Cover Letter/Letter of Application, List of three Professional References (name, email, business title), Other (see special instructions for details), Resume

Optional Documents:

University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture